Job Description

Director of Architecture – Virginia

Lead Virginia's Architectural Practice. Build Communities. Build Your Future.

Thompson & Litton is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Director of Architecture to lead, manage, and expand our established Virginia architecture practice from our Radford, VA office.

Founded in 1956, Thompson & Litton is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) multidisciplinary firm with eight offices across Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Architecture , you will provide strategic leadership for project delivery, design quality, team mentorship, and business growth, while collaborating with our integrated engineering, surveying, and planning divisions.

Why Thompson & Litton?

• Retirement and Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned firm, you will earn direct equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and retirement benefits.
• Stable Legacy: For nearly 70 years, we have delivered engineering, architecture, and planning solutions that strengthen regional communities.
• Multidisciplinary Scope: Work alongside in-house civil engineers, surveyors, and planners to deliver comprehensive project solutions.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Continuing education, professional development, and licensure support
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Practice Management

• Provide strategic and operational direction for the Virginia architecture practice.
• Lead, mentor, and recruit architects, designers, and technical staff.
• Manage staffing, workload scheduling, resource allocation, and succession planning.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive operational improvements and regional growth.

Project Delivery & Design Excellence

• Oversee architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
• Monitor project performance metrics, budgets, schedules, and profitability.
• Direct the QA/QC process, ensuring strict code compliance and technical accuracy.
• Champion practical, sustainable, and high-quality design standards.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships across Virginia.
• Coordinate with engineering and surveying divisions to pursue integrated project opportunities.
• Lead client presentations, proposals, and business development initiatives.
• Represent the firm at industry events and within local communities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive architectural experience, including direct oversight of teams, budgets, and practice operations.
• Licensure: Active Virginia Licensed Architect credential (or eligibility through reciprocity) and current NCARB Certificate (AIA membership preferred).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in building systems, construction materials, building codes, and full-phase documentation.

Working in Radford, VA (The New River Valley)

Based in our Radford office, this role offers an exceptional quality of life in Southwest Virginia:

• Cost of Living: Affordable housing options, minimal commute times, and local university amenities (Virginia Tech and Radford University).
• Recreation: Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails, and paddling on the historic New River.
• Proximity: Enjoy a mountain lifestyle while remaining driving distance from Roanoke, Richmond, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.
• Note: Occasional regional travel is required for client meetings and site visits.

Apply Today

Join an established, employee-owned firm where you can build a lasting legacy. Submit your resume to apply for the Director of Architecture position in Radford, VA.

Thompson & Litton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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