Principal Architect / Senior Principal Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking an experienced Principal Architect to lead architectural design efforts across our Northeast Region and support the expanding needs of our clients in the water and wastewater sector. In this architectural leadership role, you will guide and elevate the architectural components of multidisciplinary project teams—overseeing design quality, technical rigor, and integration—while contributing to the planning, design, permitting, and construction of facilities that support and protect critical water infrastructure.

The Principal Architect will oversee a diverse portfolio of projects within the “water space,” including but not limited to:

• Drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Water resource and conveyance structures
• Associated buildings such as administrative spaces, laboratories, and operational support facilities
• Renovation, rehabilitation, and historic restoration of existing facilities and structures

You will play a key role in shaping design strategy, elevating architectural excellence, and ensuring successful project delivery from concept through construction.

A sample of Hazen’s Architectural Design can be viewed on our website:

Hazen and Sawyer | Architectural Design

Why Hazen and Sawyer:

• Founded in 1951 by the son of Allen Hazen (developer of the Hazen-Williams equation), we are an employee-owned company with a singular focus on "all things water."
• Our work includes planning, design, and oversight of construction of environmental infrastructure – for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.
• We foster a work environment low on bureaucracy and high in creativity.
• We recruit talented professionals, provide them with challenging, interesting, and creative assignments, and furnish them with the tools they need to succeed.
• We currently have over 2,000 employees in 70+ offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Canada, and the UK.
• Our Architectural group delivers the personalized service of a small studio backed by the deep resources of a full-service, multidisciplinary firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead architectural design from schematic development through construction‑ready documents, ensuring precise technical detailing, appropriate material selection, construction sequencing, and high‑quality specifications. 
• Review, refine, and integrate architectural details to ensure constructability, clarity, durability, and full alignment with project goals and standards
• Collaborate with engineering, estimating, project management, and field staff to produce fully integrated and constructible designs.
• Coordinate with consultants, AHJs, and code officials to ensure regulatory compliance with construction requirements.
• Conduct existing conditions assessments and prepare design and technical reports for water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Lead renovation, adaptive reuse, and historic restoration efforts, including evaluation of structural and architectural integrity, preservation of architectural features, and integration with modern building systems.
• Perform construction administration tasks, including submittal review, responding to RFI’s, site inspections, and field clarifications.
• Participate in cost estimating, scheduling, and value engineering efforts to improve constructability and project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Architecture or BS in Architectural Technology degree from U.S. accredited university
• NYS Registered Architect or NCARB Certification
• 8-10 years of architectural experience with a strong emphasis on detailing and constructability for infrastructure or public works projects
• Demonstrated experience with public bid projects, including budget, schedule, and quality oversight.
• Deep understanding of building systems integration (Architectural, Structural, MEP, Civil).
• Proven ability to develop technical, constructible details and understand construction methods and materials.
• Proficiency with building codes, environmental regulations, and sustainable design principles.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Hands-on experience in construction administration and field coordination.
• Ability to identify and resolve constructability and detailing issues early in design.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills to clearly convey design intent.
• Experience with building renovations, rehabilitations, or historic preservation projects.
• Commitment to quality assurance, technical accuracy, and constructible solutions throughout all phases of a project.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans)
• Pre-tax flexible spending plans for medical, dependent care, and transportation
• Short and long-term disability, and employer paid life insurance
• Paid holidays, floating holidays, and paid time off (PTO)
• Employer-contributed 401(k) plan and additional financial planning support
• Professional growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, in-house training, and incentives for professional registration and professional organization memberships
• Starting pay range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and geographical location

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered.