Sr. Project Architect: Science + Technology

Primary Purpose

The Senior Project Architect: Science Technology (S T) is responsible for leading the design, planning, and technical execution of complex laboratory, research, and advanced manufacturing environments from concept through construction. This role serves as a technical design authority, ensuring highly coordinated, compliant, and performance-driven solutions aligned with client scientific workflows, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.

This individual partners closely with the Science Technology Practice Leader, clients, project managers, engineers, and specialty consultants to translate scientific needs into built environments to deliver facilities that enable discovery, safety, and scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• Licensed Architect (RA) required
• 10 years of experience, with a significant focus on Science Technology, laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotech, maker spaces, or biomanufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex, infrastructure-heavy projects (e.g., labs, cleanrooms, cGMP facilities, vivaria, CLIA labs)
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., FDA, cGMP, CLIA, BSL, ISO) preferred

Skills / Qualities

• Deep expertise in laboratory planning, programming, and technical design integration
• Advanced understanding of MEP system coordination, including HVAC, pressurization, vibration control, and utility distribution for lab environments
• Ability to translate scientific workflows and equipment needs into functional, flexible design solutions
• Proven experience producing and leading highly detailed, coordinated construction document sets for complex facilities
• Strong working knowledge of industry guidelines and specs (e.g.,
• NIH Design Requirements Manual, ISPE Baseline Guides, BMBL Guidelines, cGMP Guidelines, BSL standards, ADA requirements)
• LEED accreditation or familiarity with high-performance and sustainable lab design preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs for new construction and renovation projects in the Science Technology market
• Collaborate with project managers to balance scope, schedule, budget, and technical complexity throughout the design process
• Direct and mentor architects, designers, and consultants in the development of coordinated design solutions
• Work with the Practice Leader to engage directly with clients, including researchers, lab managers, and operations teams, to validate design intent and functionality
• Oversee production of high-quality construction documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational requirement
• Coordinate closely with MEP engineers and specialty consultants to resolve complex system interfaces and constraints
• Participate in construction administration, including submittal review, site visits, and issue resolution for technically complex systems
• Facilitate coordination within a multidisciplinary project team to achieve design excellence

Professional Development, Technical Education & Training

• Stay current with evolving standards in laboratory design, cGMP environments, and research infrastructure
• Participate in industry organizations (e.g., ISPE, I2SL, SLAS, SEFA) and contribute to knowledge sharing
• Pursue continuing education related to advanced building systems and scientific facility design

Evaluation Metrics

• Demonstrates proactive problem-solving in complex technical environments
• Delivers highly coordinated, error-free documentation
• Effectively translates client scientific needs into successful built outcomes
• Maintains strong client relationships and earns trusted advisor status
• Leads through listening, collaboration, and technical mentorship
• Follows through on commitments with accountability and precision
• Contributes to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing across projects

Guidon Behaviors:

Guidon has established four Core Behaviors that all Team Members are expected to uphold. These expectations are clearly define and encompass the following areas:

Wash the Dishes:

Do the small stuff. This mantra has guided our behaviors since our inception when literal dishes were the responsibility of everyone in the office. Helping one another permeates all areas of our culture.

Follow-Up on Commitments

Do what you say. Keeping our word is not only important externally, but internally as well. Commitments are made to ourselves, each other, and our clients. Whether it be in professional development goals, annual firm updates, or project kick-off meetings, following through is all about maintaining a culture of accountability.

Solve Problems Proactively

Come with solutions. Identifying a problem is crucial but engaging the problem with potential solutions is even better. We tackle issues head on and take ownership – leading the charge toward a resolution.

Lead Through Listening

Listen first, talk second. This is a guiding principle in how we interact with each other and our clients. It prioritizes empathy and assumes nothing.