Architect - Civic & Justice

NELSON Worldwide•Costa Mesa, CA

3d•$80,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NELSON is seeking a motivated, team-oriented Architect to join its Civic & Justice Practice. The Architect leads multiple projects through design, construction-document production, and construction administration as part of a project team. The role involves solving technical problems, demonstrating leadership and collaboration, and contributing to successful design and construction-document delivery. Candidates should have experience across the design process, including programming, master planning, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and 3D modeling, as well as the technical proficiency to implement designs through construction-document and construction-administration phases. Civic and Justice experience is required, including work on correctional facilities, detention centers, courthouses, public safety buildings, or municipal buildings. An architectural license in at least one state is required. The Architect supports project delivery by developing and reviewing design concepts and documents, coordinating with clients, consultants, contractors, and project teams, and participating in construction administration. The position also contributes to staff development, client relationships, and business development activities. The expected ongoing billable percentage is 90%–95% or greater. NELSON describes its culture through values including ownership, direct and respectful communication, purposeful growth, bold thinking with disciplined execution, and creating an inclusive environment. The position requires a bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited university and at least seven years of industry experience, or equivalent appropriate education and experience. The national average salary range is $80,000–$120,000 for candidates with 7+ years of experience; compensation varies based on relevant experience, qualifications and licensure, education, and location. Additional compensation may include bonuses, a Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, and profit sharing.

Requirements

Architectural license in at least one state.
Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university, or equivalent appropriate education and experience.
At least 7 years of industry experience, or equivalent appropriate education and experience.
Required experience in Civic & Justice projects, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, courthouses, public safety buildings, or municipal buildings.
Good understanding of design trends, construction methodologies, materials application, and manufacturer and supplier appropriateness.
Ability to adhere to project budgets and schedules.
Knowledge of building regulations, life-safety codes, ADA requirements, construction processes, design techniques, construction-document production, product specifications, and detailing.
Basic knowledge of LEED and WELL requirements.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to organize and prioritize work to meet identified time frames.
Proficiency in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop or Revit, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Bluebeam Revu.
Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to meet an ongoing billable expectation of 90%–95% or greater.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and SketchUp.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Project, Newforma Project Center, and Deltek Vantagepoint.
Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, SpecLink, Newforma, SketchUp, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Responsibilities

Assist the project team with design and technical questions, share knowledge across the studio, mentor staff and interns, and contribute as a team leader when needed.
Support a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive environment.
Assist with proposal and contract documents and contribute to each project's work plan.
Prepare and oversee concept, schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
Conduct field surveys as required and generate overall project design concepts.
Develop or oversee the development of design concepts into design development sets and complete construction drawings.
Oversee material research, project data compilation, and incorporation of information throughout each project.
Prepare project specifications and resolve drawing discrepancies.
Coordinate and incorporate the work of internal and external consultants.
Oversee preparation of addenda and bulletin documentation; review shop drawings; and sign and seal drawings as needed.
Review, respond to, and track requests for information (RFIs).
Attend construction meetings and make periodic site observation visits as required by contract.
Prepare and update punch lists as required.
Follow NELSON standards and established quality-assurance procedures; review and correct own work and project-team work, including consultant work.
Review applicable building codes and standards, including accessibility standards, and prepare zoning and building-code analyses and reviews.
Assist with timely submission of drawings to the appropriate authorities having jurisdiction.
Oversee maintenance and archiving of electronic project files.
Understand project scope, identify services beyond the original scope, and notify the project lead.
Draft client and subconsultant agreement change orders as directed by the project lead.
Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and phone-conversation notes documenting project progress and client direction; attend project meetings.
Share knowledge with teammates and help address design and detailing challenges.
Maintain secondary client contact as backup to the primary contact.
Maintain good working relationships with client contacts, assist with secondary marketing, and attend interviews when requested.
Maintain licensure through continuing education, enhance required software skills through training and billable work, and develop management and communication skills.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match.
Full health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities.
Pet insurance.
Opportunities for career advancement.
Paid time off and holiday pay.
Paid parental leave.
Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs.
Professional development, including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional-organization memberships.
Additional compensation may include bonuses, a Long Term Incentive Plan, a Short Term Incentive Plan, and profit sharing.