Senior Project Architect (Cincinnati/Columbus, OH or Greensboro, NC)

Job Description

Job Description

About SHP

At SHP, we design more than just buildings - we create experiences that inspire people to learn, work, and connect. With a legacy that spans over 120 years, SHP is a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm committed to shaping environments that positively impact communities and improve lives.

Our work is driven by purpose, fueled by curiosity, and built on collaboration. From visionary schools and innovative workplaces to civic and cultural spaces, we approach every project with creativity, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusion.

We're proud to offer a workplace culture that values people as much as process. At SHP, you'll find a team that supports your growth, challenges your thinking, and celebrates your contributions. Whether you're designing, engineering, managing, or supporting our projects, your work will matter - and so will you.

Join us, and help shape what's next.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Project Architect at SHP, you'll lead the architectural process from programming through construction, contributing deep technical expertise and mentorship across multiple public and private sector projects-including libraries, civic spaces, and community-driven developments. This role offers the opportunity to develop a specialty within the firm, serving as a go-to resource for complex systems, materials, or project types.

You'll influence design precision, streamline quality assurance practices, and help ensure that our construction documentation reduces downstream challenges and leads to successful builds. You'll work side-by-side with project teams, consultants, and clients to solve problems, bringing accuracy, clarity, and leadership to every phase of work.

This is an ideal role for an experienced architect who enjoys balancing multiple priorities, mentoring others, and engaging with the broader profession through community boards, AIA involvement, or subject-specific networks. If you're looking to deepen your impact and help shape SHP's architectural standards and future leaders, we'd love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, typically 3–5, depending on size and complexity.
• Oversee the full architectural process, from early programming through construction administration.
• Mentor project architects and emerging professionals through technical coaching, delegation, and quality feedback.
• Provide advanced technical knowledge in the development of construction documents for a range of building types and systems, including masonry and steel structures.
• Serve as a technical leader and contributor in market sectors such as libraries, public buildings, and institutional projects.
• Influence firmwide QA/QC standards and lead architecture team sessions on focused topics tied to your expertise.
• Manage and coordinate work across multidisciplinary consultant teams, ensuring design intent is respected and issues are identified and resolved early.
• Maintain a strong presence in the professional community through participation in boards, committees, or AIA chapters (e.g., AIA Cincinnati, AIA Ohio).
• Contribute to a collaborative design process from day one-ensuring clarity, consistency, and communication throughout every phase.

Key Requirements

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture required.
• Architectural licensure required.
• LEED accreditation or familiarity with sustainable design practices is a plus.

Experience

• Proven experience managing architectural projects from schematic design through construction administration.
• Demonstrated depth in public and private markets, with strong knowledge of civic, cultural, or library work.
• Experience working across diverse building systems and materials, including complex structural types.
• Strong history of delivering precise, buildable construction documents with minimal corrections needed.
• Active involvement in professional or civic boards (e.g., zoning, non-profits, AIA committees) preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam
• Familiarity with AI-based design tools and emerging technologies is a plus.
• Understanding of code, permitting, and consultant coordination best practices.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Ability to lead and support diverse project teams and mentor junior staff.
• Clear time management skills, with the ability to prioritize strategically rather than reactively.
• Collaborative spirit, with a commitment to solving problems and delivering high-quality work.

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable leading client meetings, consultant coordination efforts, and internal technical reviews.

Location & Travel Expectations

This role is based in one of our physical office locations-Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; or Greensboro, NC-and is ideal for candidates who thrive in a highly collaborative, in person environment. Being onsite allows for deeper day to day engagement with peers and project teams, faster decision making, and organic moments of creativity and mentorship that emerge through shared space.

At the same time, many of our most meaningful opportunities-client-facing and internal-happen beyond the walls of the office. Travel is a key part of how we build relationships, gather insight from the people we design for, and bring our ideas to life alongside clients and partners. Whether it's participating in discovery sessions, facilitating workshops, or gaining on the ground understanding of a project's context, travel enables us to show up where it matters.

Candidates for this role should be willing and able to travel as needed, often with short notice, to support firmwide priorities, strengthen client connections, and grow their impact across markets. We view this flexibility as a way to expand visibility, build trust, and access the kind of hands-on experiences that fuel career growth.

SHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.