Licensed Design Architect

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Pogue Construction is building its in-house design capability to deliver more projects under a design-build approach. This foundational role brings design to the builder's table — working shoulder-to-shoulder with our VDC, preconstruction, and field teams so design intent, constructability, and cost come together.

The Licensed Design Architect serves as the primary design representative within the organization, leading the design phase of Design-Build projects from concept through construction. This role bridges the gap between design and construction — ensuring projects align with client goals, budgets, schedules, and quality expectations while driving design intent proactively and resolving constructability challenges before they reach the field.

EDUCATION:

Professional degree in Architecture: (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) from a NAAB-accredited program required. Commensurate experience with active architectural registration will be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 5–10 years of professional architectural experience (commensurate with licensure and portfolio), with a portfolio of built commercial and/or education (K-12, higher education) projects. Experience in design-build, integrated project delivery (IPD), or CM-at-risk delivery strongly preferred; GC-side or contractor-integrated design experience is a strong plus. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to drive design intent proactively and collaborate effectively with builders, engineers, and trade partners. Experience in an architectural firm, design-build contractor, or integrated project delivery environment preferred. 5+ years tenure at prior employer(s) preferred.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design-Build Project Leadership

• Lead and coordinate the full design process for Design-Build projects from conceptual planning through construction completion.
• Serve as the primary design representative and point of contact for all design-related matters throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive design intent proactively from project inception — not simply respond to a designer of record — ensuring design, constructability, and cost remain aligned from day one.
• Collaborate with clients to understand project goals, operational needs, and aesthetic preferences; facilitate clear communication between owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and construction teams.
• Work from the federated BIM model as the single source of truth, integrating design with model-based estimating, scheduling, and coordination.

Constructability & Technical Coordination

• Identify and resolve design conflicts, missing scope, and constructability challenges early — reducing RFIs, change orders, and field rework.
• Coordinate with structural, MEP, and specialty consultants; collaborate with Pogue's strategic design and engineering partners on integrated pursuits.
• Conduct site visits to verify design intent and quality standards are being maintained throughout construction.
• Review RFIs, submittals, and design-related field issues; coordinate design revisions and responses with consultants and project teams.

Preconstruction Support

• Support business development and preconstruction pursuits, including progressive design-build authorizations, prototype/kit-of-parts approaches for K-12, and earlier GMP delivery.
• Assist estimating and preconstruction teams in developing conceptual budgets and project planning efforts.
• Support feasibility studies, site evaluations, and preliminary design concepts.
• Participate in project pursuit activities, presentations, and client interviews.
• Assist with permitting strategies and entitlement processes as needed.

Technology & Innovation

• Contribute to computational and generative design exploration and AI-augmented design workflows as part of Pogue's model-driven, technology-forward practice.
• Carry design deliverables through construction, including model-based owner reviews and digital-twin-ready handover.

Standards & Culture Building

• Help establish the standards, processes, and templates for Pogue's in-house design practice, contributing to our design and coordination playbook.
• Help build design capability and shape the culture of our growing in-house design practice.
• Monitor design progress to ensure project milestones are achieved.

Client & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in design meetings, owner presentations, and project updates.
• Ensure client satisfaction throughout all phases of the project.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPECTATIONS:

Leadership & Design

• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills; ability to translate design intent for non-technical audiences including owners, subcontractors, and field staff.
• Working fluency in design-build, integrated project delivery (IPD), and CM-at-risk methods, and how design decisions affect cost, schedule, and constructability.
• Solid understanding of how architectural, structural, and MEP systems interact, with the ability to coordinate across disciplines in a federated model.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, accessibility, zoning requirements, and energy-code requirements; sound constructability judgment.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving abilities.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborative team player able to work across estimating, preconstruction, VDC, and field operations, and with external owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
• Authentic ambassador for Pogue's core values: God First, Family Focused, Absolute Integrity, Selfless Service, Authentic Communication.
• Demonstrated technology and AI fluency — or the appetite and aptitude to develop it quickly — in a model-driven design environment.

Program Experience

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Autodesk Revit
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Navisworks Manage
• Autodesk Construction Cloud
• Dynamo / Grasshopper (computational & generative design)
• Bluebeam
• SketchUp
• Enscape or comparable visualization/rendering tools
• Procore
• AI-assisted design and documentation tools

CERTIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Active architectural registration in Texas (or ability to obtain Texas registration through reciprocity within an agreed timeframe; confirm jurisdiction with HR).

Preferred:

• NCARB Certificate
• Multi-state registration
• LEED AP, WELL AP, or comparable sustainability credential
• Familiarity with integrated project delivery and experience in Pogue's core education and commercial sectors