Firm Overview

Our client is a well respected architectural firm with a strong industry reputation and long-standing client relationships. Licensed in multiple western states, the majority of our work is located throughout Western Washington.

They specialize in public utilities, public works, financial institutions (banks and credit unions), retail, and industrial projects. While not design-award focused, the team is highly organized and technically rigorous producing strong construction documentation and delivering dependable, well-executed buildings.

Current Team: 8 Design Staff + Office Manager
Growth Goal: 13–15 Employees
Travel: Limited (5–10%)
Reports To: Principal

Due to recent project wins and continued growth, they are seeking a Project Architect / Senior Project Manager to help manage workload and support the firm’s next phase of expansion.

Position Overview

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing projects from site analysis through construction completion. The ideal candidate will oversee multiple projects concurrently (typically 5–6), mentor junior staff, and ensure the delivery of technically sound, well-coordinated architectural solutions.

Due to recent project wins and continued growth, our client is adding a Project Architect / Senior Project Manager to help manage workload and support its next phase of expansion.

Typical Time Allocation

• 10–20% Client Communication
• 40% Consultant Coordination, Contractor Interaction & Technical Review
• 40% Internal Collaboration, Drafting & Design Production

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Management

• Manage ground-up and renovation projects from inception through completion
• Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets
• Lead permitting efforts and coordinate with jurisdictions
• Oversee construction administration activities
• Maintain and strengthen client relationships
• Prepare proposals and support business development efforts as needed

Design & Technical Oversight

• Produce and oversee permit drawings and full construction document sets
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes and regulations
• Lead specification writing and cost estimating efforts
• Review consultant work for quality, coordination, and accuracy
• Maintain and advance firm-wide Revit and production standards

Team Leadership

• Mentor and oversee junior team members
• Coordinate in-house and subconsultant teams
• Foster a collaborative and accountable work environment
• Take ownership of projects and proactively reduce leadership workload

Current & Upcoming Projects

• New municipal Public Works office building (facility conversion + new construction)
• Technically complex warehouse and office facility for a regional utility provider
• Multiple financial institution projects
• Ongoing public and industrial work across Washington, with upcoming federal project exposure

Qualifications

Experience

• 8–13 years of professional experience preferred (flexible for the right candidate)
• Experience managing projects through permitting and construction
• Background in public works, utilities, retail, industrial, financial institutions, or similar project types
• Registered Architect preferred

Required Skills

• Proven experience producing permit drawings and assembling full construction document sets
• Strong design capabilities (industrial/commercial focus preferred)
• Proficiency in Revit (or ability to quickly become proficient)

Additional Skills

• Specification writing
• Cost estimating
• Construction administration
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication

Professional Attributes

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Strong alignment of project processes with client needs
• Organized, detail-oriented, and thorough
• Adaptable to changing project demands
• Self-directed decision-maker who takes ownership
• Motivated to contribute to firm growth

Culture & Work Environment

• Laid-back, collaborative atmosphere
• Open-floor-plan office
• Typical workload: 40–45 hours per week
• Flexible schedule (primarily in-office)
• Covered parking and transit-accessible location
• Monthly lunch & learns
• Production meetings every three weeks
• Occasional team outings
• Diverse team with multicultural backgrounds

Growth Opportunity

This role is expected to:

• Support the firm’s continued growth and scalability
• Contribute to pursuit of larger and more complex projects
• Potentially evolve into expanded leadership responsibilities as the firm grows

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $100,000 – $120,000 DOE + bonus

Bonuses:

• Annual performance bonus (typically issued before year-end)
• Occasional summer bonus

Benefits:

• 100% employer-covered medical benefits
• PTO (negotiable)
• Annual performance reviews tied to compensation increases