Director, Architecture - Public Sector

We Make Everything Around Us Better

At PRIME AE, that’s not a slogan, it’s how we work.

Every bridge, building, campus, park, and roadway we design exists to improve how people live, move, learn, and connect. Through architecture, engineering, planning, and consulting, we partner with clients to create thoughtful, practical solutions that leave communities stronger than we found them.

If you want your work to matter, and to be surrounded by smart, collaborative people who care about doing things the right way, you’ll feel at home here.

Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. (www.primeeng.com) is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. With a growing footprint of offices across the country and a diverse team of more than 550 professionals, we partner with public and private sector clients to deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational markets.

Our culture blends entrepreneurial energy with the resources of a scaled, multidisciplinary platform—giving our people the opportunity to shape meaningful projects while influencing the future direction of the firm. As PRIME AE continues to expand its capabilities, geographic reach, and leadership bench, this is an exciting time to join a team that is building momentum, investing in growth, and empowering leaders to make a lasting impact.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a Director, Architecture – Public Sector to lead and grow our public-sector architecture practice from our Columbus office.

This role serves as both a market leader and studio leader, responsible for expanding PRIME AE’s presence across civic and public-sector programs while overseeing the operations and culture of the Columbus Architecture Studio.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, client-focused architect with experience delivering public-sector projects such as municipal facilities, public safety buildings, community centers, government complexes, and related civic infrastructure. As a practice builder, you will lead business development efforts, strengthen client relationships, and guide multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality, community-centered design solutions.

This position blends strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in project execution, including oversight of design direction, pursuit strategy, and project management, while mentoring emerging professionals and aligning studio operations with firmwide goals.

You will play a key role in expanding PRIME AE’s Public Sector portfolio by identifying growth opportunities, driving capture strategies, and positioning the firm for continued success across Central Ohio and the broader Ohio region, with potential connectivity to Northeast Ohio.

What You Will Do:

Market Leadership & Growth

• Develop and execute business development strategies to expand PRIME AE’s Public Sector presence.
• Identify and pursue opportunities within municipal and civic capital programs.
• Build and strengthen relationships with public-sector clients, including city, county, and regional agencies.
• Lead pursuit strategy, proposal development, and interview preparation.
• Develop strategic partnerships and teaming relationships.

Studio Leadership

• Lead the Columbus Architecture Studio, including staffing, mentorship, and day-to-day operations.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance design culture.
• Align studio goals with firmwide Architecture & Engineering Business Line strategies.
• Mentor and develop emerging professionals within the team.

Project Leadership

• Provide leadership for projects from planning and programming through construction administration and closeout.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams including MEP, Structural, Civil/Landscape, and specialty consultants.
• Monitor project schedules, contract compliance, and financial performance.
• Conduct periodic site visits to support project execution and client relationships.

Strategic & Operational Collaboration

• Collaborate with AE Business Line leadership on growth initiatives and performance metrics.
• Monitor industry trends, procurement strategies, and policy changes affecting the Public Sector.
• Support marketing initiatives and brand positioning within the civic market.
• Represent PRIME AE at industry organizations and conferences.

What You’ll Bring:  

• Professional Architecture Degree from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect required (Ohio preferred; NCARB certification a plus).
• 8 years of experience in public-sector architecture, including project management and business development.
• Demonstrated experience delivering civic or municipal projects from planning through construction.
• Strong understanding of public procurement processes (RFQ/RFP) and capital programs.
• Experience coordinating multiple design disciplines to produce complete construction documentation.
• Familiarity or proficiency with Revit.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, and engineering systems.
• Proven ability to build client relationships and lead successful pursuits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Ability to travel within the region.

Why PRIME AE:

We don’t just fill positions; we invest in people.

At PRIME AE, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment where careers are built intentionally, not accidentally. You’ll work on projects that improve everyday life, alongside colleagues who challenge and respect one another.

What sets us apart:

• Career Growth: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical expertise to project and people leadership.
• People-First Culture: We value trust, integrity, and collaboration, and we mean it.
• Meaningful Work: Projects that strengthen communities, infrastructure, and public spaces.
• Growth with Purpose: Strategic expansion backed by strong leadership and investment.
• National Reach, Local Feel: Big-firm resources with the agility and relationships of local offices.

Our Commitment:

PRIME AE Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed

.

#LI-ONSITE