Architecture Studio Lead

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a dynamic senior architect to serve as Architecture Studio Lead for the growing Columbus, Ohio architecture studio. They will be part of AECOM’s Building + Places Leadership team in Columbus and the broader West Region helping to win, design and lead teams of architects on projects across a set of market sectors including Education, Civic/Cultural, Science/Technology, Federal, Commercial, Transportation, and Water.

About AECOM

At AECOM, we believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it’s improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

We take on the most complex challenges and pioneer innovative, iconic solutions that push the limits of what’s possible – the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, record-breaking sports events, the largest greenfield port development mega project, life-sustaining and disaster recovery programs, and the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere.

We are proud to be recognized for excellence:

• Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies – 2014-2024
• #1 in General Building, Transportation, and Water in Engineering-News Record's 2024 “Top 500 Design Firms”
• Human Rights Campaign 2023-2024 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion

About Buildings + Places

AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture.

With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.

Our teams work on impactful projects - from the Intuit Dome, to planning for the LA2028 Olympics, to high profile work for local civic and cultural institutions.   

Job Summary/Responsibilities

The Columbus office is the largest AECOM A/E practice in the US West Region, with a fully integrated team spanning architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and all building engineering disciplines.  We are a design driven practice working and pursuing only the highest profile, community impacting projects within our Market Sectors. Successful candidates will demonstrate ability for promoting a culture of design and technical excellence and collaboration, leading and managing teams, providing leadership-by-example, and sharing knowledge through pin-ups, charrettes, and technical reviews. 

The Architecture Studio Lead's main responsibilities will include:

• Providing a design-driven technical and management leadership approach to the architecture team
• Supervising, mentoring, recruiting, and promoting staff in all stages of their architectural careers. 
• Building strong relationships and interactions with clients, teaming partners, and internal stakeholders
• Collaborating with the other AECOM architecture practices around the Americas, and sometimes globally.
• Overseeing the execution and delivery of multiple projects through all phases of design
• Working with Project Managers to define scope from initial project information and overseeing preparation of associated fee proposals, schedules, work plans and additional service requests as required
• Oversee and manage the overall studio workload.  Establish project teams and make staff assignments. 
• Provide guidance and direction to ensure presentations and deliverables meet a high standard of graphic and technical quality that exceed client expectations and advance the reputation of the firm
• Fostering a culture of design and technical excellence in the studio and establishing, and encouraging, a collaborative environment for all project teams
• Participating in the annual performance review of employees, further developing staff skills and growth through open dialogue
• Actively participating in building the positive perception of AECOM in the Central Ohio region
• Providing mentorship, coaching, and motivating project teams and individuals
• Promoting a fun and collaborative work culture

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS in Architecture + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Architect
• Must be detail oriented, thorough, well-organized and effectively manage time
• Proven record of leading project teams or studios
• Team player with excellent listening skills and diplomacy; willingness to work with multiple different colleagues on a variety of initiatives
• Outstanding oral communication and presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills – ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Consultative, service-oriented mindset and collaborative problem-solving skills
• Proactive and goal-oriented, with the ability to work independently and manage change effectively
• Experience as a practicing architect responsible for the delivery of complex programmatic projects
• Self-motivated with proven leadership skills and have managed teams or studios of 10+ people
• 12+ years of relevant experience

• Sponsorship is not available for this role 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.