Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving growth and innovation in architecture?

Otak is seeking a dynamic Director of Architecture to lead and expand our architecture practice while overseeing and driving key projects to success. In this executive role, you will spearhead initiatives to grow our practice strategically; foster operational, technical, and creative excellence; and elevate our reputation as a leading design firm. You will work to deepen client relationships, enhance our presence in key market sectors, lead key projects and build upon Otak’s strong foundation of success. As a strategic thinker and results-oriented leader, you’ll inspire and guide our team toward achieving ambitious goals while upholding Otak’s core mission, vision, and values.

This position may be based out of the Denver, CO or Portland, OR office.

If you’re a seasoned architecture professional eager to take on a transformative leadership role, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll do:

• Drive Growth and Innovation:
  Develop and communicate a forward-thinking architectural vision aligned with Otak’s strategic goals. Identify opportunities to expand into new markets while fostering sustainable growth in existing markets.

• Enhance Market Presence:
  Leverage Otak’s expertise to strengthen our position in current markets, build on existing client relationships, and create strategies to increase market share. Work closely with teams to develop innovative solutions that align with client needs and market demands.

• Set Strategic Direction:
  Establish and implement practice-wide goals and priorities to ensure sustainable growth. Utilize market insights to develop business strategies that drive revenue and profitability.

• Build and Expand Client Relationships:
  Lead projects that align with strategic pursuits and key clients. Actively engage with clients to deepen partnerships, anticipate needs, and position Otak as their go-to architecture partner. Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for repeat business and long-term growth.

• Promote Operational Excellence:
  Ensure seamless execution of projects by leading the development of business plans, monitoring financial performance, and implementing systems to track key performance indicators such as revenue, profit, backlog, and utilization.

• Drive Design Direction:
  Guide a design-focused culture embracing exploration and iteration, nurturing an environment of innovation, thoughtful design solutions, and creative success.

• Cultivate Talent and Collaboration:
  Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages mentorship and professional development. Empower teams to deliver their best work while supporting their career growth.

• Champion Otak’s Values:
  Serve as a key member of Otak’s leadership team, promoting our mission and values while ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategy.

What You Bring:

• Professional degree in architecture or related field.

• Registered Architect in Oregon, Colorado, or Washington (ability to obtain additional state registrations within 3 months of hire).

• 20+ years of progressive experience in architecture, including financial responsibility and leadership at a senior or executive level.

• Passion for design excellence.

• Proven success in business development, including creating strategies, securing new projects, and fostering growth in existing markets.

• Strong understanding of market rate, affordable, and senior multifamily housing, as well as mixed-use developments.

• Experience with Federal Department of Interiors projects is a plus.

• A track record of building strong business connections in core markets to support both immediate and sustained growth.

• Expertise in managing client relationships, negotiating agreements, and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Demonstrated ability to support and guide diverse teams, inspire collaboration, and foster innovation.

At Otak, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and people. We design to enrich the communities where we live, work, and play with a vision toward shaping a bright future. Our design philosophy is rooted in the 40-year history of Otak, where we have cultivated a dynamic, award-winning team renowned for its multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, and construction management. Join us to lead a thriving architecture practice, shape the future of design, and make a lasting impact in our communities.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $175,000 - $215,000 per year

Benefits

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firm — you’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding — and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

Otak is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. We value diverse perspectives and believe they drive innovation and success.

We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every individual is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and employment practices are rooted in qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.

• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contribute meaningfully.

• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.

• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.

• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak’s People Services Department at GRPHumanResources@Otak.com.

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!