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Gresham Smith · 5 days ago

Practice Leader - Government Architecture - Life and Work Places

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

15+ years exp

Gresham Smith is a firm focused on architecture and interior design services for public sector clients. The Practice Leader will lead the Government Architecture Practice, driving market strategy, client development, and team mentorship to deliver high-quality public sector projects.

ConsultingProduct Design

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Define and execute a growth strategy for municipal, county, state, and federal clients, including market segmentation, positioning, and targeted pursuits

Lead capture planning: market intelligence, go/no-go decisions, teaming strategies, win themes, and pre-RFP positioning

Partner with Marketing/Communications on proposals, SF 330s and SOQs, interviews, and content that differentiates the practice

Build and maintain executive-level relationships with public agencies, key decision-makers, and influencers

Lead high-priority pursuits from qualification through interview, ensuring strong storylines and a compelling value proposition

Establish account plans, client feedback loops, and client satisfaction measures; convert positive delivery outcomes into repeat work

Recruit, develop, and mentor a team of architects, interior designers, planners, and allied specialists with government-sector expertise

Set technical and design excellence goals; establish training, knowledge-sharing, and best practices for public work

Align staffing to pursuits and projects; balance utilization, development opportunities, and delivery needs

Provide executive oversight for select projects from programming and planning through design and delivery, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance

Champion project definition methodologies, risk management, and QA/QC for public sector work

Guide scope, schedule, budget alignment, and change management in partnership with Project Managers and Discipline Leaders

Create and manage a thought leadership and publicity strategy: conference speaking, publications, awards, case studies, and digital presence

Collaborate with Communications on media opportunities and content that showcases outcomes, innovation, equity, sustainability, and resilience in the public realm

Position the practice as a trusted advisor on topics such as capital planning, procurement, and delivery methods

Partner with other markets within the firm to develop integrated client strategies and cross-sell services (e.g., planning, transportation, water, facilities engineering, technology, sustainability)

Build strategic teaming relationships with consultant partners (engineering, planning, cost, PM/CM, commissioning, specialty consultants) to strengthen pursuit competitiveness and delivery

Set and manage annual goals for pipeline, hit rate, backlog, revenue growth, and profitability for the practice

Forecast and report on market trends, opportunities, and performance metrics; use CRM and pursuit tracking tools effectively

Promote compliance with public procurement requirements, small and diverse business participation goals, and ethical standards

Qualification

Licensed ArchitectGovernment Capital PlanningArchitectureInterior DesignLEED APWELL APPublic Sector ComplianceCRM ToolsCommunication SkillsStrategic ThinkingTeam Leadership

Required

Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design required (B.Arch, M.Arch, or CIDA-accredited program)

Licensed Architect required (or NCARB certification with ability to obtain reciprocation); NCIDQ certification preferred for interior design leaders

15+ years delivering architecture and/or interior design services for public sector clients (municipal, county, state, and/or federal), including leadership of complex, multi-disciplinary projects

Proven track record in winning public sector work and leading major pursuits, including SF 330s/SOQs, shortlist interviews, and negotiations

Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing teams and developing subject matter expertise

Deep understanding of government/agency capital planning, budget cycles, project definition, and procurement methods (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Design-Build, IDIQ/Task Order, Job Order Contracting)

Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., IBC, ADA/Accessibility, NFPA, energy codes) and public-sector compliance requirements

Relationships with potential consultant partners and awareness of the public-sector teaming ecosystem

Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills; able to convey complex ideas concisely to diverse audiences

Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and the ability to translate strategy into measurable results

Proficient with CRM/pursuit tracking tools and comfortable coordinating with Marketing/Communications on thought leadership and PR

Ability to travel as needed for client development, pursuits, and project oversight