Director of Architecture / Architecture Department Head

Southfield, MI
Full Time
Executive
DiClemente Siegel Design Inc. (DSD) is a veteran-owned architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. Since 1969, DSD has a long-standing history of delivering innovative renovations and new construction projects for clients across a diverse range of sectors, including automotive research, commercial, K–12 and higher education, healthcare, religious, and government.

DSD is seeking an experienced, visionary, and operationally driven Architecture Department Head for its Southfield office. This leadership role is responsible for guiding the department’s strategic direction, fostering professional growth, strengthening operational excellence, and overseeing the continued development and success of the firm’s architectural practice.
 
Position Overview:
As the Architecture Department Head, you will hold executive responsibility for a talented studio of 6 to 10 architectural professionals. You will set the technical and design direction for the department, champion quality assurance, and manage high-level client partnerships. Working side-by-side with our robust in-house Mechanical and Electrical Engineering departments, you will guide an integrated, full-service A/E delivery model. As a licensed professional, you will serve as the architect of record and seal the work overseen by your department.
 
What You’ll Do:
  • Department Leadership & Operations: Lead the architecture staff, including workload, reviews, and mentoring
  • Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Partner closely with internal Mechanical and Electrical engineering heads to streamline cross-discipline collaboration and solve complex building system conflicts.
  • Quality Assurance & Legal Governance: Establish, evolve, and enforce corporate Revit/BIM, and documentation standards; rigorously review code and field conditions, and seal architectural documents as the Architect of Record.
  • Client & Business Management: Own primary client relationships from initial programming through project closeout; prepare proposal, fee scoping, and schematic design presentations.
  • Project Lifecycle Oversight: Guard overall project quality, project profitability, and schedules from initial programming through construction administration.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Education & Licensure: Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program; Current Registered Architect (RA) license in the State of Michigan.
  • Leadership Experience: 20+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years specifically managing an architectural team, studio, or department.
  • Technical Skill: Deep understanding of construction documents, building codes, and advanced project delivery systems; proficiency in governing Revit/BIM 360 environments and Navisworks workflows.
  • Market Sector Knowledge: Proven track record delivering projects in at least two of our core markets (Automotive/Industrial, Commercial, K-12/Higher Ed, or Healthcare).
  • Field-readiness: Willingness to travel regionally to client sites and conduct professional field observations.

What We Offer:

Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
  • Flexible daily morning start times to start your 8-hour workday. 
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance for you and your family
  • 401(k) matching & health savings account options
  • Paid project mileage and travel expenses
  • Profit sharing plan
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Company-paid life insurance
Additional perks:
  • Lunch-and-learn sessions for ongoing professional development
  • Reimbursements for fees related to professional licenses & association memberships (e.g., architecture, engineering) and project travel
  • Company-funded assistance for accredited field-related education
  • Company-sponsored staff and family outings throughout the year
  • Exclusive corporate discounts
  • Company-owned northern Michigan condominium for employee use
To Apply:
Please submit your online resume and application. In case of questions reach out to [email protected]

Our Commitment to You: DiClemente Siegel Design Inc. is dedicated to creating a workplace where people and performance both matter. We encourage everyone to bring their "whole selves" to work. We believe that the strength of our firm lies in our people and the inclusive environment we foster - one grounded in unity, integrity, fairness, and trust. We care about our employees - their goals, and challenges - and strive to build a culture where everyone feels empowered to grow, contribute, and shape a better future for our clients and the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
 
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