Senior Project Leader, Architect - Austin Studio

GFF

$110K — $130K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
  • Active architectural license in Texas or ability to obtain reciprocity within six months
  • Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with 8 years in leadership roles on complex projects
  • Expertise in high-density, urban infill projects
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools
  • Strong project management skills including budgeting and scheduling
  • Experience with sustainable design and green building practices

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate on fee proposals, contracts, and project planning
  • Lead architectural projects ensuring client goals are met
  • Manage budgets, schedules, and project delivery
  • Establish client relationships as the primary technical contact
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams through project phases
  • Ensure compliance with zoning, permitting, and code requirements
  • Mentor junior staff and promote team collaboration

Benefits

  • Collaborative and design-focused work culture
  • Diverse portfolio of high-profile projects across Texas
  • Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plan
  • Support for professional development and licensure
  • Vibrant office locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin
Full Job Description
About The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Architect to join our Austin Office. This position will lead GFF's complex commercial, high-density multifamily and mixed-use projects from concept through project closeout, collaborating with our integrated teams of architects, interior designers, and planners. The ideal candidate has a passion for creating vibrant, contextually appropriate environments that enhance the quality of life in the communities we live in and serve.

What You'll Do:

  • Collaborate with the Principal-in-Charge (PIC) on fee proposal development, contract strategy, project schedules, budgets, and resource planning.
  • Lead architectural projects from design through project closeout, ensuring solutions respond to client goals, design standards, site context, and market demands.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, resources, and overall project delivery.
  • Establish strong client relationships and serve as the primary technical point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, interior designers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and specialty consultants.
  • Guide teams through zoning, entitlement, permitting, accessibility, and code compliance requirements for commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments.
  • Lead the technical execution of projects, including exterior envelope design, waterproofing, life-safety systems, vertical transportation, detailing, and code compliance.
  • Develop and edit project specifications to meet project requirements and industry standards.
  • Develop and oversee project-specific sustainability strategies, including energy efficiency, high-performance building envelopes, materials selection, equipment systems, and healthy building practices.
  • Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative team environment that values individual contributions and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with Technical Directors and Technical Principals to improve project delivery standards, project management practices, and staff training programs.
  • Identify and lead process improvements across project teams and the firm.
  • Participate in business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, presentations, and client pursuits.


What You Bring:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
  • Active architectural license in Texas, or ability to obtain reciprocity within six months.
  • Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 8 years leading commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with high-density, complex urban infill projects.
  • Advanced knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, zoning regulations, construction methods, materials, and detailing.
  • Strong understanding of commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use project delivery.
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools such as SketchUp.
  • Experience with sustainable design practices, green building programs, and high-performance building strategies.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate design and technical concepts to clients, consultants, and internal teams.
  • Strong project management capabilities, including team leadership, design management, budgeting, scheduling, and resource coordination.
  • Knowledge of unit design optimization, amenity programming, and multifamily market trends is preferred.


What Sets You Apart:

  • Extensive experience leading commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects.
  • Understanding of financing structures for multifamily development.
  • Experience with modular construction or other innovative building technologies.
  • Active involvement in ULI, AIA, or other professional organizations.
  • Experience with transit-oriented development or walkable urban design principles.
  • Knowledge of universal design strategies.
  • Previous experience developing or assisting development of practice standards and training programs.


Why GFF:

  • Collaborative, design-focused culture that values quality and excellence.
  • Diverse portfolio of high-profile commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects across Texas.
  • Opportunity to work with a firm recognized for excellence in architectural design.
  • Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, professional development, and licensure support.
  • GFF fosters a studio culture that values both professional growth and personal well-being.
  • Vibrant office locations in the heart of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at GFF

More Real Estate & Construction Jobs

Find similar Senior Project Leader, Architect - Austin Studio jobs: