Project Architect - Federal Practice

Project Architect Opportunity

GPD Group is currently seeking a Project Architect for our Virginia Beach, VA office location to support GPD's mission in our Federal practice. Join GPD Group, where our purpose is to improve the well-being of our employees, clients, communities, and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build with clients. Our employee ownership structure fosters a non-hierarchical collaborative work environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and creativity to the betterment of the organization and our clients. This structure also enables each associate to explore and expand their talents, reach their full potential, and deliver to the core traits that guide GPD Group and allow us to deliver successfully for our clients. For over 65 years, GPD Group has been providing architectural, engineering, and planning services to clients across the United States. With a diverse team of 870+ professionals working in 14 different offices, it is our passion for our work and our commitment to our purpose that unites us.

Position Summary

The position will be to provide design leadership and technical expertise for federal projects from concept through completion. This role is ideal for an experienced architect who thrives in highly regulated environments and is passionate about delivering secure, compliant, and high-quality design solutions for government clients. The Architect leads multidisciplinary teams, serves as a trusted advisor to federal clients, and ensures all project deliverables meet stringent federal standards, agency requirements, and firm quality expectations. You will actively mentor design teams in multiple facets of project types. This position plays a critical role in shaping project success through strong leadership, technical oversight, and comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Project Managers and Contract Managers, lead the planning and architectural design of federal and military projects, demonstrating technical expertise and the ability to independently manage design challenges.
• Conduct building conditions assessments and building surveys.
• Lead and collaborate closely with internal disciplines and external stakeholders to promote effective communication and coordination throughout all phases of federal project delivery.
• Serve as a primary client liaison, working directly with federal agencies and project teams to define, communicate, and refine project scope while translating client objectives into successful design implementation.
• Apply expert knowledge of federal, state, and local architectural codes, standards, and regulations, including agency-specific criteria, to resolve design issues and ensure full regulatory compliance.
• Review, coordinate, and refine work produced by project team members to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with federal design standards, agency guidelines, and project objectives.
• Coordinate final Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) reviews to verify that all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and federal client requirements prior to submission.
• Complete as-built documentation as required by the governing agency and/or client.
• Provide expert technical advice for mission-specific infrastructure such as barracks, command centers, hangers, and hardened defense systems.
• Support in the pursuit of new projects and support the team in proposal development, scope definition, and labor-hour estimating, providing technical insight aligned with federal procurement processes.
• Mentor and guide architectural staff, fostering professional development, technical excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Some travel will be required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Architecture (5-year program) or Master of Architecture (6-year program) from a NAAB-accredited institution is required.
• Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of job-related experience.
• Licensure/Certification: Registered Architect (RA) with NCARB certification required.
• A valid Drivers License is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills that promote collaboration and project success.
• Thorough understanding of security and anti-terrorism compliance.
• Familiar with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) to ensure DoD design are compliant across all branches.
• Advanced understanding in Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Sketch-Up, Photoshop, and other related software programs.
• Understanding of design-build and other project delivery methods.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet project deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving, organizational skills, strong management capabilities, and a good understanding of construction documents and constructability
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a project team.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, open office work environment and across multiple offices.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact professionally with clients, vendors, and other external sources.

Compensation and Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with matching and company contribution
• Bonus
• Vacation & Sick Time
• And much more…

At GPD Group, we believe in the value of every individual. GPD Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we assure you that all applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veterans, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit