Project Architect - Life Sciences

Project Architect

LJC is seeking an experienced Project Architect to join our Life Sciences practice. This role is responsible for the technical leadership, coordination, and execution of architectural design for complex, regulated life sciences facilities, with a primary focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing environments.

The Life Sciences Project Architect plays a critical role in translating client operational and technical requirements into compliant, efficient, and constructible facility designs. Working closely with project managers, process architects, engineers, and construction teams, this position supports projects from early planning through construction administration while maintaining design quality, regulatory compliance, and schedule alignment.

The specifics of the role include:

• Leading the architectural design and technical execution of life sciences manufacturing projects, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities.
• Translating client operational workflows, regulatory requirements, and technical criteria into effective architectural solutions for highly regulated environments.
• Providing architectural expertise in programming, feasibility studies, facility planning, cleanroom design, process adjacencies, and material and personnel flows.
• Supporting and guiding architectural teams through all phases of design, including programming, planning, feasibility, concept development, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including project managers, process architects, lab planners, engineers, and construction partners, to deliver coordinated design solutions.
• Ensuring architectural designs comply with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements, including cGMP, FDA, EU pharmaceutical regulations, and ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.
• Reviewing and approving architectural drawings, details, and specifications to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project requirements.
• Supporting project managers in maintaining design schedules, managing scope, and addressing coordination issues as they arise.
• Participating in client meetings, design reviews, and technical presentations, supporting clear communication and client confidence.
• Conducting regular quality checks on architectural deliverables to maintain high standards of design and documentation.
• Mentoring and supporting junior architectural staff, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and professional development.
• Staying current with life sciences industry trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in facility design.

Requirements include:

• Minimum of 7+ years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on life sciences manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated facility types.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect with an active professional license (required).
• Demonstrated experience delivering architectural design for regulated environments, including cleanrooms and controlled manufacturing spaces.
• Strong understanding of life sciences regulatory requirements, including cGMP, FDA, EU pharmaceutical guidelines, and ISO cleanroom standards.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and related architectural design and documentation tools.
• Solid technical and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including participation in client-facing discussions and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to mentor junior staff and contribute positively to a collaborative team culture.

Some things you should know:

• Our clients and projects are nationwide.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

Why Clayco and LJC?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders – Data Center Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits:

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs.

Compensation:

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $105,000 – 125,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).