Office Technical Leader - Health

Overview:HKS Seattle is seeking an Office Technical Leader to join our Health team. Responsible for advancing Design Excellence (as defined by the Design Enterprise as the intersection of Beauty and Performance) for the respective office. Must ensure, and participate in critical technical design dialog across all project teams within the office and evaluate the quality of office work against the strategic plan. The Office Technical Leader often participates or leads in multiple projects concurrently. The role focuses on growing technical leadership skills related to relationship-building, collaboration and interpersonal skills while working on great projects for exceptional clients.Responsibilities:Accountable for: Technical design quality for every project they actively work on, holding teams accountable for technical quality for projects in the officePartnership with technical leaders in their office to build and enhance a technical design cultureImplementation of Design Excellence within their office in collaboration with Office Design Leader, ensuring the Framework for Design Excellence is addressed in every project in their office and performance goals are achievedCollaboration with project teams to improve overall quality of work product in office by guiding, advising and mentoring other architects/designersCollaboration with Office, Regional and Practice Leadership as well as Director of Technical Design to ensure a constant focus on improving technical design qualityHas authority to:See, evaluate, and provide feedback to all projects in the officeChallenge technical solutions to ensure design quality and performanceRecommend to the Regional Technical Director, Studio Practice Leader, and PIC when a project that should be redirected as it is not performing to the level that HKS requiresParticipate in and influence selection and performance evaluation for architects/designers within the officeScopeHosts office technical meetings to develop technical culture and curiosity within the officeUtilizes and promotes project pin-ups to improve overall quality of work product in respective office, in collaboration with teams such as HKS Innovation teams, Technical Resource Group (TRG), Construction Administration (CA), etc.Ensures that sustainability is integrated into the Project Technical Methodology for all Projects within their officeActs as the technical-go-to resource to all the teams in respective office, assisting in the resolution of complex technical problems, and helping them grow in their rolesInvests in and influences the technical quality of all HKS projects firmwide, including elevating other technical architects/designers in their respective expertiseCollaborates with leaders such as Project Manager, Studio Practice Leader, and Regional Technical Director to lead their team(s) through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other architects/designers on project workParticipates in quarterly Regional Technical Excellence Meetings to discuss and review innovative work within the region in the spirit of continuous improvementEmphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as Design Measures into client solutionsOperates with "ONE Firm" mindset, minimizes the sector and operational variables within the office in collaboration with technical and design leadersIntegrates HKS services, expertise, and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and communityExercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issuesQualifications:Education and ExperienceAccredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, related degree for respective field, or relevant years in education or experienceTypically, 15+ years of experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource developmentLicenses and CertificationsLicensure or certification in chosen field strongly preferredSustainable design accreditation strongly preferredKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAdvanced - expert-level experience, knowledge or skillsIntermediate - experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or workBasic - familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and may perform elementary functions depending on roleIntermediate experience in the capability and benefits of design-related software, with constant curiosity of ever-changing technologyIntermediate skills in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams preferredAdvanced technical skills, materials application, building codes, building systems, and engineering systems knowledgeAdvanced knowledge of project design, construction documentation, and construction materialsProficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right timeAdvanced presentation skillsAdvanced leadership, communication and relationship management skillsAdvanced organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same timeAdvanced ability in success building, nurturing and fostering internal and external relationshipsIntermediate ability to work closely with design & technical leaders to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firmIntermediate ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and externalAdvanced ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writingAdvanced ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutionsAdvanced ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environmentAdvanced ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityTravel may be requiredBase Salary Range: $127k - $171k annually - Seattle location onlyThe estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the Seattle location only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.#LI-KT1If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran

Created: 2026-04-02