Project Architect - Residential CA Specialist

Project Architect

Lamar Johnson Collaborative is seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Architect to join our team. As a Project Architect, you will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the design and execution of a variety of projects from conception to completion.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead construction administration from IFC issuance through substantial completion and closeout, serving as the day-to-day architectural point of contact for the contractor, owner, and consultant team.
• Complete and refine construction document packages, including the production and issuance of IFC sets, permit revisions, addenda, bulletins, and supplemental drawings as projects move into and through construction.
• Review and respond to RFIs, process submittals and shop drawings, and issue ASIs providing clear, code-compliant, and constructible direction within established turnaround times, and tracking responses to resolution.
• Conduct site visits and field observations, documenting progress, identifying deviations from the documents, generating field reports, and developing and tracking punch lists through completion.
• Lead and coordinate development of construction documents with project team, engineers, consultants, and builder
• Coordinate across disciplines (structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and specialty consultants) to identify and resolve conflicts.
• Partner with the Project Manager to track schedule, budget and manage risk.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to understand needs and manage expectations throughout the project.
• Mentor and direct junior architectural staff and drafters, reviewing their work for quality, accuracy, and adherence to office standards while helping develop the next generation of project architects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect with a current license or nearing licensure.
• Minimum of 10 years of architectural experience with a focus on multifamily and/or student housing projects and demonstrated experience with Construction Administration.
• Demonstrated experience with both Type V wood-frame and Type I construction, including podium and mid-rise residential typologies.
• Working knowledge of the IBC, accessibility standards (ADA/FHA), and the CA process (RFIs, submittals, ASIs, change orders, punch lists, closeout).
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, and/or similar document and field-management platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with contractors, consultants, and ownership.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and team members.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – travel will be part of the job.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile projects.
• 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 Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green 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 and more!

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. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.