Director of Technical Services
About The Position
The Director of Technical Services (DTS) is accountable for instilling a culture of technical excellence in the firm, across all offices, studios, and disciplines. It requires an ability to lead with an attitude of empathy, encouragement and understanding while also empowering staff to think critically, proactively ask questions and seek the resources they need to inform their own work. The DTS leads the firm's technical design standards, delivery quality, and innovation across projects. This senior leadership role combines deep technical expertise (construction detailing, specifications, building systems, codes) with people management, cross-discipline coordination, and practice-wide responsibility for quality assurance, BIM/CAD standards, and technical risk mitigation. The DTS will drive product research and innovation (new materials, detailing methods, digital fabrication techniques), pilot technologies that improve delivery efficiency and educate the appropriate staff. This role reports to the Director of Operations, works closely Digital Practice Manager and with project teams, clients, consultants and contractors.
Requirements
- Licensed architect and LEED-AP with specialty
- 15+ years' experience in architectural practice with substantial experience in technical leadership or senior technical role
- Must be seasoned in large, multi-year, multi-phased new and renovation construction, as well as fast-paced, fast-tracked and/or design build construction contract administration
- Expert knowledge of building codes, standards, building construction and green building strategies
- Deep knowledge of construction methods, detailing, specifications, MEP/structural coordination, and applicable building codes and standards.
- Expert in CSI-formatted specs and authoring platforms (e-SPECS, Specpoint, etc)
- Prior experience managing or mentoring technical teams and implementing office-wide technical standards.
- Excellent communicator - able to translate complex technical issues for clients, contractors, and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional technical drawing and specification literacy; attention to detail and quality orientation
- Strong leadership and people management skills; ability to coach and educate the appropriate staff.
- Proactive problem-solver and decision-maker.
- Strategic thinker with appetite for innovation and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Define and maintain firm-wide technical standards, detailing protocols, and documentation best practices (drawings, specifications, schedules).
- Lead BIM strategy and implementation: standards, workflows, templates, model QA, and software adoption (Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/Collaboration platforms).
- Provide technical leadership and support to project teams on complex technical issues, constructability, material selection, MEP/structural coordination, and code compliance.
- Develop and deliver internal technical training, mentoring, and competency programs for architects, technologists, and junior staff.
- Oversee QA/QC processes for deliverables and ensure consistency across projects; perform technical reviews and sign-off where required.
- Drive product research and innovation (new materials, detailing methods, digital fabrication techniques) and pilot technologies that improve delivery efficiency.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of building codes, standards, sustainability requirements and local regulatory processes; ensure projects meet statutory requirements.
- Manage team of internal specifications writers
- Chair the firm's technical council/committee
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
