Lead Architect/ Architectural Designer

WSP • Portland, ME

4d • $102,000 - $151,800 • Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Lead Architect / Architectural Designer to join its Buildings AE team in Portland, Maine, or Boston, Massachusetts. The role provides technical expertise and guidance throughout project development, including due diligence, planning, concept design, and implementation of functional and sustainable building solutions for public and private sector projects.

The position contributes to project visualization and the preparation of design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents. It also produces clear and accurate documentation—including blueprints, renderings, and technical specifications—covering materials, installation methods, feasibility, and construction technologies. Work is expected to meet or exceed industry standards for design, safety, structural integrity, and occupancy.

The position leads the development and scoping of medium- to large-sized building projects, supports multidisciplinary project delivery, and helps maintain quality and assess feasibility and risk. The role requires a bachelor's degree in architecture or a closely related discipline and 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience. The candidate must be licensed or have licensure in progress in Maine. Occasional travel may be required, and schedules may extend beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in the learned discipline.
• Licensed or licensure in progress in Maine.
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, processes, and their application to project work-related issues.
• Familiarity with building planning, drawing standards, design, and construction management, including restorative and new design.
• Competent creative, visualization, and technical drawing skills.
• Familiarity with sustainability and green-building design concepts, including reducing or eliminating hazardous substances and greenhouse gas generation.
• Strong familiarity with relevant building and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Analytical mindset and sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-leadership, attention to detail and accuracy, and ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency in technical writing, office automation, technology, mathematical principles, graphics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software such as AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Prior design experience.
• Membership in and/or active participation in local professional practice organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and scoping of medium- to large-sized building projects, including preparing architectural drawings and visualizations.
• Collect and analyze site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information for design and construction planning.
• Research and inspect proposed and existing site conditions to verify compliance with design standards and permitting requirements.
• Contribute to concept development and design strategies that prioritize safety, functionality, and future-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on construction layout, material selection, cost estimation, and project scheduling.
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, renderings, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations for design interpretation and presentation.
• Maintain quality-control standards for measurements, documentation, and design accuracy.
• Support feasibility studies and risk assessments related to design and construction challenges.
• Assist with project visualization and prepare design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents.
• Produce documentation related to materials, installation methods, feasibility, and construction technologies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Retirement savings.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation or other personal time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

What This Job Offers

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