What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Architect position at Design Observer?
NANO is seeking a highly skilled Project Architect with 7–10 years of professional experience to take a leading role in the design, documentation, and delivery of diverse architectural projects. This full-time, in-person position requires a technically strong, self-directed architect capable of managing all phases of a project—from early programming and conceptual design through construction administration and closeout.
The Project Architect will collaborate closely with the Studio Director, Senior Technical Director, Project Managers, and Executive Team to uphold NANO’s design standards, ensure technical excellence, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and guide projects toward successful, timely completion. This role includes significant responsibility for construction documentation, code compliance, consultant coordination, QA/QC, and mentoring junior staff.
Ideal candidates combine strong design sensibilities with rigorous technical knowledge, possess expertise in Revit-based workflows, communicate effectively with clients and consultants, and demonstrate leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills. Architects who thrive at NANO are motivated by curiosity, community engagement, and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative, and equitable design solutions.
Responsibilities
Conceptualization & Design Development
The Project Architect will collaborate closely with the Studio Director, Senior Technical Director, Project Managers, and Executive Team to uphold NANO’s design standards, ensure technical excellence, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and guide projects toward successful, timely completion. This role includes significant responsibility for construction documentation, code compliance, consultant coordination, QA/QC, and mentoring junior staff.
Ideal candidates combine strong design sensibilities with rigorous technical knowledge, possess expertise in Revit-based workflows, communicate effectively with clients and consultants, and demonstrate leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills. Architects who thrive at NANO are motivated by curiosity, community engagement, and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative, and equitable design solutions.
Responsibilities
Conceptualization & Design Development
- Works with Studio Director and Executive Team to implement NANO design standards across all phases of design and delivery for all projects.
- Works to drive conceptual designs that align with NANO’s mission, vision, and values.
- Works to achieve the conceptualization and development of design concepts for a range of projects.
- Collaborates with clients to understand their vision, needs and objectives.
- Expertly evaluates, selects, and coordinates the appropriate building systems and design finishes for each project.
- Assimilates design strategies into working construction documents that present holistic strategies with quality control and quality assurance.
- Works with Senior Technical Director for consistency in NANO’s design standards and working documents.
- Works with internal teams and external teams from schematic design to construction administration.
- Leads coordination with Project Manager for coordinated work with engineers and specialty consultants.
- Oversee the development, integration and quality of all consultant models and drawings in Revit with Senior Technical Director’s oversight.
- Ensures design concepts are accurately detailed and technically consistent throughout all design phases.
- Assists Project Managers with multiple projects simultaneously and maintains organization of project records, details, and specifications.
- With Project Managers, develops and manages project schedules, budgets, and staffing to ensure projects are delivered in a timely and integrated manner.
- Assists Project Managers with the review of subconsultant invoices and client invoices for progress complete and alignment with contract.
- Conducts and documents site visits, review, and process submittals, RFIs and substitution requests during construction.
- Attends client and consultant meetings fortifying project details and answering pertinent questions on design and project schedule as well as subconsultants issues.
- Addresses client feedback and incorporate changes as necessary.
- Performs as team leader on projects and coordinates tasks and construction drawings delivery as necessary.
- Mentors and supports junior staff, including participating in performance reviews and lessons-learned sessions.
- Works with the Senior Technical Director on construction drawings, processes, and details for all portions of the construction set.
- Provides code and AHJ’s coordination and ordinances information and oversight for all phases of project.
- Provides technical guidance and develop innovative solutions for all levels of design challenges
- Reviews reports, plans, estimates and calculations for accuracy and completeness
- Ensures office standards, templates, and procedures are consistently applied
- Works with the Senior Technical Director and Executive Team for all code compliance for projects at all phases of projects
- Has established knowledge in all local and national code ordinances and life safety research.
- Has established working communication and execution of all AHJ’s and ensure compliance with local and national building codes.
- 7-10 years architectural experience, preferably with at least 5 years of experience serving as a Project Architect/Project Manager.
- Withholds an accredited professional architectural degree.
- Licensed/Registered Architect required
- Competency in all conventional aspects of architecture: design, documentation, technical detailing, and coordination.
- Ability to interpret technical information and communicate effectively with consultants, engineers, contractors, officials, and clients
- Expertise with Revit and Adobe Creative Suite required for efficient design and documentation. AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, Rhino, Energy Modeling and MS Office preferred.
- Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and organizational abilities.
- Experience in decision making and a passion to help solve problems and find alternative solutions.
- Proven ability to develop and articulate design concepts for all project phases, including coordinating design consultants and monitor drawings.
- Strong teamwork, problem solving and organizational skills.
- Working knowledge of building codes, standards, building construction and structure.
- Ability to take direction as well as delegate, take initiative and work both independently or on a team, depending on the project type and magnitude.
- Work to develop clever solutions to complex problems.
- Thrive in a fast-paced setting but know how to take a break when necessary.
- Constantly seeking opportunities for learning, passion projects and personal and professional growth.
- Care about the equity and diversity in their community and the wellbeing of strangers as well as friends and family
- Are actively involved in the community in leadership positions outside of NANO