About this position
Lead a Multi-Office Architectural Team. Shape the Future of Design.
ACS is seeking a Vice President of Architecture to lead our architecture, store planning, and design teams across four offices—Atlanta, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Newport Beach. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced architect who can combine technical expertise with strategic direction and team development.
As the Vice President of Architecture, you’ll provide executive-level leadership, manage senior staff, and ensure consistent quality and excellence across all offices. You’ll play a key role in shaping the company’s architectural strategy, fostering talent development, and delivering innovative solutions for our clients in hospitality, retail, restaurants, and senior living. This position will be onsite, preferrable in Milwaukee or Cincinnati.
Why Join ACS:
We are the company behind the brands you love! You’ll find a supportive, collaborative team of 50+ professionals spread across four offices nationwide. With over 23 years of experience, we bring together architecture, store planning, construction management, and foodservice design to support some of the leading retail and hospitality brands, including Walgreens, Sprouts, and Darden Restaurants.
What sets us apart is our culture. We believe in teamwork, professional growth, and providing opportunities for you to advance your career. You’ll work on meaningful projects that shape the customer experience while being part of a company that values your ideas, supports your development, and celebrates shared success.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers a rare and exciting path to ownership - giving you the chance to influence not only the firm’s projects, but its future!
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and grow a multi-office team—responsible for design team structure, staffing, hiring, and professional development.
- Oversee project quality and consistency—ensure technical and production standards, design integrity, and client satisfaction across all locations.
- Develop strategic initiatives to improve processes, workflow, and services firmwide.
- Manage senior leaders including Directors and Senior Directors, fostering collaboration and cross-office resource sharing.
- Shape the future of architecture and store planning by setting departmental strategy in alignment with executive leadership.
- Provide technical expertise in building science, codes, and construction methods as a trusted resource for the firm.
- Drive business development efforts—support proposal preparation, client engagement and consultant partnerships.
- Maintain financial oversight—manage budgets, staffing projections, contracts, and reporting for all offices.
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
- Licensed Architect in at least one US state, NCARB certified and willing to obtain additional US licenses as required by client projects.
- 20+ years in an architectural firm with significant leadership responsibility.
- Expertise in hospitality, retail, restaurants, or senior living projects.
- Exceptional business acumen with history of success managing project profitability
- Proven track record of managing teams and regional/national multi-site projects.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with a collaborative mindset.
- Technical expertise in building codes, detailing, and construction practices.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft Office, and Bluebeam.
- Financial acumen—experience managing budgets, contracts, and staffing models.
- Engaging public speaking and client presentation skills.
- Willingness to travel up to 20%
What We Offer:
- A seat at the table and opportunity for company ownership
- 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) with 3% company contribution
- 16 days PTO annually, plus paid holidays
- Life insurance, short/long-term disability, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Career growth, educational assistance, and mentorship opportunities
- Flexible schedule and company-sponsored social events
Candidates, please apply directly. We are not currently accepting resumes from outside recruiting agencies for this position. Thank you!
Requirements