Architectural Sales Representative – Chesapeake, VA

Remote from: USA
Salary, yearly, USD: 85,000 - 127,500
Department: Sales
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 8 Jul 2026
Apply before: 8 Aug 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 48 / 2

About company

About dormakaba

Together we stand for more than 150 years of security and reliability.

Building Materials
1862

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

dormakaba seeks an Architectural Sales Representative for the Chesapeake, VA area to promote its portfolio to architectural firms, design-build firms, and government architects. The role involves developing long-term relationships, managing project pipelines, and collaborating with the local territory team. Candidates need an associate's degree and 3+ years experience or equivalent, along with CDT and DHC certifications (or ability to obtain within 12 months). This remote position offers a base salary of $85,000-$100,000 with performance-based bonuses, and requires up to 50% travel.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight This role requires specific certifications (CDT, DHC) and industry knowledge, but the core skills are relationship-building and sales, which many experienced professionals can develop.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered base salary range of $85,000-$100,000 is competitive for the role and location, with total compensation including bonus reaching up to $150,000. This is above the national median for architectural sales representatives.

Core Skills Required

Architectural Sales Specification Writing Door Hardware Construction Documents Relationship Building Territory Management CRM Software CSI Events AIA Networking DHI Certifications

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Architectural Sales Representative position at dormakaba. With a strong background in construction specification and door hardware, combined with proven sales success, I am confident in my ability to drive specification growth in the Chesapeake territory. My experience includes developing relationships with architectural firms, leading CSI and AIA events, and achieving sales targets through collaboration with cross-functional teams.

I hold current CDT and DHC certifications and am familiar with Sandler sales methodology. I am eager to leverage my technical expertise and networking skills to promote dormakaba's solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with architectural specifications and how you influence specifiers?

I have over 5 years of experience in architectural sales, where I regularly met with architects and specifiers to understand their project needs. I use a consultative approach, providing technical data and samples to get my products specified. For example, on a recent hospital project, I worked with the architect to specify door hardware that met both security and accessibility requirements.

How do you manage a large territory and prioritize accounts?

I use a CRM system to track interactions and project milestones. I prioritize accounts based on potential revenue and project timeline, focusing on high-value opportunities. I also allocate time for networking events and regular check-ins with key accounts to maintain relationships.

Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team to close a complex sale. What was your role?

In my previous role, I collaborated with the technical support team to address a client's concern about fire-rated door assemblies. I coordinated meetings between the client and our engineers, ensuring all questions were answered. My role was to maintain the relationship while leveraging technical expertise to close the sale.

How do you stay current with industry standards and certifications like CDT and DHC?

I have maintained my CDT and DHC certifications through continuing education courses and attending industry events. I also subscribe to publications from CSI and DHI to stay updated on code changes. Recently, I completed a webinar on new fire door requirements.

What sales methodology do you prefer, and why?

I prefer the Sandler sales methodology because it emphasizes qualifying leads early and building trust through a systematic process. It helps me avoid wasting time on unqualified prospects and allows me to focus on solving the client's pain points. I have used it successfully to increase my close rate by 20%.

Position Overview

dormakaba is seeking an Architectural Sales Representative to work remotely from one of the following Virgina areas: Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Suffolk, or Norfolk. The Architectural Sales Representative is responsible for effectively promoting dormakaba’s entire North American portfolio of products, solutions, and services to architectural firms, design build firms, and government architects. This is a sales position.

HIRING SALARY RANGE:

Base Salary $85,000 – $100,000/(determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
Performance-Based Compensation: Bonus structure with target earnings of 50% of base salary
Total Compensation Range: $127,500–$150,000+ annually

This position includes a competitive benefits package. Please visit our career site for more information on benefits.

What you will do

Develop long-term architectural customers by creating relationships that reflect the best interests of the architects’ clients while also developing relationships with firms’ lead specification managers
Develop short-term and long-term project pipelines to actively pursue with architectural firms
Network with architects and industry leaders through local CSI (Construction Specifications Institute), AIA (American Institute of Architects), & DHI (Door & Hardware Institute) events as well as other industry networking opportunities.
Collaborate with local territory team with sales alignment to ensure coverage for completed specifications

What we require

Associate’s degree in construction management, architectural design, engineering, business, or a related field and 3+ years of relevant experience or High School Diploma/GED with 6+ years relevant experience
Current CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and DHC (Door Hardware Consultant) certifications or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire
Ability to travel up to 50% + within territory
Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external customers and stakeholders at varying levels

What we prefer

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architectural design, engineering, business, or a related field
Current AHC (Architectural Hardware Consultant) certification
Prior experience utilizing Sandler sales methodology

What we offer

Taking Care of our Employees on Day One with Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance coverage options. No waiting periods!
Your health is our priority; we offer Medical Wellness Programs to aid in your well-being
Vacation and Personal Time Off
We support your growing family; we provide Parental Leave for Moms and Dads!
Wisely plan for your future with our 401k Matching plan beginning on Day One
Discover your best attributes using CliftonStrengths to pave the way for success at dormakaba
Supporting your career development with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
Robust culture supporting internal advancement with our Learn and Grow Program
24/7 access to over 15,000 LinkedIn Learning courses to assist in your professional development and to expand on your individual interests.
Employee Assistance Programs
Voluntary Legal Insurance
Unlimited Referral Reward Bonuses
Corporate Discounts for shopping, travel and more!

Who we are

We are at the heart of every place that matters. From automatic doors to cloud-based access management – as a leading global provider in the access solutions market for schools, banks, airports, hospitals, hotels, and many more, we enable seamless movement within secure, safe, and sustainable places. With over 160 years of experience and a focus on excellence and innovation, we offer exciting opportunities to grow in an environment where you can make a real impact. At dormakaba, you are encouraged to take initiative, develop your skills, and build your career alongside 16,000 experts worldwide who are setting industry standards every day.

Work in a place where you matter – apply now!

#LI-JG1 #LI-Remote

Apply now >