Project Architect

Project Architect

Education Level: Master of Architecture (required)

Experience: 5+ years

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (in-person)

Position Type: Full-time, On-site, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Minimal travel

Description: The McFate Group is seeking a Project Architect to join our in-house design team and work directly with construction leadership on negotiated, real-world projects. We are an award winning and fast-growing commercial and industrial design-build firm delivering complex projects across the Midwest and Texas. This position will require working closely with project team members and Directors to successfully produce articulate and technically strong project documents in order to execute quality projects. The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication, design, technical, and organizational skills, has 5 to 10 years of experience leading projects across the commercial, industrial, civic and heritage sectors, has experience in new construction and adaptive use renovations, and is experienced in all phases of design and construction. This role is ideal for an architect who wants to design projects that actually get built—with direct influence over cost, schedule, and constructability.

Qualifications:

• Licensed Architect or strong candidate actively pursuing licensure.
• 5–10+ years professional architectural experience.
• Design-build delivery experience strongly preferred.
• Experience participating and presenting in client meetings and sub-consultant coordination.
• High Proficiency in Revit, with extensive knowledge of BIM.
• Strong understanding of codes, building systems, and constructability.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working in project team environments.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, collaborative, builder-focused environment.
• Demonstrated and recognized expertise in technical detailing, project-related material research, and complex problem solving on all project scales.
• Capable of creating a team atmosphere leading to successful completion of projects.
• Excellent communication skills in design, graphics, and presentation.

Market Sector Experience:

• Commercial, civic, and specialty buildings.
• Athletic and sports and entertainment facilities.
• Industrial & warehouse facilities.
• Aviation & transportation projects.

Responsibilities:

• Manage client relations on assigned key projects as acting project architect and manage development of projects from pre-design through project completion to meet project goals including aspirational design, budget, and schedule.
• Engage directly with owners and decision-makers, and maintain contact with clients, consultants, and contractors during all project phases and participate in marketing, client and owner presentations as required.
• Work directly with Architect and Project Managers, Estimators, and Superintendents
• Produce and coordinate Revit-based construction documents.
• Contribute to the preparation of quality design documents including detailed construction documents that result in complete submissions for all phases of a project (Support programming, schematic design, and feasibility studies) and are compliant with design intent and project scope, schedule, and cost requirements.
• Ensure that all aspects of code and life safety issues are addressed throughout the entire design process and coordinate with teams and external consultants.
• Collaborate with and coordinate work from consultants to ensure integrated project documents that support project design and performance goals.
• Provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control leadership, integrating activities with the Firm's QA/QC protocols.
• Perform construction administration duties such as review of shop drawings, product data, and material samples for conformance with design intent, response to RFIs, and review of pay applications and change orders.

Benefits:

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Health and dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Why You Should Apply:

• True design-build integration (no silos, no handoffs).
• Real authority and visibility on impactful projects.
• Opportunity to help scale an in-house architecture group.
• Competitive compensation + performance incentives.
• Long-term growth as we expand into new markets.

Known for delivering innovative, high-quality spaces across multiple industries, our integrated approach blends creativity, functionality, and expert project management to bring our clients' visions to life. As we continue to grow, we're looking for candidates that can be a team player with strong industry knowledge, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to get things done.

We offer a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact. This position is an excellent opportunity that promotes career development and employee success, and we're offering a competitive salary based on experience and ability. Join a team that values craftsmanship, integrity, and continuous improvement—both in our projects and in our people.