Project Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Project Architect - Job Description

The Project Architect at Improve Group (IG) leads the development of specific architectural projects from concept through construction administration, while actively supporting client engagement, team collaboration, and internal process improvement. With a strong foundation in both design and technical execution, the Project Architect contributes to revenue growth, strengthens our market position, spearheads design initiations, and mentors other emerging professionals within our team.

The Project Architect will be the predominantly focused on projects within the Commercial sector but will also support key project engagements within the DoD/Federal sector. The project Architect will also participate in and support IG’s early project OMEGA engagements with clients in order to drive alignment of project vision, goals and design methods.

This position will be based in our Albuquerque, New Mexico office, with opportunities for a hybrid work schedule. There will be occasional travel within the US involved, estimated to be less than 15%.

The Project Architect is integral to Improve Group’s future, growth, and position within the design and construction industry.  By providing professional architectural and design services, this position enhances our impact and greatly expands the opportunity for revenue and scale in our expanding business.  It allows IG to deliver integrated projects to our clients, while improving our internal process, critical thinking, and design of the built environment.

Role and Responsibilities:

·       Project Vision + Planning – Identify project design vision and technical requirements. Oversee and review preparation of construction drawings and bid sheets; this includes the preparation and distribution of stamped documents, when required, that assist in delivery of projects. Lead approval and entitlement project engagements associated with project development.

·       Client + Sales Support – Support business development and sales through education and the management of customer expectations around project deliverables. Assist in managing stakeholder communications during the entire life cycle of a project, which includes providing fee proposals and fee structures to clients and consultants.

·       Communication + Partnerships – Promote empowerment of the team to ensure that the design vision is successfully communicated.  Participate in maintaining and developing vendor and partner relationships (in conjunction with IG) as part of the overall project life cycle.

·       Team Building – Work collaboratively within teams to support a highly effective and technically proficient design team.  Through mentorship, project reviews and process development, enable other team members to grow and develop critical problem solving and design thinking skills.

Specific Skills:

·       Develop BIM construction drawings and/or renderings to fully represent an integrated project vision at appropriate design phases: programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, construction administration, etc.

·       7-10 years of professional experience as a technical project architect, experience in commercial design is required. Must have experience across a variety of project types, including public sector and publicly bid projects such as federal, recreational, municipal, library, K–12, and higher education developments.

·       Possess a strong knowledge and understanding of client needs with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of client trust and confidence.

·       Possess strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate and manage multiple internal team members, consultants and sub-contractors.

·       Provide oversight and development of drawings, bids and proposals that comply within regulatory requirements of a specific project.

·       Proficiency in Revit and BIM and other architectural software in Autodesk, MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Suite.

·       A curious mindset, willing to ask the right questions to provide customers with the best possible solution.

·       Ability to complete a full set of construction documents, with past experience leading the successful execution of drawing sets for building permit.

·       Knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures.

·       Ability to understand how buildings are constructed and to create technical documents that succinctly describe the work to be done.

·       Exceptional leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship management skills.

·       Ability to balance multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

·       Professional terminal degree in Architecture required. Masters preferred.

·       Support and mentor emerging professionals, fostering their development in architectural best practices and project execution.

·       Candidates must be either a licensed architect or on the path to licensure.

·       Ability to travel as needed for job sites, building department meetings, and client discussions.

·       Ability to live our four Inside-Out Company Commitments:

o   Be the Advocate

o   Be Unreasonable

o   Be Vulnerable

o   Be Bonded

·       Must be legally authorized to work in the US without employer sponsorship.

·       Clean driving record with proof of insurance and valid driver’s license.

·       Ability to gain access into a DoD facility.

Compensation Structure:

• Competitive Base Salary ($80,000-$100,000)
  
• Participation in the Employee Company Bonus (Annual)
  
• Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). An ESOP is an employer funded program that enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for, through granted stocks to employees.
  
• 401K retirement company match
  
• Medical (90% premium company paid, for employee), dental, vision, company covered life insurance and disability (short and long term), optional additional life insurance
  
• Relocation support may be offered for qualified candidates relocating to New Mexico
• Annual company-wide event to celebrate our culture and connect with the entire workforce
  
• PTO and Holidays
  

Improve Group Company Overview:

Improve Group is a construction innovator with millions of dollars under contract, new modular construction technology, unheard of completion speeds, and an unrivaled integrated process. We want to continue to grow while improving the lives of more people and organizations. We are willing to take risks, innovate, and move quickly, which makes us confident we’ll not only reach our vision for growth, but will ensure our continued success for the long term. Leaders here must be willing to move fast, serve the team before serving the self and invest in building a strong culture. In our fast-paced work environment, that’s not always easy, but we have a great team and a deep sense for the purpose of what we’re trying to achieve.