Senior Architect - Civic & Justice

Nelson • San Francisco, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

NELSON is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Senior Architect to join its Civic & Justice Practice. The role develops solutions to technical problems and leads multiple projects through design, construction-document production, and construction administration as part of a project team. The Senior Architect contributes across the design process, including programming, master planning, conceptual and schematic design, design development, 3D modeling, and implementation through construction documents and construction administration. The role requires experience with Civic & Justice projects, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, and courthouses; experience with municipalities, police and fire stations, city and county buildings, and other public works or public safety buildings is preferred.

The position combines project delivery and technical oversight with staff mentorship, client coordination, consultant and contractor coordination, and business-development support. The Senior Architect leads more complex projects, maintains licensure and professional development, and is expected to sustain a billable percentage of 90–95% or greater. The role requires an active California architect license, at least 12 years of industry experience, and a bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited university. The stated national average salary range is $100,000–$145,000 for 12+ years of experience; hiring compensation considers relevant experience, qualifications and licensure, education, and location. Additional compensation may include bonuses and benefits.

Requirements

• Active California architect license.
• Minimum 12 years of industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Experience with Civic & Justice projects is required.
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, SpecLink, Newforma, SketchUp, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Advanced knowledge of building life-safety and ADA codes.
• Extensive understanding of design, design trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer and 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, 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.

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 and share knowledge across the studio and NELSON staff.
• Mentor staff, including interns, and contribute as a team leader when needed.
• Support efforts to develop and promote a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment.
• Assist with proposal and contract documents and contribute to each project's work plan.
• Prepare and oversee conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
• Conduct field surveys as required and generate overall project design concepts.
• Develop design concepts into design development sets and complete construction drawings.
• Oversee material research and project-data compilation and prepare project specifications.
• Communicate with project team members and independently resolve drawing discrepancies.
• Coordinate and incorporate work from internal and external project consultants.
• Oversee preparation of addenda and bulletin documentation; review shop drawings; and sign and seal drawings as needed.
• Review, respond to, and track RFIs; attend construction meetings; conduct site-observation visits as required by contract; and prepare and update punch lists as required.
• Follow NELSON standards and QA procedures, reviewing and correcting personal work and project-team work, including consultant work.
• Review applicable building codes and standards, including accessibility standards; prepare zoning and building-code analyses; and assist with timely submissions to authorities having jurisdiction.
• Oversee maintenance and archiving of electronic project files.
• Understand project scope, identify work beyond the original scope, and alert the Project Lead; 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 help resolve design and detailing challenges; lead more complex projects.
• Maintain secondary client contact as backup to the primary contact.
• Support secondary marketing by maintaining good relationships with client contacts and attending interviews as requested.
• Maintain licensure through continuing education and enhance required software skills through in-house training and billable work.
• Maintain an ongoing billable percentage of 90–95% or greater.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision health benefits
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs
• Professional development, including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional-organization memberships
• Bonuses, which may include a Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, and profit sharing

What This Job Offers

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