Summary:
The Senior Architect serves as the firm's licensed architectural leader for commercial projects and is expected to serve as the Architect of Record for assigned projects under their responsible control. This position provides leadership for the firm's commercial architecture department through project oversight, technical leadership, client relationship management, business development, staff mentoring, and department coordination.
Serving as the primary architectural leader for commercial projects, this position is responsible for guiding design efforts, maintaining high standards of quality and client service, developing new business opportunities, supporting the growth and direction of the department, and assuming professional responsibility for reviewing, signing, and sealing commercial construction documents in accordance with Wisconsin licensing requirements.
The Senior Architect / Commercial Department Lead works closely with firm leadership and the Design Operations Manager to coordinate staffing, project planning, resource allocation, and overall department performance.
Essential Functions:
Commercial Design Leadership:
- Lead commercial projects from programming and conceptual design through construction administration.
- Develop architectural solutions that balance client goals, operational requirements, functionality, code compliance, constructability, and budget.
- Prepare and oversee conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permit documents, and project specifications.
- Conduct building code research and assist with permitting and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate architectural design with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, interior design, and specialty consultants.
- Review project documentation for quality, coordination, technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with firm standards.
- Conduct site visits, observe construction progress, and perform construction administration activities.
- Review Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, shop drawings, substitution requests, change order requests, and field issues during construction.
- Review, sign, and seal all architectural construction documents prepared under the Architect's responsible control in accordance with Wisconsin licensing requirements and firm standards.
- Maintain responsibility for the technical quality, life safety, code compliance, and professional integrity of all commercial architectural documents issued under their seal.
Client Leadership:
- Serve as the primary client contact for assigned commercial projects.
- Build strong client relationships through consistent communication, responsiveness, and professional leadership.
- Lead client meetings, presentations, and project planning discussions.
- Help clients establish project scope, program requirements, budgets, schedules, and overall project goals.
- Develop trust and confidence with clients, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Business Development:
- Lead and participate in business development efforts to generate new commercial project opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Attend networking events, industry functions, and community activities.
- Assist with proposals, qualifications packages, interviews, and presentations.
- Identify opportunities for repeat business and long-term client growth.
- Assist firm leadership in evaluating potential markets, strategic partnerships, and commercial growth opportunities.
Department Leadership:
- Provide technical leadership for commercial project teams.
- Mentor and support architectural staff through design, documentation, professional development, and project execution.
- Collaborate with the Design Operations Manager regarding staffing priorities, workload planning, and project assignments.
- Assist in establishing commercial department standards, workflows, quality control procedures, and best practices.
- Collaborate with firm leadership to establish the strategic direction, growth, and long-term success of the commercial architecture department.
- Evaluate project opportunities, staffing requirements, and departmental resource needs.
- Promote accountability, communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across project teams.
Project Oversight:
- Collaborate with the Project Coordinator and project teams to monitor project schedules, budgets, staffing, and overall project progress.
- Identify project risks and implement proactive solutions before issues impact project performance.
- Provide technical guidance and problem-solving throughout project planning, design, documentation, and construction.
- Maintain consistency in project delivery, documentation quality, client service, and commercial project execution.
Non-Essential Functions:
- Administrative duties as necessary.
- Represent the firm at industry conferences, professional organizations, networking events, and community activities.
- Contribute to marketing initiatives that promote the firm's commercial expertise.
- Support implementation of firm policies, procedures, quality standards, and performance metrics.
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives related to the future growth of the commercial department.
Competencies & Characteristics:
Technical Competencies:
- Strong commercial architectural design experience.
- Comprehensive understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility requirements, and permitting processes.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, detailing, and project delivery methods.
- Ability to produce and review high-quality construction documents.
- Proficient in Revit and other industry-standard software.
Leadership Competencies:
- Demonstrated leadership ability and professional presence.
- Ability to mentor and develop architectural staff.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
Business & Communication:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong client service orientation.
- Business development and networking experience.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, consultants, contractors, and clients.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and results-oriented.
- Demonstrates accountability, honesty, integrity, professionalism, and respect.
Education & Experience:
- Professional degree in Architecture.
- Licensed Architect in the State of Wisconsin required.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of architectural experience preferred.
- Commercial project experience required.
- Experience serving as Architect of Record and leading projects through construction administration preferred.
- Experience leading project teams and managing client relationships.
- Experience mentoring architectural staff preferred.
- Experience with business development and client acquisition preferred.
- Residential architectural design experience preferred to support firm-wide project workload and collaboration across market sectors.
Professional Responsibility: This position serves as the Architect of Record for assigned commercial projects and is expected to exercise responsible control over architectural services, including reviewing, signing, and sealing construction documents in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, professional licensing requirements, and firm standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None. This position provides leadership through project oversight, technical direction, mentoring, and coordination of commercial project teams.
Work Environment: Primarily office based with regular project site visits and occasional travel for client meetings, networking events, professional development, and industry functions.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- architectural: 8 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Architecture License (Required)
Work Location: In person
