Senior Project Architect & Design Team Lead

Curt Hofer & Associates is seeking a seasoned architect who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, technical precision, and hands-on collaboration with construction.

About Curt Hofer & Associates

Curt Hofer & Associates is a leading luxury residential design–build firm in the greater Omaha area. For decades, CHA has been known for thoughtfully crafted custom homes, deep construction expertise, and long-term client relationships. We blend timeless architecture with meticulous attention to detail, delivering homes that are as beautiful and livable as they are well built.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Project Architect & Design Team Lead to own the journey from design development through a complete, coordinated set of Construction Documents—and stay involved through construction.

Concept design on our projects is sometimes created in-house, and often developed in partnership with outside designers. We are seeking a seasoned architect who can take those concepts—whether generated internally or externally—and drive them all the way to permit-ready CDs and through construction administration.

The ideal candidate also brings a good eye for design and can contribute to conceptual thinking and aesthetics. If you are strong in both concept and delivery, that’s a plus—but technical excellence and project delivery are the non-negotiables.

You will also lead and mentor a small, talented design team of two emerging architects/designers.

What You’ll Do

Core: Project Delivery & Technical Leadership

• Lead custom residential projects from Design Development (DD) through a full set of Construction Documents (CDs).
• Translate concepts (developed by CHA or outside designers) into buildable, well-detailed, coordinated solutions.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP consultants to produce complete, permit-ready, and construction-ready drawing sets.
• Partner closely with preconstruction and construction teams on scope, constructability, schedule, and budget.
• Provide ongoing construction phase support: RFIs, submittal review, clarifications, and detail refinements to maintain design intent.
• Own and elevate the quality, clarity, and consistency of all project documentation.

Design & Concept Participation

• Collaborate on conceptual design, massing, and planning for new projects—either contributing ideas or refining concepts from others.
• Bring a refined aesthetic sensibility to materials, proportions, and details that move projects from “good” to “great.”
• Work effectively with outside designers, respecting their conceptual vision while ensuring it’s executed faithfully in the field.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide day-to-day leadership for a small design team (currently two emerging architects/designers).
• Mentor team members in both design thinking and technical execution, helping them grow into strong project architects.
• Review drawings and details for quality, constructability, and adherence to CHA’s standards.
• Foster a collaborative, learning-focused, low-ego studio culture.

Client, Consultant & Internal Collaboration

• Participate in client meetings and design presentations as a key member of the project team.
• Coordinate with outside designers, engineers, suppliers, and trade partners to align design intent with budget and schedule.
• Work hand-in-hand with our construction team so that design and construction are tightly integrated rather than “handed off.”

What You Bring

Experience & Background

• 8–12 years of professional experience in an architecture firm, with substantial responsibility on leading projects from concept through completion. Residential or high-end experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Architectural licensure (or near-licensure with a clear path) strongly preferred.

Technical Excellence (Required)

• Proven track record of taking projects from DD through CDs and into construction, ideally in a design–build or highly collaborative environment.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, detailing, building codes, and coordination with engineers; residential or high-end experience is a plus but not required.
• Confidence leading consultant coordination and resolving technical issues before they become field problems.

Design & Aesthetic Sensibility (Preferred)

• A strong eye for proportion, massing, and detail, with experience in high-end residential design a plus.
• Ability to collaborate on concepts and refine design solutions, even when you’re not the primary “concept designer.”

Tools & Process

• Proficiency in Revit is required. Experience with Enscape is a plus.
• Comfort working within a structured process and contributing to the evolution of standards, templates, and workflows.

Leadership & Culture Fit

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior designers.
• Excellent communication skills with clients, colleagues, and trade partners.
• Organized, reliable, and proactive; able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A collaborative, respectful, low-ego approach that fits CHA’s culture.

Why Join CHA?

• Work on high-end, design-forward custom homes in a firm that deeply values both design and craftsmanship.
• Take on a pivotal leadership role shaping how design and construction collaborate.
• Lead and grow a talented design team with real influence on process, standards, and culture.
• Competitive compensation and benefits (salary, bonus potential, health, retirement, PTO).
• A relationship-driven, team-oriented culture grounded in integrity, excellence, and long-term client partnerships.