Description

The Project Architect plays a symbiotic role within the overall project team, working in concert with both the Project Manager and the Project Designer. While the Project Manager has overall responsibility for the project including Owner/client management and the Project Designer has overall responsibility for the design relative to the Owner’s goals, the Project Architect is responsible for and has a specialized focus on the organization and completion of the technical documentation to realize the design vision for the project. 

The responsibilities of a Project Architect are generally associated with the documentation and coordination of the design intent. These responsibilities vary from project to project and evolve with each phase of work.  Fundamental in this undertaking is the understanding that in their day-to-day work, the Project Architect functions in many capacities. Most notably they must function as an Organizer and Scheduler, a Mentor and Coach, a Technical Specialist, a Coordinator and Quality Controller and last but not least, an effective Communicator.  The last of which allows the Project Architect to function as a team leader.   

The following is intended to be a list of key responsibilities but is not all-inclusive. It is recommended that this position be reviewed and the requirements of the role confirmed with the Project Manager at the inception of any project.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership
o   Organizer/Scheduler - Develops and implements the internal project team workplan (micro-schedule).  Conducts regular meetings and reviews of the project documentation with respect to the overall project schedule (macro-schedule) developed by the Project Manager. Assesses internal work and work of outside consultants, etc. and makes course corrections as required to maintain the schedule. Keeps the Project Manager fully apprised on the progress of documentation and any issues or decisions that may affect the project schedule or budget.

o   Mentor/Coach - Provides day-to-day guidance to technical staff in the performance of their duties.  Assists in the education and development of staff assigned to the project.

o   Technical Specialist – In concert with the Project Designer, determines what construction materials and methods will be used in the documentation of the building and makes recommendations to the Project Designer as required to meet the design intent.

o   Coordinator/Quality Controller - Manages and coordinates the work of the project team (including outside consultants) in the completion of construction documents and ensures that all documents meet the company’s quality control objectives, comply with codes, are constructible, are developed in accordance with project budget and schedules, and consistent with office and project standards.  This includes Revit process management and Revit content management and is responsible for the quality and content of the construction documents including both the plans and specifications.

The role of Project Architect requires a variety of skills including a working knowledge of the METICULOUS adopted architectural software programs to best direct the documentation team. In addition, and enumerated below are a list of specific responsibilities required of the Project Architect’s role:

Specific Responsibilities:
Project Planning
o   Participates in project “kick-off” meeting to establish project objectives and standards for project design and production. 

o   Is responsible for developing and implementing Firm standards and policies relative to documentation and production.

o   In conjunction with the Project Manager, ensures the project meets local zoning and building code requirements (including FM if applicable) and their incorporation into the construction documentation. 

o   Prepares a weekly work plan (micro-schedule) for project team members.  Reallocate resources and work as necessary to meet the project schedule.  

o   Makes recommendations or requests relative to additional staffing needs to the Project Manager as necessary.

o   Prepares the project “Cartoon set” as a basis for project documentation.

o   Responsible for maintaining adequate records, memos of conversations, and similar reports documenting decisions made throughout the project relative to documentation and production as necessary.

Project Documentation
o   Responsible for developing and analyzing technical design details by applying extensive knowledge of building materials and methods of construction.

o   Uses BIM to graphically develop designs for incorporation into the construction documents.

o   Meets regularly with the Project Manager to review any project design changes and other factors which may affect the completion of construction documents.

o   Coordinates activities of all outside design disciplines and consultants including consultant coordination meetings as necessary to support the work effort. Reviews their documentation to ensure compliance with project design and office standards. Answers questions and resolves issues as required.

o   Project Specification Coordination

•  In concert with the Project Designer, provides a draft outline to the specification writer.
• Works with the Project Designer to identify and ensure that the specifications represent the design intent of the project. 

Client Relations
o   Attends client meetings and maintains contact with the client as required by the Project Manager. Keeps the Project Manager informed of design changes as well as any decisions which may affect the design, schedule, or budget.

Construction Administration
o   Primary point of contact daily with CA Department/staff.

o   Primary point of contact with the Contractor concerning project documentation.

o   Participates in OAC calls with Project Manager as appropriate or designated.

o   Supports communication with client or the contractor as needed. Updates the Project Manager regarding issues discussed or decisions reached.

o   Responds to and reviews all RFI responses. Facilitates and reviews, coordinates and initials all consultants’ RFI responses and supplemental design packages.

o   Reviews and initials all submittals and those reviewed by others including consultants as appropriate to architectural/interiors scope of work, i.e., lighting and diffuser submittals.

o   Reviews all substitution requests with the Specification Writer for compliance with project requirements and makes recommendation to Project Manager.

o   Performs site observation trips during construction, as required by the Project Manager, to ensure that the design intent, quality, and client’s expectations are met.  

o   Prepares trip report documenting observations and reviews with Project Manager and Project Designer as necessary. 

o   Reviews final close out documentation, together with the CA department and Project Manager, and confirms that the O&M manuals and record drawings have been distributed to the Owner per the requirements of the contract.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
Licensed Architect. 
7-10 years of general design and documentation project experience. 
Demonstrated experience in preparation and layout of architectural contract documents and specifications for small to medium size projects.
Excellent written and communication skills, including conducting consultant coordination meetings.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in the use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and processes.
Strong knowledge of Building Codes and their practical application.
Strong knowledge of building materials and methods of construction and their practical application.
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in a collaborative team environment.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

Project-level experience with Navisworks for coordination, clash detection, and consultant integration.

Demonstrated experience providing BIM coordination or oversight in support of project delivery, including collaboration with internal teams and external consultants.

Familiarity with BIM workflows, coordination standards, and model quality review, with the ability to guide teams.

Interest in leveraging technology to improve coordination efficiency, risk mitigation, and project outcomes.

Experience with leading firm BIM Management and training.