City Architect

City Of Sandy Springs • Sandy Springs, GA

13d

About The Position

The City is seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking City Architect to provide architectural leadership, expert plan review, and urban design guidance for a growing and evolving community. This senior-level professional serves as the City’s principal authority on commercial construction, architectural design, and ADA compliance, helping ensure that development—both public and private—reflects adopted plans, development regulations, and long-range community goals.

The City Architect plays a vital role in shaping the City’s built environment. From reviewing complex development proposals to advising staff, applicants, boards, and elected officials, this position promotes high-quality design, sound planning, and accessible, code-compliant development. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, professional judgment, and a collaborative mindset to support thoughtful growth and redevelopment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in architecture, building plan review, or a related field, including experience with complex development projects.
• Registered Architect in the State of Georgia (required).
• ICC Residential and/or Commercial Plan Reviewer Certification, or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Advanced knowledge of architectural design, construction documents, building codes, and ADA compliance.
• Strong understanding of land use planning, urban design principles, zoning, and development regulations.
• Ability to evaluate architectural, engineering, and planning documents for both technical compliance and overall design quality.
• Experience with development and construction processes, including redevelopment and mixed-use projects.
• Proficiency with electronic plan review and design software (including Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, GIS, and permitting systems).
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects while supporting long-range planning objectives.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Supervisory or lead professional experience.
• AICP Certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City’s senior architectural authority and lead reviewer for complex commercial and mixed-use development projects.
• Review and approve construction documents for vertical construction, including buildings, accessory structures, retaining walls, decks, pools, and related site improvements.
• Ensure plans are complete, accurate, constructible, and compliant with applicable building codes, development regulations, adopted plans, and design standards.
• Utilize electronic plan review systems (such as Bluebeam and OpenGov) to annotate plans, identify deficiencies, and clearly communicate required revisions to applicants.
• Coordinate with planning, engineering, building, fire, and other review disciplines to support an efficient and integrated permit review process.
• Provide final architectural approval prior to permit issuance.
• Perform professional planning work supporting current planning, long-range planning, and urban design initiatives.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, county, and local codes, ordinances, policies, and adopted plans.
• Contribute to updates of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Development Code, design standards, and related policy documents.
• Identify community development challenges and opportunities and develop planning and design strategies that promote quality growth, redevelopment, and efficient land use.
• Provide architectural and urban design guidance to staff, applicants, advisory boards, and elected officials.
• Conduct site visits and field inspections, as needed, to evaluate development proposals and verify compliance with approved plans.
• Provide architectural review and oversight for municipal facilities and capital improvement projects, as assigned.
• Support architectural programming, design oversight, and project management for City capital projects.
• Manage and coordinate external design consultants, including reviewing proposals, contracts, RFIs, and project submittals.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, invoices, and coordination with Finance and funding partners.
• Participate in project bidding, construction administration, and final inspections.
• Prepare and present clear, well-reasoned reports and recommendations to boards, commissions, and elected officials.
• Attend and participate in public meetings, including evening meetings as required.
• Provide high-quality customer service and maintain professional, effective communication with City staff, applicants, design professionals, developers, and the public.
• Facilitate meetings and assist in resolving development and design-related issues.

Benefits

• Two competitive medical plan options for you and your family, along with dental and vision coverage
• 10 paid holidays per year, plus 1 floating holiday
• Accrued paid vacation and sick leave
• City-paid life and AD&D insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• A City-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A robust retirement savings program: the City contributes 12% of your base salary to a 401(a) plan and matches up to 5% of your contributions to a 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year after one year of service toward a relevant degree
• Identity Theft Insurance
• Access to an on-site gym

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level