JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Design is a critical, technical leadership role responsible for translating a client's deepest emotional and relational goals into breathtaking physical realities. Unlike standard residential architects who design for static aesthetics, this individual designs intentionally for human collision, community, and world-class entertaining within $50M+ environments

This individual will serve as both:

• The Conceptual Design Authority: Leading the upfront, high-level collaborative discovery with the client, ensuring that alignment precedes design and protecting the absolute integrity of the proprietary Residential Hospitality Blueprint[cite: 2].
• A Technical & Spatial Visionary: Acting as a client-facing conceptual partner during the limited, high-impact design phase. Note: The Head of Design does not own the long-term client relationship; they anchor the spatial vision before sub-contracting out the hard build and construction phases

We are seeking a master residential architect who is tired of the constraints of corporate firm life, possesses proven technical mastery, and wants to leverage their skills to help the leadership team shape the development and outcomes of an entirely new field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Leadership, Management, & Accountability (LMA): Partner with the leadership team to shape the design doctrine, excellence standards, and foundational systems of the company.
• Design Strategy and Process: Define, govern, and continuously scale the design window of the 6-step proprietary process, focusing heavily on the front-end conceptualization of mega-properties.
• Protect Blueprint Integrity: Champion the human-centered discovery phase. Ensure that the architectural layout strictly honors the client's designated hospitality philosophy and experiential desires.
• Sub-Contractor and Partner Governance: Oversee the strategic vetting and selection of world-class structural engineering, local architecture, and construction firms, maintaining strict creative control while outsourcing the build phases.
• Advance Spatial Connection: Innovate and experiment with how physical space, structural flow, acoustics, and aesthetics can maximize trust, traditions, and human flourishing.

REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of high-end architectural design experience, specifically within world-class US architecture firms including significant exposure to ultra-high-end residential projects and luxury custom homes.
• Human Connection First: Demonstrated ability to design spaces around human interaction, hospitality, gathering, and relationship-building rather than aesthetics alone.
• Proven experience leading discovery conversations with affluent clients and translating emotional, lifestyle, and relationship goals into physical spaces.
• Extensive, proven track record of designing $30M+ luxury residential properties completely from the ground up. Must have substantial experience navigating ground-up builds rather than just additions and renovations.
• Strong technical background in architecture coupled with an elite, client-facing consultative skill set.
• Possess a strong, human-centered DNA stack: genuine curiosity, empathy, social observation, aesthetic intelligence, meaning orientation, and exceptional trustworthiness.
• Must be a "humbly confident" professional who remains a constant learner, managing shifting design priorities under difficult circumstances with absolute calm

NICE TO HAVE

• Direct experience working at renowned, design-forward firms (e.g., Olson Kundig, Aidlin Darling Design, IR Architects tier).
• Commercial luxury hospitality experience (boutique resorts/hotels) is a major plus, provided it is backed by extensive ground-up high-end residential work.
• Prior experience operating within an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) structure.

EDUCATION

• Formal school degree and structural background in Architecture is required. 
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Total Target Compensation: $175,000 – $300,000 

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Model: Remote / Virtual workplace.
• Geography: East Coast focus (New York/South Florida corridor preferred).
• Travel: Expected travel of 10% – 25% to visit project sites, lead intensive client alignment sessions, and evaluate structural partners.

BENEFITS

• Ground-floor, category-defining opportunity with a founding leadership seat.
• The rare freedom to step away from firm operational gridlock or corporate real estate constraints to execute pure, high-impact designs.
• Opportunity to directly shape the foundational doctrine and flagship outcomes of a whole new creative field.
• Professional development, conference access, and generous PTO.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Interview 1: Focuses 80-100% on behavioral alignment.
• Interview 2: Focuses on GWC (Get it, Want it, Capacity).