Lessard Design Inc. (LDI) has been shaping the future of architecture for over 35 years. With a $25M Architecture division and a $20M Real Estate Development arm, the firm is renowned for its innovative designs and its commitment to creating vibrant, thriving communities.

LDI’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning projects across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, ranging from high-rise towers to garden apartments. By blending creative ingenuity with real estate expertise, LDI is redefining what’s possible in the built environment.

This is a fully in-office position based in McLean (Tysons/Vienna), offering competitive compensation and benefits.

Position Overview

LDI is conducting a search for an experienced Talent and HR Operations professional to lead full-cycle recruitment and people operations. This role partners closely with senior leadership to understand staffing needs and recruit top talent across design, technical, project management, and administrative roles, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience. In addition to recruitment, the role oversees employee records, performance reviews, compensation tracking, benefits administration, and compliance with employment and immigration regulations.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with strong sourcing and communication skills, capable of assessing candidates for both technical expertise and cultural fit. Acting as a trusted partner to leadership and staff, this person will balance hands-on operational responsibilities with initiatives that foster a positive, collaborative, and engaging studio culture.

Responsibilities

Talent, People & Studio Operations

• Lead full-cycle hiring for a growing architecture and design studio, supporting roles across design, technical, project management, and studio operations

• Work closely with Principals and Studio Leads to understand immediate project needs, long-term staffing plans, and studio culture

• Develop authentic, relationship-driven sourcing strategies through professional networks, academic connections, referrals, and industry events

• Review resumes, portfolios, and work samples with an eye for design quality, technical skill, and cultural fit

• Coordinate and participate in interviews and reference checks, ensuring a thoughtful and welcoming candidate experience

• Manage pre-hire processes and lead new hire onboarding, helping new team members integrate smoothly into the studio

• Maintain accurate, confidential candidate and employee records

• Track recruiting activity and provide clear, practical insights to leadership on hiring progress and market conditions

• Continuously improve recruiting and onboarding processes to support a positive studio experience

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for candidates and staff, acting with discretion and care

• Anticipate staffing needs and address gaps proactively to support project continuity

• Build and maintain relationships with architecture and design schools; attend career fairs and studio events as needed

Compensation, Records & Employee Relations

• Maintain personnel files and ensure documentation is accurate, organized, and compliant

• Coordinate performance review cycles and support Principals and Studio Leads with timelines, guidance, and documentation

• Prepare and track compensation and bonus review materials

• Support offboarding processes, including exit conversations and documentation

• Ensure compliance with employment regulations, including EEOC requirements and state labor postings (MD, DC, VA)

• Assist with performance improvement conversations and related documentation

• Draft and share studio communications and help plan team gatherings, celebrations, and culture-building activities

Immigration and Work Authorization

• Coordinate employment-based visa processes in partnership with immigration counsel

• Track documentation, timelines, and approvals, serving as a resource for international team members

• Maintain I-9 records and public access files in compliance with regulations

Benefits & Well-Being

• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans

• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations and provide clear guidance to staff

• Coordinate COBRA administration and track benefits for employees on leave

• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices

• Support 401(k) administration, including enrollments, required notices, and annual audits

Studio Support and Professional Development

• Manage relationships with external HR, benefits, and professional development partners

• Maintain and update the studio organizational chart

• Coordinate professional development efforts, including licensure tracking, certifications, and informal learning opportunities such as lunch-and-learns

• Provide administrative support to Marketing, Accounting, and Office Management as needed

• Assist with special projects that support studio operations and growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in recruiting and human resources, preferably in a professional services, creative, or design-focused environment

• Proven experience managing full-cycle recruitment across a variety of roles and seniority levels

• Strong knowledge of HR operations, employee relations, and personnel recordkeeping

• Working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations, including EEOC compliance and I-9 requirements

• Experience coordinating employee benefits programs and working with external vendors and brokers

• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recruiting for architecture, design, engineering, or other creative/technical disciplines

• Familiarity with immigration processes and working with immigration counsel on employment-based visas

• Experience administering 401(k) plans and supporting benefits audits

• Experience developing employer branding, university partnerships, or early-career recruiting programs

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred but not required

• Experience with HRIS, ATS, and benefits administration platforms