Senior Project Architect

About Our Studio

Mani Colaku Architects is an established and growing architectural practice in NYC, dedicated to the realization of structures that transcend time. Led by Principal Mani Colaku, RA, the firm operates on the philosophy of the Master Builder. We believe that true architecture is found in precise technical moments where raw materials meet human experience. Informed by 30 years of professional expertise, including 25 years of practice in New York and five years in Germany, we approach every project with a reverence for permanence. We specialize in highly custom, high-end residential projects, ground-up new developments and cultural spaces.

Why Mani Colaku Architects?

• Lead and work directly on high-end residential, hospitality, and cultural projects in NYC and abroad.
• Experience a collaborative studio environment where your senior leadership shapes project success and team culture.
• Drive projects from initial concept through complex field administration.
• Benefit from active opportunities for professional advancement, strategic studio involvement, licensure support, and a clear path for personal growth and future leadership roles within the firm.

Role Overview & Responsibilities

As a Senior Architect, you will manage high-end residential projects, oversee technical production, and direct construction administration. The ideal candidate enjoys working collaboratively and methodically, with a strong aptitude for management.

• Project & Team Leadership: Direct project teams from kickoff to completion. Effectively delegate tasks and mentor staff in technical documentation, coordination, and construction standards.
• Design & Technical Execution: Guide design direction and develop comprehensive contract documents for ground-up high-end residential projects. Produce and review highly technical details for exterior envelopes, windows, doors, waterproofing, foundations, stairs, complex millwork and interior conditions.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Conduct quality assurance and quality control to ensure compliance with office standards, codes, and zoning. Manage drawing sets through all phases, maintaining strict accuracy and completeness.
• Project Coordination: Manage the internal team and an extensive network of consultants. Lead coordination meetings, redline drawings, and align all trades while monitoring project progress.
• Construction Administration: Lead job-site meetings, review shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs, and resolve field conditions with accuracy, working closely with the principal, engineers, fabricators and builders.

Qualifications & Requirements

We are expanding our team and seeking a Senior Architect with 15+ years of experience who possesses a sharp eye for technical precision, proven leadership capabilities, and a passion for the craft of building luxury residential projects.

• 12+ years of experience in general architectural practice, with a deep focus on ground-up, high-end residential projects.
• Professional degree in architecture from a US-accredited school. Registered Architect preferred.
• Proven project management background managing high-end residential work from concept through Construction Administration.
• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of construction assemblies, detailing, millwork, waterproofing, and code compliance. Must possess deep expertise in NY high-end residential construction, NYC zoning laws, and DOB filing protocols.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing projects, consultants, clients, and budgets.
• Thorough knowledge of Revit and proficiency in AutoCAD required; Rhino modeling is a plus.
• Comprehensive design and documentation skills, including hand drawing and sketching.
• Valid US work authorization and fluency in English are a must.

The expected base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and credentials.