Lead Architect/ Architectural Designer

WSP

3d • 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 documentation such as 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 development and scoping for medium- to large-sized building projects and supports design and construction planning through site research, analysis, multidisciplinary coordination, feasibility work, and technical documentation. The role may require occasional travel and schedules extending beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific needs.

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 and processes, 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, mathematics, graphics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software such as AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Ability to travel occasionally as project-specific requirements may require.

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 preparation of architectural drawings and visualizations.
• Collect and analyze site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information to support design and construction planning.
• Research and inspect proposed and existing site conditions to ensure 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 contribute to design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents.
• Produce clear and accurate documentation concerning materials, installation methods, feasibility, and construction technologies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• 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