Project Architect (Senior-Level)

Birdsmouth Design-Build is seeking a highly experienced Project Architect to lead the design

and delivery of custom, high-performance homes and renovations. If you are a design

professional who excels at integrating design vision, technical rigor, and construction expertise,

please consider joining our growing design team in Portland, Oregon!

About Birdsmouth

We are an experienced team of architects, designers, managers, and builders dedicated to

crafting beautiful, durable, healthy, and energy-efficient homes. As leaders in the high-

performance and climate-adaptive design-build movement, we combine architectural

excellence with construction expertise to minimize the impact of the built environment on our

changing climate.

We value collaboration, continual learning, and long-term relationships—with our clients,

coworkers, trade partners, and communities. Our work is rooted in building science, thoughtful

design, and integrity at every level.

The Role

As a Project Architect, you will lead custom residential projects from concept through

Construction Administration, shaping every stage of design and delivery. You will be the client’s

primary point of contact and work collaboratively with Birdsmouth’s design and build teams to

ensure projects meet aesthetic, technical, and performance standards within schedule and

budget.

You will:

• Manage all phases of design: feasibility, programming design (PD), schematic design (SD), design development (DD), construction documents (CD), permitting, and construction administration (CA).
• Craft proposals and design narratives that align client goals with Birdsmouth’s design-build process.
• Lead client presentations and project meetings; clearly communicate design intent to teams and consultants.
• Coordinate drawings and documentation for permitting and construction.
• Work collaboratively with the construction team to refine and improve constructibility, performance and cost optimization.
• Mentor and collaborate with other design staff.
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position requiring 40 hours/wk. First 6 months: full-time, in-person at our SE Portland office.
• After 6 months: potential for hybrid schedule (minimum 3 days in-office).

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Architect in Oregon (preferred) or equivalent Design Professional.
• 10 years of residential design experience, with at least 5 years leading projects independently.
• Deep understanding of residential construction, detailing, and building codes. Experience preparing permit sets and managing code requirements.
• Strong familiarity with Portland-area jurisdictions (or ability to ramp up quickly).
• Proficiency in SketchUp/Layout, or—if familiar with Revit, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Rhino, Chief Architect or similar—demonstrate willingness to learn and pivot to SketchUp/Layout.
• Exceptional client communication, team leadership, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and complete design and construction documents with minimal supervision.
• Interest in and knowledge of high-performance design, construction and building science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Architectural License.
• Knowledge of high performance home design and fluency with building science principles: control layers, airtightness, thermal continuity, glazing, MEP coordination.
• Experience with Design-Build delivery methodology.
• Certification(s) in Phius CPHB/C, PHI or Earth Advantage SHP.
• Experience with energy modeling tools (WUFI Passive, PHPP, MET/r, REM/RATE, or similar).
• Familiarity with BuilderTrend or similar project management software.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Dropbox, TSheets, Apple products and software, G Suite... or be willing to learn.

Desired Attributes

• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and passionate about elegant, sustainable design.
• A creative and strategic thinker with strong visual and written communication skills.
• Comfortable balancing aesthetic priorities with technical requirements.
• Able to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and design intent.
• Interior Design experience. Be able to research, select, and specify appropriate materials, finishes, furnishings, lighting and accessories to align with the Client’s desired style, budget and project sustainability goals.

Life at Birdsmouth

At Birdsmouth, excellence is a shared pursuit. We are committed to continuous improvement

and innovation in sustainable construction. Our collaborative design-build structure allows for

seamless integration from concept to completion, fostering deep professional growth and

creative satisfaction.

Hourly position, compensation range $38-$58/hour

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid holidays and PTO.

• Education stipend and professional development support.

• 401(k) with employer match.

• Mileage and Cellphone reimbursement.

• Optional AFLAC and short-term disability coverage.

• Optional FSA benefits.

Apply

Please send the following materials (no larger than 10MB total)

to info@birdsmouthpdx.com with the subject line “Project Architect Position.”

• Cover letter describing your current availability, specific qualifications, and interest in high- performance design and Birdsmouth Design-Build.
• Resume
• Portfolio or samples of relevant work.

Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.

Birdsmouth Design-Build is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from

Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and welcome applicants of all genders. All qualified

applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.