General

Responsible for design or technical management of one or more projects working under minimum supervision of a Principal. Provides responsible oversight of the entire project team including out-of-house consultants on one or more medium to large sized projects. Capable of serving in the role of Project Designer, Project Architect, or Project Manager depending on the capabilities of the individual.

A Senior Architect represents the Firm’s interests through effective project leadership and actions that advance the Firm’s mission and business interests. The Senior Architect speaks for the Firm and conducts themself in a manner commensurate with a senior position in the organization. Responsibilities and expectations of the Senior Architect extend beyond project focused tasks.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Capable of performing and experienced carrying out all duties and responsibilities of Architect II position
• Under the direction of the PIC, leads the formulation of project design philosophy and adheres strictly to this philosophy in the execution of the work and in assignments to junior staff. Recognizes the qualitative goals set forth for each project and works toward achieving these goals while balancing design, technical and business objectives
• Assists with the preparation of fee proposals in conjunction with the PIC and adheres to established scope of services. With participation of the PIC negotiates additional services fees with Clients for revisions to project scope and responsibilities
• Assists with the solicitation of consultant proposals and with the negotiation of Owner/ Architect and Consultant agreements in conjunction with the PIC and Managing Director
• With the PIC participates in SCB interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction to propose and present strategies to secure zoning, planning, and building code regulatory approvals for projects. Prepares strategies to address interpretative issues related to building regulations
• Leads the effort to develop the project BIM execution plan (BEP)
• Implements SCB’s procedures and standards by the project team. Checks documents for compliance with zoning, accessibility, and building code requirements
• Establishes detailed work plans to meet project milestones and regularly monitors progress. Monitors the time spent by staff at all levels during all project phases and modifies the project work plan or takes other action to conform with the fee, budget and schedule
• Initiates the development of design solutions and details, and coordination with outside disciplines
• Manages the financial performance of projects by proper allocation of resources, timely initiation and completion of critical tasks, and effective decision making
• Supervises SCB staff during the construction phase of the project and attends progress review meetings in accordance with the Owner – Architect agreement. Reviews all change order proposals and requests for payment. Certifies them to Owner
• Participates in strategic discussion with senior management on issues that affect the Firm’s performance, risk, perception in the marketplace, and client satisfaction
• Directs research and opportunities for new or innovative system applications. Directs the implementation of techniques to improve quality of work and efficiency on the project
• Confers with client representatives and outside consultants on a continual basis throughout the project and communicates decisions and actions effectively to the project team
• Schedules peer review sessions with the Technical Directors and outside consultants and agencies, participates in review sessions, and disseminates information to the project team
• Adheres to the SCB project phase checklists and takes necessary steps to obtain required information in a timely manner
• Communicates lessons learned on projects with all members of the SCB team and participates in firmwide efforts to educate staff about the issues and actions defining those lessons
• Responsible for organizing work activities to be in conformance with obligations to the Owner. Responsible for rectifying variances from established project goals. With participation of PIC negotiates final Agreements and any amendments with clients and consultants
• Responsible for the work of junior level staff in preparation of designs, drawings, studies, models, and other project tasks. Encourages, mentors, trains, and coaches’ junior staff in a constructive and thoughtful manner
• Responsible for the work efforts of SCB’s project team on and functions as the primary facilitator of communication with the Client and other members of the project team
• Responsible for monitoring project progress. Identifies issues for resolution, develops strategies for presentation to client, informs Principal in Charge or applicable consultants of issues and recommended course of action
• Promotes a customer / client focus in line with SCB’s mission statement and corporate policies
• Promotes initiatives to strengthen the firm’s corporate health
• Promotes a positive team effort by cooperative and interactive working methods and sets a high example of professionalism and leadership for junior staff
• Participates in Studio and Firm events
• Attends Industry and Business Development Events
• Contributes to Firm activities to promote staff education
• Participates in all required continuing education sessions

Qualifications, Essential Skills/Attributes

• Fulfills all qualifications of Architect II position
• Accredited professional degree in Architecture
• A minimum of 10 years post-graduate, full-time work under the supervision of an architect licensed to practice in the jurisdiction of employment
• Licensed to practice Architecture in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Pursuing licensure in the jurisdiction of the office in which the Senior Architect is employed
• LEED AP
• Capable of performing the role of Project Architect, Project Designer, or Project Manager
• Expert understanding of the capabilities and application of multiple software platforms, including Revit drawing program, and other modeling software and graphic illustration software programs such as Grasshopper, Rhino, Enscape, 3D Studio Max, and Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and In-Design. Capable of leading in a digital and graphic environment.
• Command of business management tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and with other business-related software such as Bluebeam, Newforma, and Teams
• Superior verbal, presentation, and written communications skills
• Advanced understanding of all phases of an architectural project including programming/ conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction
• Advanced understanding of building code, accessibility, and other regulatory requirements as they relate to the project
• Advanced knowledge of zoning ordinances and the process by which design solutions are quantified, illustrated, and explained to approval authorities
• Advanced understanding of complex building materials and systems, details, and construction techniques, primary structural and MEPFP systems and their operation, and secondary building systems
• Advanced understanding of SCB’s procedures and office standards
• Advanced knowledge of the Owner / Architect agreement, project schedule, and project budget parameters
• Working knowledge of AIA standard contracts, contract terms and conditions, and customary scope of services and standard of care provided by architectural firms
• Appreciation for aesthetic objectives set forth in the design approach and commitment to implement these through construction
• Results-oriented attitude and takes initiative toward all aspects of the project assignment. Is decisive and takes responsibility for actions
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals including clients, consultants, code officials and construction trades
• Proven leadership abilities, mature judgement with authoritative manner, but respectful and willing to listen to others. Uses input from all sources available. Confronts inadequate performance in a constructive way and is willing to share personal knowledge to train younger staff. Has mature leadership style that compliments the Firm’s core values
• Ability to direct younger staff at all project stages
• Outgoing personality, interested in working with people
• Exhibits a results-oriented attitude and takes initiative toward all aspects project assignments
• Acts in a professional manner. Is fair and displays integrity in business dealings

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

The above constitutes a general description of the Senior Architect I job duties as of the publication date. SCB reserves the right to alter job duties and assignments and to assign additional and/or alternative duties from time to time in its sole discretion.