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Principal Architect and Market Leader (Correctional Facilities)

Job Locations US-IL-Chicago | US-PA-Pittsburgh | US-PA-Philadelphia | US-PA-Harrisburg | US-NY-New York | US-TX-Dallas | US-FL-Orlando | US-NC-Raleigh | US-REMOTE | US-OH-Columbus | US-VA-Richmond | ...
Job ID
2025-12037
Job Category
Architectural
Employment Status
Full-Time

GFT is seeking a Principal Architect and Market Leader to join our team and champion our growth in the justice and corrections market. This is a strategic leadership role for a seasoned professional who excels as a subject matter expert, relationship-builder, opportunity creator, and design leader.

 

At GFT, our architecture team leads with innovation and collaboration to create impactful, lasting designs. Working alongside in-house engineering teams and industry experts, our architects harness advanced technologies and creative thinking to deliver projects that uplift communities and promote a more sustainable future. Explore our portfolio of signature architecture projects and see how our ingenuity is shaping lives. 

 

What you’ll be challenged to do:

As a Principal Architect and Leader in the Justice Market, you'll bring a strategic, client-focused mindset to the forefront of our growing justice and corrections practice. You'll serve as a trusted partner to clients, lead diverse design teams, and ensure high-quality project delivery. This role requires a proactive, visionary leader ready to contribute in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

We’re looking to make a long-term investment in the right candidate. Upon joining, you’ll work with our regional, studio, and market leaders to define your professional development path and support your continued growth within the firm.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

 

  • Market Leadership & Strategy
    • Represent GFT Architecture in the justice and corrections market.
    • Develop and implement strategic business development plans.
    • Build and maintain relationships with key agencies, decision-makers, and teaming partners.
    • Research client-specific requirements, programs, and standards.
    • Attend and represent the firm at conferences, client meetings, and industry events.
    • Travel nationwide as needed.

 

  • Client Engagement & Relationship Development
    • Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor.
    • Cultivate long-term relationships with stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels.

 

  • Project & Pursuit Leadership
    • Lead and contribute to proposal development, including writing and quality control.
    • Participate in and lead project interviews, showcasing subject expertise and team capabilities.

 

  • Thought Leadership & Technical Expertise
    • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in justice architecture, including adult and juvenile corrections, courts, and public safety facilities.
    • Stay abreast of industry trends, innovations, and evolving best practices to inform design approaches and client strategies.

 

  • Project Management & Team Leadership
    • Manage select projects - generate project scopes, schedules, and budgets and be responsible for achieving and/or exceeding our delivery performance.
    • Lead the development of design concepts and presentations that clearly express the project goals and concepts to our clients and key stakeholders, including government and public entities.
    • Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams through full pursuit and project lifecycle, contributing to a culture of collaboration and excellence.
    • Coordinate technical documentation with engineering teams, consultants, and subconsultants.
    • Guide the preparation of project specifications and compliance reviews.
    • Perform and lead teams in comprehensive code, life-safety, egress, and product/material research.
    • Ensure that project quality requirements are followed, production reviews are effective, and constructability reviews are completed.
    • Supervise and lead during the bid phases processes and continuing design through IFC and permit.
    • Supervise the review of shop drawings and construction RFIs.
    • Travel and lead teams on site visits as required for projects of various sizes and scopes.
    • Help guide and mentor entry level and emerging architectural staff.

 

What you will bring to our firm: 
  • A collaborative, organized, and positive leadership style.
  • Experience in the justice and corrections market.
  • Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree.
  • Proficiency in Revit Architecture, BlueBeam Revu, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
  • Experience with Technical Specification writing platforms.
  • Strong writing, communication, and design skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across offices.
  • Deep understanding of International Building Codes, NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related codes and standards.
  • Expert knowledge of justice design standards, including ACA and NIC guidelines.
  •  
 
What we prefer you bring: 
  • Licensed/Registered Architect within the United States.
  • 10+ years’ experience in Project Management.
  • 10+ years’ experience in justice/correctional facility design.
  • Experience with the SpecLink platform.
Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
 
Featured Benefits: 
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

 

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
 
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ 
 
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law. 
 
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
 
Location: 
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time 
Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
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"California Applicants"
 
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
Gannett Fleming does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

 

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