Principal System Architect Jobs in Houston, TX

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring innovative ideas to solve challenging problems on a variety of Projects. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building, or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.

Your Role

In this role, it’s your job to lead a team of architects and designers to deliver unparalleled architectural projects. Leverage your industry experience and technical acumen to drive client projects from concept through build. You are a seasoned architect and recognized technical expert with experience in high profile design driven projects. Your work ethic, combined with your commitment to collaboration and mentoring, makes Gensler the perfect place to nurture your career. Our teams design for all of humanity, driving a passionately curious design culture to create solutions that are emotionally resonant and that positively impact people’s everyday experiences. With you as part of the design team, architecture has never been so engaging.

What You Will Do

• Manage communication between the project team, client, vendors, contractors, and consultants
• Resolve complex technical and design issues with the team to produce innovative technical/constructible solutions
• Direct production of drawings, specifications, and construction administration tasks
• Responsible for oversight and delivery of documents with design intent and top-notch technical quality
• Resolves complex technical/design issues and detailing and provides guidance and mentorship to team
• Maintain and oversee the project manual and specifications
• Conduct on-site observations and document site reviews
• Interface with building and permitting officials during the permitting and construction phases of the project
• Actively participate and contribute to the financial performance of the project
• Review and contribute to proposals and contracts with the Project Manager
• Ensure projects conform to the contract
• Actively leading teams for the successful delivery of projects
• Managing client expectations, team communication, and oversight of consultant coordination
• Contribute to office activities, initiatives and learning programs
• Establish and maintain ongoing, productive client relationships

Your Qualifications

• Registered Architect required
• A bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited program required
• 10+ years of related experience, including demonstrated success on workplace interiors projects
• Expert working knowledge of Revit, 3D modeling, visualization, and graphic software
• Full knowledge of architectural principles/practices
• Working knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures
• Experience with the entire project lifecycle and design process through post-occupancy
• Flexibility to focus on concurrent projects in various stages of development
• Excellent written + verbal communication and management skills to include leadership, organization, and client relationship management skills
• Well-rounded, strategic thinker with an integrated approach to design, management, and technical project resolution who can help shape a vision for the future

TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO AND/OR WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT

This position is in-person. Successful candidates will be located in the Houston, Texas area. If you’re open to relocating to the area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 study ranks Houston in the top 10 Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S.!

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.