Project Architect

Company

South Mountain Company

Location

West Tisbury, MA (Martha's Vineyard)

Manage the design/build process of primarily residential projects from predesign through closeout. Meet and exceed company goals and client expectations. Advance the architectural expression of high -performance building.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead clients through the design and construction process, building trust through listening and open, honest communication.
• Understand and be able to explain the impact of design choices on aesthetics, safety, durability, buildability, function, environment, schedule and budget.
• Produce all documentation (including hand sketches, Building Information Models, drawings, renderings, specs, and narratives) necessary to effectively communicate ideas, materials, and methods of construction for all phases of a project.
• Serve as a resource to the architecture department for ArchiCad support including optimizing workflows, troubleshooting, organizing training, and coordinating with the SMCo BIM Manager.
• Contribute and be receptive to a collaborative design atmosphere where project design objectives and client experience, not personal taste, guide input.
• Document important communication with clients, consultants, trade partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Identify potential issues during design and work with Director of Architecture and other Project Architects to find solutions. Similarly, identify potential issues before and during construction, and work with Director of Production and the Project and/or Shop Leads to remedy.
• Work closely with trade partners and suppliers to understand building materials and methods and their implications on project aesthetics, cost, durability, and environmental impact.
• Understand current national building codes and local zoning, define a project-specific permitting path, and review all construction documents for compliance.
• Determine when a project requires consulting professionals including engineers and other design professionals, manage the relationships, interpret the input, and incorporate into the design.
• Visit job sites to ensure construction aligns with design documents and intent.
• Maintain and strengthen SMCo’s reputation among island regulators and boards as being thorough, well-prepared, and respectful of neighbors, history, and the environment.
• Assist Director of Architecture in creating project design schedules. Manage design time to align with the project’s design schedule and budget.
• Adhere to and work with Director of Architecture to improve department graphic standards and processes.
• Work with Director of Production to create project estimates and communicate with Director of Production and Project and Shop Leads throughout to ensure projects come in at or under budget.
• Work closely with Project and Shop Leads to ensure/enhance buildability, to find opportunities to celebrate craft, to identify potential problems, and to learn from past experience.
• Coordinate with Director of Energy Technology regarding workflow through that department.
• Participate in department meetings and contribute to departmental needs and growth.
• Use SMCo standard information technology including web-based applications, consistent and timely electronic communications, consistent and proper electronic record keeping, and cell phone protocol.
• Undertake professional development, including maintaining necessary certifications, licenses, etc.
  
  

Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge Requirements

• B.Arch or MA in Architecture, and minimum 5 years experience in architect/designer role working directly on single family residential or small-scale commercial design.
• 5 years minimum construction documentation production experience in ArchiCad (preferred) or Revit.
• Fluency with Mac operating system and Microsoft Office applications
• Aptitude working in a collaborative team environment, providing ideas, and being open to feedback
• US citizenship or authorization to work in the US and fluency in written and spoken English
• A regularly scheduled presence (two days a week minimum) at South Mountain headquarters and on Martha’s Vineyard (MV) project sites
• Intermittent travel to MV or elsewhere when projects or professional development opportunities require
  
  

Licensing and Professional Associations

A license to practice architecture in Massachusetts is preferred. If not, on track to licensure.

Physical Requirements

Comfortable on job sites, including attics, basements, and crawlspaces

We offer an exceptional, family-friendly compensation package, including medical/dental/vision insurance (SMCo covers the full deductible), profit sharing, 401k, and the potential for ownership.

Learn more about this position, how to apply, our compensation policy, and our culture at https://southmountain.com/meet/