The Senior Architect is responsible for providing architectural leadership throughout all phases of project development, from programming and conceptual design through construction administration. This position leads project teams, mentors architectural staff, coordinates with clients and consultants, and ensures the successful delivery of projects that meet Crawford Architects' standards for design excellence, technical quality, and client service.

Working collaboratively with Principals, Project Managers, and multidisciplinary consultants, the Senior Architect plays a key role in managing project execution, maintaining quality assurance, fostering client relationships, and supporting the firm's continued growth through leadership, innovation, and professional excellence.

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are representative of the essential responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the firm's operations.

• Lead and direct architectural project teams through all phases of design, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, bidding, and construction administration.
• Coordinate project schedules, budgets, staffing, and resource allocation with Project Managers to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to architects and architectural staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative studio environment.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while supporting project leadership across a variety of project sizes and complexities.
• Develop and oversee architectural designs, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, renderings, and 3D models utilizing firm-standard software.
• Prepare programming studies, space planning, and adjacency analyses to support project development.
• Ensure design solutions meet client goals, project budgets, and applicable design standards.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate construction documents, technical specifications, and detailing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, zoning ordinances, and other governing regulations.
• Maintain responsibility for QA/QC throughout all phases of project documentation.
• Coordinate engineering consultants, specialty consultants, construction managers, and contractors throughout the design and construction process.
• Serve as a primary client contact by presenting design solutions, responding to project feedback, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Lead permitting and plan review processes with municipalities and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Review project estimates and assist with maintaining project budgets.
• Review contractor submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings.
• Conduct construction site observations and prepare field observation reports.
• Manage punch lists, closeout documentation, and record drawing submissions.
• Participate in business development efforts, client interviews, proposals, design competitions, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Contribute to maintaining Crawford Architects' culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Professional Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Licensed Architect (RA) required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible architectural experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading commercial architectural projects from concept through construction.
• Experience with sports, entertainment, public assembly, convention center, mixed-use, or other large-scale commercial projects is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert proficiency in Autodesk Revit.
• Advanced proficiency in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of architectural design principles, construction documentation, and detailing.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, zoning requirements, and construction administration practices.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong client relationship and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Benefits

Crawford Architects offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support our employees both professionally and personally, including:

• Company-contributed Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• 401(k) with company matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) eligibility after one year of service
• Open studio work environment that promotes collaboration, communication, and teamwork
• Employee events throughout the year, including local sporting events, the annual employee golf tournament, chili cook-off, family picnic, and holiday celebration

Firm Background

Crawford Architects is an award-winning international planning, architecture, and interior design firm specializing in sports, entertainment, convention centers, mixed-use developments, and other large public assembly projects.

Our work spans a diverse range of project types and locations, providing opportunities to collaborate on innovative and impactful designs.

Our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment that encourages creativity, professional growth, and continuous learning. Every team member plays an important role in delivering exceptional service and design solutions to our clients.

Crawford Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.