Senior Project Architect

Parette Somjen Architects LLC•Rockaway Township, NJ

3d•$110,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Project Architect (SPA) is a licensed architect with at least 10–12 years of experience as a Project Architect, competent in conventional aspects of architectural practice, with an emphasis on technical implementation of project design and coaching junior staff. The SPA is responsible for the overall quality of the design and deliverables produced by their studio, exercises independent judgment and critical thinking, adapts firm and practice standards to project requirements, and brings a diverse working knowledge of related disciplines. The SPA leads development of contract documents for studio projects and supervises and guides project teams. The position spans project phases from existing-conditions surveys and design through construction documents and contract administration. The SPA coordinates with studio leadership, project managers, clients, consultants, governmental agencies, and team members; supports schedules and workload planning; ensures document quality and compliance with firm standards; and signs and seals documents prepared under their supervision. The SPA also provides technical guidance during construction, mentors and develops staff, and pursues continuing education to maintain licensure. The role is full-time and hybrid (office/remote), with required travel to sites. Work may involve visiting active construction areas and performing physical activities including climbing stairs and ladders, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Architectural licensure in the state where the office is located.
Advanced knowledge of architectural detailing, current construction standards, and associated building-trade collaboration processes, including design-build and design-assist.
Advanced experience translating architectural concept design into contract documents, including specification writing and coordination.
Advanced knowledge of agency review processes and ability to complete entitlement and permitting processes successfully.
Advanced knowledge of construction contract administration processes.
Ability to lead communication efforts with clients and team members.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, and other business software and their application to contract documents.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasional stair and ladder climbing, use of construction personnel hoists, navigating construction areas, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

10 years of experience as a Project Architect is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate, current timesheets and submit them weekly; attend and participate in staff meetings, daily huddles, and PM/APM meetings.
Complete and process project paperwork in a timely manner, including printing, copying, mailings, filing, and electronic submissions.
Coordinate with and provide feedback to the Studio Lead, Senior Leadership, Job Captains, Assistant Project Managers, and other direct reports.
Assist the Studio Lead with project production schedules, workload planning, and staff assignments; help monitor technical staff performance and provide assessments.
Support staff development, industry knowledge, and architectural skills, including learning about relevant codes, technologies, and materials.
Ensure teams comply with PSA standards and use checklists; oversee studio work product and adherence to document standards and quality-assurance procedures, and recommend updates when needed.
Meet regularly with the Studio Lead, Project Managers, and peer Senior Project Architects to promote quality and limit rework.
Sign and seal documents prepared under the SPA’s supervision.
Attend project kick-off meetings and establish or confirm project goals, budget, schedule, resources, and guiding principles with the Studio Lead and team.
Assist with existing-conditions surveys, guide junior staff, confirm survey accuracy, verify site-specific requirements, and understand project criteria, design intent, scope, and client expectations.
Coordinate with the Studio Lead on project vision and design.
Oversee and guide programming, schematic design, design, design development, and construction documents; provide feedback on processes as needed.
Direct the building’s function, form, appearance, and materials in coordination with the Studio Lead, and set goals to keep the design team aligned with desired outcomes.
Coordinate with the Project Manager or Assistant Project Manager on drawing-set planning, code compliance and research, product research, and specification writing.
Lead project research to identify requirements and codes needed for compliance with authorities having jurisdiction.
Lead development of a preliminary “cartoon set” of drawings before preparation of contract documents.
Develop design solutions that adhere to established budgets and monitor and improve team members’ design contributions.
Review consultant work products for scope compliance and effective coordination among disciplines.
Guide final product selection and specification with the APM/PM throughout the project.
Provide peer reviews for other studios.
Lead development of project detailing needed to convey design intent and oversee work-product progress to support profitable delivery.
Monitor the progress, coordination, and quality of project documents, including consultant documents; review changes and corrections with team members.
Oversee preparation and submission of documents for agency review; coordinate agency comments, direct corrections and resubmissions for permit issuance, and coordinate with Studio Leads regarding construction codes.
Oversee preparation and issuance of bid documents, responses to contractor questions during bidding, and revisions or addenda as required.
Provide technical guidance to the team on RFIs, submittal reviews, and document revisions under the project’s construction-administration terms.
Attend construction meetings as needed and conduct site visits and inspections to monitor progress and resolve technical issues.
Actively expand technical knowledge, participate in continuing-education events and programs and the Soundboard Training Program, support junior team members, coach PMs and PAs, help develop APMs, mentor PAs, and maintain licensure through continuing education.
Maintain time management and organizational skills, meet agreed deadlines and time allocations, comply with company policies, adapt responsibilities as project needs change, and communicate effectively while working independently and collaboratively.