Design Principal

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Design Principal

role at

HDR

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Design Principal

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HDR

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At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves : What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story : ' '

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

The Kansas City office of HDR is in search of a

Design Principal

to join our growing practice and continue the legacy of providing our clients and communities with creative design solutions that improve the health and human condition of those they serve. HDR is a leader in innovative planning and design, client service and thought leadership on projects locally and throughout the region.

The primary responsibility of the Design Principal is to champion design excellence for the local office / region. This individual must be capable of developing highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions. Must have an established design reputation evident through design awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references. Has the ability to guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects. Capable of meeting design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets. Must have the proven initiative to teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of HDR’s Design Philosophy. Effective in mentoring and developing junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and / or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence.

Will be a key design leader at HDR who must have the vision and attitude to lead design efforts from multiple offices, while effectively partnering with office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders on all efforts. Must be capable of identifying, attracting and retaining key design staff, and will be responsible for targeting and developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent. Must be active in local, national or international professional design related organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.

Experience on healthcare, science or higher education related projects.

Experience and / or interest in sustainable design / LEED

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

15 years related experience

A minimum 7 years project management experience

Registered Architect

Must have experience on large-scale projects

Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations

Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market

Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational / organizational and people skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Must be willing to travel

An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic / Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location :

United States-Missouri-Kansas City

Industry : Architecture

Schedule : Full-time

Employee Status : Regular

BusinessClass : Gen Architecture

Job Posting : Jul 7, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Seniority level

Seniority level Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type Full-time

Job function

Job function Management, Design, and Consulting

Industries IT Services and IT Consulting, Civil Engineering, and Architecture and Planning

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