Senior Architect - K-12

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Architect – K-12

Overview
VCBO Architecture is seeking a Senior Architect to join our K–12 Education team. This role is ideal for an experienced architect who enjoys leading teams, mentoring others, and designing innovative learning environments that positively impact students, educators, and communities.

You'll work with a high level of autonomy, mentor staff, and help advance design quality and technical excellence while partnering with school districts, consultants, and project teams to deliver innovative educational facilities.

About VCBO

VCBO is an award-winning architecture firm based in downtown Salt Lake City. Our work spans education, civic, healthcare, religious, and commercial projects, with a focus on strengthening communities through thoughtful design.

Our K–12 team partners with school districts and communities to create safe, flexible, and inspiring learning environments that support evolving educational needs. We believe great schools strengthen communities, and we're committed to designing spaces that enhance student success for generations.

We value mentorship, professional growth, and balance, and support a studio culture that's both design-driven and genuinely human (yes, including a 9/80 schedule option and the occasional office dodgeball game).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, technical direction, and documentation for complex K–12 education projects.
• Mentor and guide project teams, supporting both design excellence and technical rigor.
• Coordinate closely with school districts, consultants, and internal staff to align project vision, execution, schedules, and budgets.
• Oversee quality and consistency from concept through construction, ensuring design intent, code compliance, and technical excellence.
• Represent the firm in client presentations, community meetings, and stakeholder engagements, building strong, lasting relationships.
• Support project pursuits, interviews, and proposal development.
• Contribute to studio standards, technical initiatives, and best practices.
• Foster collaboration and mentor emerging architects and designers within the K–12 studio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field
• Typically 8–15 years of professional experience
• Proficiency in Revit; familiarity with additional design tools (SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite) a plus
• Strong knowledge of building codes, construction documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Proven ability to lead project components and mentor team members
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills