Senior Project Architect V - PreK-12

Job Description

Job Description

About HED:

We are a nationwide team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about kindness, aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening and learning from each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Our culture is guided by six core values:

• Do It as a Team – We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration, trust, and shared accountability across disciplines and project teams.
• Be You With Us – We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work.
• Make a Mark – We are driven to create meaningful impact through design, delivering projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.
• Embrace Change – We approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, continuously evolving our thinking, processes, and solutions.
• Thrive With Growth – We invest in mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering our people to reach their full potential.
• Strive for Performance – We pursue excellence in design, technical execution, client service, and project delivery, holding ourselves to the highest standards.

When you join HED, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Design impactful educational environments that serve students, educators, and communities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and high-performing solutions.
• Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture that values mentorship, professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances autonomy with meaningful in-person collaboration.
• Be part of a team committed to design excellence, technical rigor, and creating lasting positive impact.

Primary Function:

The Architect V / Senior Project Architect is a senior-level technical professional responsible for leading complex scopes and large-scale projects from concept through construction. This role requires expert knowledge of building systems, detailing, codes, and construction processes, with a proven record of delivering technically sound work in their our PreK-12 Education Sector. The Architect V / Senior Project Architect role manages all technical aspects of a project, supervises production teams, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. This role includes responsibility for signing and sealing work prepared under their direct supervision and oversight.

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives. Our Pre K-12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. You'll collaborate with other architects, engineers, planners, and designers across disciplines to deliver meaningful projects that make a lasting impact.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead project planning and coordination of the architectural design effort, including development and ongoing management of the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Oversee the production of coordinated construction documents, ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and adherence to firm quality standards as defined by the HED Design Process
• Direct Coordination across disciplines and manage internal teams and external consultants to maintain alignment with design intent, project goals, and schedules
• Ensure regulatory compliance through code analysis and interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including permitting and resolution of code-related issues
• Lead material, product, and systems research to inform detailing, specifications, and performance-based design decisions; integrate findings into project standards
• Manage construction administration activities, including site visits, RFIs, submittal reviews, and field coordination to ensure built work aligns with design intent
• Serve as Architect of Record with the authority to sign and seal drawings and documents prepared under your direct supervision
• Passion and for inspiring and motivating others
• Mentor and develop architectural staff across multiple project teams and support their professional growth

Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year degree). Active architectural license required
• NCARB certification preferred
• LEED Accreditation preferred
• Minimum 15+ years of professional experience with a strong emphasis on technical project delivery
• Extensive experience leading large, complex projects through all phases
• Proficiency in Revit preferred
• Experience with UpCodes and RIB Speclink preferred
• Sector-specific expertise in PreK-12 project building typology

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing, verbally, and visually via phone, video conferencing, and in-person
• Must have visual acuity to read and interpret drawings, documents, and digital content on screens and paper

Work Environment:

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture
• The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.