Architect
Department Leader
Licensed Architect (NCARB)
A local firm is searching for a Licensed Architect (NCARB)/ Registered Architect (RA)
with experience in architectural design, construction management and project
management to lead our Architectural Design division.
As part of a multidisciplinary design firm, you will play a key leadership role in managing
personnel, overseeing design quality, and driving project delivery for federal,
commercial, municipal, institutional, and private clients. This is a unique opportunity to
shape the direction of a growing architecture practice while working collaboratively
across engineering disciplines.
This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced,
collaborative environment and is passionate about driving performance, fostering a
positive team culture, and aligning departmental goals with the overall vision of the
company. As a key member of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the
direction of your department, mentor talent, and contribute directly to the growth and
success of our business.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the architectural department in the execution of design projects.
• Manage architectural staff, mentor junior architects, and support professional
development within the team.
• Serve as Project Architect and Architect-of-Record on complex design-build and
design-bid-build public-sector and private projects.
• Contribute to marketing and business development efforts by identifying new
project opportunities, supporting pursuit efforts, and representing the firm at
industry events and networking functions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC),
and national design standards.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, MEP, environmental, and other design
disciplines teams to produce coordinated construction documents.
• Produce, oversee and review project submittals, including drawings, renderings,
specifications, and technical reports.
• Participate in proposal writing, and presentations to clients.
• Maintain quality control and enforce QA/QC procedures across all architectural
deliverables.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and client communications
• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices.
• Be flexible, agile, and able to handle shifting priorities in a lean business setting.
• Lead by example and help create a positive, productive workplace.
• Meet with clients to develop project goals and aesthetics.
• Manage a small team and participate in recruiting to grow the department with
top-talent.
• Perform other related tasks as requested by supervisor.
Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
• Active Architectural License (RA) in any U.S. state; ability to obtain reciprocal
licensure as required for NC and SC.
• Minimum 10+ years of licensed experience
• 3+ years managing federal or DoD projects preferred
• NCARB Certification / Registered Architect (RA) license
• LEED AP, WELL AP, or other sustainability credentials preferred.
• Familiarity with BIM project execution plans and federal design submittal
standards.
• Strong knowledge of DoD design standards, AT/FP requirements, and federal
procurement processes.
• Proven leadership and team management experience in an A/E or
multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite (preferred); experience
with federal platforms (e.g., SpecsIntact, eCMS) a plus.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and presentation skills.
• Full knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and Bluebeam (preferred)
• Must speak and write English fluently and maintain a valid Driver's License
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be able to meet Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) and other
Military base specific access requirements.
Leadership Responsibilities:
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop small teams.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, team building, and motivating staff.
• Skilled at evaluating and improving workflow, productivity, adherence to graphic
standards, and efficiency.
• Works closely with other departments (e.g., Design, Survey, Finance) to ensure
alignment.
• Ability to align department goals with broader company objectives.
• Develop and implement operational plans, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Lead weekly department meetings and participate in routine company-wide
leadership meetings (Monthly Business Reviews/ Quarterly Business Reviews)
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift, move, push, and pull 30 to 50 pounds occasionally. Additional
requirements may be needed for specific sites/locations.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, (identify
warning sounds on a construction/project site (sirens, horns, etc.)) and to make
the discriminations in sound.
• Ability to kneel and squat occasionally
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time on construction sites with
uneven terrain
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (hot and cold)
• Ability to climb occasionally.
• Ability to perform building/facility investigations from roof to foundation.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary for this position ranges from $120K - $140K+ annually, depending on
qualifications and experience
• Yearly bonus eligibility
• Competitive benefits package
• Access professional development resources, licensing support, and the chance
to shape practices in existing and new markets