LJA Engineering Inc

Studio Lead - PLA

LJA Engineering Inc$95K — $115K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
  • Licensed Architect required.
  • Experience leading architectural projects from concept to construction.
  • Strong project management skills for coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to translate conceptual designs into practical solutions.
  • Strong communication skills for client and team engagement.
  • Working knowledge of construction methods and materials.

Responsibilities

  • Translating design visions into buildable, code-compliant solutions.
  • Leading architectural project development from concept through construction.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for integrated project delivery.
  • Coordinating projects of various scales, including parks and civic facilities.
  • Serving as the primary contact for clients and consultants.
  • Managing budgets, schedules, and production efforts for project success.
  • Maintaining proactive communication to ensure quality outcomes and client relationships.

Benefits

  • Generous time off including PTO and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
  • Comprehensive benefits with multiple health plan options and mental health support.
  • Paid maternity and parental leave to support family needs.
  • Tuition reimbursement and in-house learning opportunities.
  • Referral bonuses for recommending great talent.
  • Community volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives sponsored by the company.
  • Professional development memberships to industry organizations for ongoing growth.
  • Opportunities for internal mobility to foster career advancement.
  • Engaging company culture with social events and family-friendly activities.
Full Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Studio Lead - PLA at LJA Land Development, you will lead the architectural execution of multidisciplinary projects that integrate built form, landscape, and experience across a range of environments. This role supports projects such as parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality settings, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, and downtown plazas. The ideal candidate brings strong design thinking, technical expertise, project leadership, and the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:
  • Translating conceptual vision into buildable, code-compliant design solutions across a variety of project types.
  • Leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and construction administration.
  • Collaborating closely with civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
  • Coordinating and managing multiple projects across varying scales, including parks, amenity centers, and experience-driven environments.
  • Serving as the primary architectural point of contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams.
  • Managing project budgets, schedules, production efforts, and team coordination to support successful project delivery.
  • Communicating proactively and consistently to support high-quality outcomes and long-term client relationships.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
  • Licensed Architect required.
  • Ability to maintain working knowledge of applicable building codes, construction methods, materials, and detailing appropriate to each project type.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience leading architectural project development from concept through construction documentation and administration.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to organize production across multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to translate conceptual design ideas into buildable, code-compliant solutions.
  • Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineering, landscape architecture, and planning.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to serve as the primary architectural contact for clients, consultants, and internal teams.
  • Organized, adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable contributing across design, documentation, coordination, and client engagement.
  • Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and detailing.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:
  • Experience with parks, amenity centers, civic and recreational facilities, mixed-use developments, outdoor hospitality, boutique lodging, trailheads, community gathering spaces, or downtown plaza/public space projects.
  • A design-forward mindset with the ability to help shape memorable, functional, and experience-driven environments.
  • Experience working across architecture, landscape architecture, and planning to deliver cohesive, high-quality places.
  • Strong client relationship skills and the ability to support long-term client partnerships.
  • Comfort wearing multiple hats in a growing design team environment.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we're 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we're building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
  • Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
  • Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
  • Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
  • Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
  • Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
  • Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
  • Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.

About LJA Engineering Inc

LJA Engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that provides civil, structural, and transportation engineering services to public and private clients. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has offices throughout Texas and Louisiana. LJA Engineering's services include planning, design, and construction management for infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, airports, and water and wastewater systems.
Learn more about LJA Engineering Inc
Size
500 employees
Industry
Founded
1972

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