Senior Architect - Civic & Justice

NELSON Worldwide • San Jose, CA

2d • $100,000 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

NELSON is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Senior Architect to join its Civic & Justice Practice. The Senior Architect develops solutions to technical problems and leads multiple projects through design, construction document production, and construction administration as part of a project team. The role requires leadership and collaboration across all phases of design, including programming, master planning, conceptual and schematic design, design development, 3D modeling, and implementation through construction documents and construction administration. The architect coordinates with clients, consultants, contractors, and project team members. Experience with Civic & Justice projects is required, particularly correctional facilities, detention centers, or courthouses. Experience with municipalities, police and fire stations, city and county buildings, and other public works or public safety buildings is preferred.

The Senior Architect provides technical guidance and mentorship, leads complex projects, supports project delivery and client relationships, and contributes to business development. The role includes maintaining an active California architect license and continuing professional development. Billable expectations are 90%–95% or greater on an ongoing basis. The position offers a national average salary range of $100,000–$145,000 for candidates with 12 or more years of experience; compensation depends on relevant experience, qualifications and licensure, education, and location. Additional compensation may include bonuses, such as long- and short-term incentive plans and profit sharing.

Requirements

• Active California architect license.
• Minimum 12 years of industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Required experience with Civic & Justice projects.
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, SpecLink, Newforma, SketchUp, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Advanced knowledge of building life safety and ADA codes.
• Extensive understanding of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer/supplier appropriateness.
• Good understanding of project budgets and schedules.
• Extensive knowledge of building regulations, life safety codes, ADA requirements, the construction process, design techniques and tools for construction document production, product specifications, and detailing.
• Good knowledge of MS Project, Newforma Project Center, Deltek Vantagepoint, and LEED and WELL requirements.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with municipalities, police and fire stations, city and county buildings, and other public works or public safety buildings.

Responsibilities

• Assist project teams with design and technical questions; share expertise with NELSON staff and mentor staff, including interns.
• Contribute as a team leader as needed, supporting individual performance and development within project teams.
• Support creation of a diverse workforce and an inclusive work 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 complete design development sets and construction drawings.
• Oversee material research and compilation of project data, incorporating findings throughout the project.
• Prepare project specifications and coordinate project team members to resolve drawing discrepancies.
• Coordinate and incorporate work from internal and external project consultants.
• Oversee preparation of addenda and bulletin documentation; review shop drawings; sign and seal drawings as needed.
• Review, respond to, and track RFIs.
• Attend construction meetings and make periodic site observation visits as required by contract; prepare and update punch lists as required.
• Follow NELSON standards for deliverables and review and correct personal and project-team work in accordance with QA procedures.
• Review and understand applicable building codes and standards, including accessibility standards; prepare zoning and building code analyses and reviews.
• Assist with timely drawing submissions to authorities having jurisdiction and oversee maintenance and archiving of electronic project files.
• Understand project scope, identify items beyond the original scope of services, and bring them to the Project Lead's attention.
• Draft client agreement and subconsultant agreement change orders as directed by the Project Leader.
• Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and phone conversation notes to document project processes and client directions; attend project meetings.
• Share knowledge with teammates and assist with design and detailing challenges; lead more complex projects.
• Maintain secondary client contact as backup to the primary contact.
• Support secondary marketing by maintaining good working relationships with client contacts and attend interviews when requested by team leaders, studio directors, or managing directors.
• Maintain licensure through continuing education and enhance required software skills through in-house training and billable work.
• Enhance management and communication skills and maintain an ongoing billable percentage of 90%–95% or greater.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Full health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities.
• Pet insurance.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs.
• Professional development support, including discretionary reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional organization memberships.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Additional compensation may include bonuses, including long-term incentive plan, short-term incentive plan, and profit sharing.

What This Job Offers

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