Project Architect/Director - Critical Facilities

This is a full-time exempt (40+ hours/week), on-site / hybrid / remote and travel-light role (travel not specified) across Critical Facilities projects, client engagements, and multidisciplinary project teams.

Summary
• Lead and grow a Critical Facilities practice focused on Data Centers and other technology-intensive facilities.
• Provide project leadership and client relationship management across complex Critical Facilities design projects.
• Lead projects involving Data Centers, high-performance and research facilities, supercomputing facilities, command and control centers, SCIFs, and Artificial Intelligence facilities.
• Maintain responsibility for the design, technical, and financial success of assigned projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients while building a strong pipeline of Critical Facilities opportunities.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary project teams while promoting a collaborative and positive team culture.
• Support business development through RFQ/RFP responses, client interviews, presentations, and industry engagement.
• Advance the Critical Facilities practice through technical expertise, thought leadership, innovation, recruiting, and staff development.

Responsibilities
• Build and grow the Critical Facilities practice with the goal of developing a dedicated studio serving Critical Facilities clients.
• Lead and deliver Critical Facilities projects of varying sizes and complexities while managing design quality, technical execution, schedules, budgets, scope, and financial performance.
• Manage client relationships and work directly with senior executives, facility managers, project managers, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead or participate in RFQ/RFP responses, client interviews, workshops, presentations, and other business development activities.
• Develop new business opportunities and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective and existing client engagements.
• Collaborate with project teams, regional teams, and technical specialists while communicating project, team, and business development updates to leadership.
• Identify and recruit highly qualified team members while mentoring and supporting staff in their professional development.
• Monitor technology and design innovations and strengthen the practice through industry knowledge, thought leadership, and innovative ideas.

Ideal Candidate
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Design, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of architectural experience with significant leadership responsibility.
• 10+ years of Critical Facilities design experience, preferably including substantial Data Center experience.
• 5+ years of experience within an architecture or design firm with responsibility for client development, studio management, practice leadership, or regional office management.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients and work directly with senior-level stakeholders.
• Strong experience managing multidisciplinary teams, project schedules, budgets, scope, client expectations, and financial performance.
• Advanced knowledge of architectural planning and design, building codes, building systems, and planning studies.
• Strong leadership, presentation, communication, team-development, mentoring, and client-facing skills.

Nice to Have
• Significant project leadership experience specifically within Data Center design and development.
• Experience with supercomputing, Artificial Intelligence, SCIF, command and control, research, or other highly technical facilities.
• Demonstrated success building or growing a Critical Facilities practice, studio, or regional business operation.
• Experience establishing industry presence through thought leadership, technical expertise, and innovative Critical Facilities design solutions.

Compensation & Benefits
• Hourly or salary range: $75-$95/hour, depending on experience
• Medical Coverage: Two United Healthcare plans (PPO and HDHP with HSA), with employer contributions toward premiums; coverage begins the 1st of the month after 60 days of employment
• Dental & Vision: United Healthcare dental with 100% preventive care coverage and vision benefits for exams, frames, lenses, or contacts
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling plus additional wellness and care navigation resources
• Retirement & Savings: 401(k) eligible after 30 days with automatic 6% enrollment (opt-out available), 1% annual increases up to 10%, plus HSA with up to $480 employer contribution
• Voluntary Benefits: Employee-paid accident insurance and critical illness coverage for major health events (e.g., cancer, heart attack)

#LI-CR1