SUMMARY:

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