What are the responsibilities and job description for the Defense + Security Architect position at Grace Design Studios?
Description
Grace Design Studios is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Architect to join our Department of Defense (DoD) team. This role is ideal for a licensed architect who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a strong portfolio of federal work, especially DoD projects. You’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful facilities that support national security, military readiness, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Grace Design Studios is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Architect to join our Department of Defense (DoD) team. This role is ideal for a licensed architect who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a strong portfolio of federal work, especially DoD projects. You’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful facilities that support national security, military readiness, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Lead architectural design efforts for DoD projects from concept through construction administration.
- Interpret and apply UFC (Unified Facilities Criteria) and other federal design standards.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and government clients to deliver compliant, functional, and innovative design solutions.
- Oversee production of design and construction documents, ensuring quality, code compliance, and adherence to scope.
- Provide construction administration support, including reviewing RFIs, submittals, and field observations.
- Participate in project planning, client presentations, and project reviews.
- Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
- Licensed Architect with active registration in at least one U.S. state.
- Minimum 7 years of experience, with 3 years working on federal or DoD projects.
- Strong knowledge of DoD design standards, including UFC and MILCON processes.
- Proficient in Revit and AutoCAD; familiarity with government project software and submittal platforms is a plus.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a security clearance.
- Excellent communication, organization, and team coordination skills.
- Experience with design-build delivery. (preferred)
- LEED accreditation or experience with sustainable design on federal projects. (preferred)
- Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire
- Profit sharing bonuses
- 401(k) plan with an employer match
- Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life and AD&D insurance
- Other voluntary benefits including vision, dental, accident insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance are available
- Paid Time Off
- Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program