In an architectural design firm, a principal architect is one of the owners. In a one-person firm, the founder not only acts as the principal architect, but also makes all of the company’s business and design decisions. Large corporations may have multiple principals, and the responsibilities of each of these individuals may differ from one company to the next. In some firms, each principal architect is in charge of a specific task, such as marketing or finance, whereas in others, these responsibilities are shared among all company leaders. The role of the principal in an architectural firm is similar to that of partners or principals in other professional firms, such as law firms or medical practices.
Unlike staff architects, principals in a design firm are in charge of business management decisions. They must plan the firm’s future direction as well as the types of projects it will pursue. Budgeting, marketing, and financial planning strategies are developed by these professionals. They also have the final say in all business decisions and are in charge of resolving disputes or disagreements among other employees. Principals are also in charge of hiring and firing, as well as making decisions about company policies, training, and working conditions.
Certain types of design work may still be overseen by a principal architect in some companies, particularly in small firms. He may take the lead on large or important projects, or he may provide design advice to other members of the team. Principals are also asked to represent the firm at project design meetings. These experts can serve as consultants and play a minor role in a building’s design, or they can handle the entire project from start to finish. Many architects who enter the field because they enjoy design are eager to find ways to continue doing so as they advance in their careers.
Principals in small and medium-sized businesses frequently play dual roles in design and leadership. They can take on the role of senior project managers, supervising new or inexperienced employees as they work on a project. They may also be called upon to train or advise unlicensed architects as they work to obtain their license. The remaining time is spent by the principal architect making managerial decisions, evaluating financial documents, and marketing the firm to new clients.
As architects advance through the management ranks of large architectural firms, they may take on a variety of roles. A junior principal, also known as a junior partner, is a partner who has recently been promoted to the position of junior principal. Executive and senior vice president are common titles for mid-level principals. The firm’s founder or one of its top executives is usually the senior principal architect. Most of the company’s principals have some ownership stake in it, whether as founders or as recent investors.