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.
