Project Architect

The Project Architect leads the design and documentation of commercial architecture projects, with a strong focus on retail, hospitality, and large-scale rollout programs. This role takes ownership of projects across all phases—from existing condition surveys and conceptual design through schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration—while ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and high-quality standards. The Project Architect collaborates closely with internal teams, consultants, and clients, provides mentorship to junior staff, and plays a key role in maintaining strong client relationships through clear communication and reliable service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of comprehensive construction document sets using Revit and AutoCAD for a variety of commercial projects, including retail stores, hospitality spaces, big-box projects, and large-scale rollout programs.
• Take full ownership of projects through all phases, including existing condition surveys, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, consultants, and clients to ensure design intent is maintained and project goals, schedules, and budgets are met.
• Oversee and contribute to the development of detailed construction drawings, ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and adherence to firm and client quality standards.
• Apply strong knowledge of building systems, materials, and construction methods to the design and documentation of commercial architecture projects.
• Provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship to junior staff, reviewing their work and supporting their professional development and understanding of client standards.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations, clearly communicating design concepts, project status, and technical information to clients and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with engineering trades and external consultants to resolve design issues, align disciplines, and move projects forward efficiently.
• Conduct site visits for existing condition surveys and perform construction administration activities, including field observations, responding to RFIs, and reviewing submittals.
• Manage redline revisions and ensure that updates are accurately incorporated into construction document sets.
• Support project management activities, including tracking project progress, managing documentation, and helping to maintain schedules and deliverables.
• Uphold a service-oriented approach to client relationships by providing responsive, clear, and proactive communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute to a collaborative office culture where team members are exposed to all phases of projects from inception through completion.

• Fully proficient in Revit for architectural design, production, and creation of construction documents.
• Fully proficient in AutoCAD for drafting and production of construction drawings.
• Minimum of 8 years of architectural experience, preferably in a small office environment.
• Significant commercial architecture experience, with retail projects strongly preferred and hospitality or equivalent commercial work highly relevant.
• Demonstrated ability to independently produce complete sets of construction drawings and construction documents for commercial projects.
• Strong experience in schematic design, design development, and construction administration.
• Solid understanding of building systems, materials, and construction methods for commercial buildings.
• Ability to manage and execute redline revisions accurately and efficiently.
• Experience responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals during construction administration.
• Capability to communicate effectively with clients, engineering trades, consultants, and contractors to move projects forward.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• Ability to function as a project architect and contribute to project management and production responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple active projects and documentation requirements.

• Architectural license is a plus and is viewed favorably.
• Experience working in a small, collaborative office where team members handle a wide range of responsibilities.
• Background in retail architecture, including work on big-box stores, supermarkets, self-storage facilities, car dealerships, and similar commercial projects.
• Experience with large-scale rollout programs and multi-location retail projects.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client-service mindset, with an emphasis on clear, professional communication.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships through reliability, responsiveness, and high-quality work.
• Interest in long-term employment and professional growth within a firm that invests in staff development and training.

This role is based in a small, approximately 25-person architectural firm with a long-established presence and a homey, welcoming office environment. Team members work in the office five days per week and enjoy a highly collaborative culture where everyone is involved in multiple aspects of projects and exposed to all phases from inception through completion. The firm emphasizes work-life balance and is flexible in accommodating personal needs, even while managing a fast-paced portfolio of projects. The practice focuses primarily on commercial and retail clients, including major national retailers, supermarkets, self-storage facilities, and car dealerships, with projects registered in about 25 states and most work concentrated on the East Coast. At any given time, the office manages roughly 45 to 70 active projects ranging in value from approximately $1 million to $35 million. The firm’s philosophy centers on being a service-oriented practice, maintaining long-standing client relationships through exceptional communication and responsiveness. Every employee has some level of direct client contact and is expected to provide top-tier service. The environment supports strong training standards, with deliberate development of staff to understand client expectations and project standards, and offers a culture that includes regular office gatherings and outings that reinforce a supportive and enjoyable workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of River Vale, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Full benefits to be provided upon request

This is a fully onsite position in River Vale,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000