Architecture Principal

Title: Architecture Principal, Transit and TOD

Location: Chicago, IL

AECOM is seeking a Principal level Architect for our Transit and TOD Architecture practice. This practice leader will fold into our Buildings + Places team to drive the growth of professional services related to passenger stations, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The ideal candidate will be an Architect with subject matter expertise in the planning, design, and delivery of innovative transit facilities served by rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit, as well as transit-oriented development land planning, equitable community development, and urban placemaking.

This leader will nurture a multi-disciplinary team of Architects, Engineers, Urban Strategists, Real-Estate Advisors, Economists, Social Scientists, and specialty sub-consultants across multiple offices, within a national and global community of experts committed to delivering efficient, equitable, and inspiring transportation facilities.

In this position, your role will be a ‘seller-doer’ responsible for executing professional project work, winning new work, cultivating client relationships, and growing AECOM’s portfolio of world-class transit systems, stations, infrastructure, and TOD. This position is supported by our regional operational and technical teams, reporting to the U.S. Regional Business Line Leader and collaborating with the Global Head of Stations and TOD.

About Us

AECOM Buildings + Places is a global, multi-disciplinary team of designers committed to connecting people and place. Our Transit practice is a collective of design professionals and strategists recognized internationally for technical expertise that empowers our clients to succeed. By thinking and acting globally, we bring value to transportation buildings and infrastructure by enhancing the passenger experience to make a better world. Our teams have been behind many of America’s signature transit and city-building accomplishments—including New York City’s World Trade Center Transportation Hub, Denver’s Union Station Neighborhood, and San Francisco’s Transbay Transit Center.

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world.

At AECOM, we believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it’s improving a commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

Imagine working on rewarding projects within a diverse culture and having access to exceptional training and career development opportunities. Working at AECOM means being part of a global team, working with award-winning professionals across the world. Aspire to be a key player on some of the best projects regionally, with opportunities to work on projects nationally or internationally. Our people bring deep industry knowledge to help you succeed.

Core Responsibilities:

Design Leadership:

• Choreograph a multi-disciplinary practice of design, technical, management, business development, and marketing/communications professionals.
• Lead and inspire senior-level architects within the company as well as partner/sub-consulting design firms.
• Provide design creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and solving routine and unusual problems, articulating objectives and requirements, organizing programs and project approaches, and developing standards and guidelines.
• Exemplify passion for design excellence, authenticity, and trustworthiness.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue targeted growth opportunities within the TOD market sector.
• Lead pursuits and develop winning strategies for new projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with regional transit agencies, client agencies, organizations, and peer/partner companies.
• Execute professional project work while also driving business development efforts to grow AECOM’s portfolio.

Practice Building:

• Nurture a collaborative team environment, fostering innovation and excellence across all project phases.
• Provide thought leadership on key programs and global initiatives, setting the standard for design and technical quality.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of design and technical professionals within the team.
• Exhibit skill in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues, guiding projects to successful outcomes.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS in Architecture plus 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years in a leadership role.
• Professional License as Architect (RA, AIA) or Planner (AICP).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 years of experience in a leadership role with an Architecture, Engineering or consulting firm focused on Urban cities and transit-oriented projects.
• At least 5 years of recent experience as a proven rainmaker in the Design and Building industries, demonstrating exceptional work-winning capabilities and driving business growth as a key player in business development efforts.
• Strong relationships with regional transit agencies.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Strong vision, voice, and work samples that demonstrate design excellence.
• Design/Build experience, DBIA certification.
• Proficiency in software: Revit, Autocad, MS Excel, and Word.