What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Architect position at RLF?
Project Architect
Join a team where design meets purpose. At RLF, our mission is to create high-performing environments that inspire and nurture the human spirit. For over 90 years, we have been a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and interior design firm. With a focus on healthcare and federal projects, we deliver impactful, innovative spaces that shape communities and improve lives. We create exceptional places for extraordinary people.
We’re a passionate, collaborative team that values excellence, relationships, and fun. If you're looking to make a difference through meaningful work, let’s build something great together.
RLF is currently seeking a creative, talented, Project Architect. Will provide professional architectural consultation in the planning, design, and coordination of large complex projects. Must be able to collaborate with both clients and peers during all phases of the design delivery process, be self-motivated, and work effectively in a team environment. Will be part of a team of design professionals and provide support to the Project Manager in generating quality documents that will be used for design, permitting, bidding, and construction in our federal and/or healthcare market sectors.
In this role you will:
- Collaborate with project team in all phases of the design process and coordinate the work of in-house engineers and external consultants.
- Work closely with the Project Manager to execute project plans within project scope, timeline, and budget.
- Review value engineering alternative solutions as needed to keep the project on budget.
- Be responsible for specific technical design aspects of an assigned major project, including investigation, evaluation, and recommendation of design solutions that best meet the client’s needs.
- Write technical reports including existing building assessments and concept design narratives.
- Conduct material and methods research and collect product data as required to generate the architectural technical specifications of a project.
- Perform technical detailing and oversite. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to other architectural staff.
- Conduct Quality Control review of documents before major milestones on projects.
- Occasionally attend and lead client meetings. Able to present and maintain the design idea as well as discuss the technical aspects of the project to client leaders and project stakeholders.
- Carry out field investigation as required to validate existing site and building conditions. Able to organize and lead a team of support staff to fully document the existing conditions on large projects.
- Conduct building code and life safety analyses for assigned projects. Review code interpretations for other projects and recommend improvements where deficiencies are discovered.
- Ensure planning and efficient organization of the technical documentation required to show conformance to applicable codes and construct the project.
- Review shop drawings, respond to RFI’s and conduct site observation during the construction administration phase of the project.
- Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Master’s degree a plus.
- Licensed architect preferred.
- 4 years of experience producing and coordinating design and construction documents.
- Strong software skills using Microsoft 365, Bluebeam, Adobe, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Desktop Connector.
- Familiarity with Revit productivity add-Ins such as Ideate Software, CTC Tools, DiRoots, or PyRevit desired but not required.
- Familiarity with 3D visualization tools such as Enscape and TwinMotion desired but not required.
- Experience in project scheduling and work breakdown structures.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be able to draw 2D detailing components that are concise and accurate.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Federal healthcare and non-healthcare experience, primarily with NAVFAC and USACE and their guidelines. Federal VA project experience a plus.
- Familiarity with FGI guidelines and experience working with Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
- Experience writing and editing specifications utilizing the Masterspec specification format.
- Experience working on complex renovation projects that require multiple phases.
- Experience working on technical studies, narratives, and/or request for proposal documentation.
- Experience conducting technical quality control reviews and redlining of the architectural portions of the project.
- Experience with Design-Build projects.
Why join us?
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Hybrid office (In-office T, W, Th; Remote M, F)
- PTO and holidays
- Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
- Paid Life and AD&D benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Supplemental Life and Ancillary Insurance Options
- Professional Certification Reimbursement
- Professional Organization Membership Reimbursement
- Wellness Incentives
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Student Loan Assistance
- Identity Theft Plan and Legal Plan
- Volunteer Time Off
- Pet Insurance
Amount of Travel Required:
This position will require occasional travel, some of which may be international.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information:
RLF conducts background checks and drug screening after an offer of employment has been made. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by RLF or an RLF client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle records as well as drug testing.
Agency Disclaimer:
All vendors must have a signed RLF Placement Agreement from the Director of Human Resources to receive payment for placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the RLF staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to RLF, and any resume submitted to any employee outside of RLF Human Resources, will be considered property of RLF. RLF will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Visa Sponsorship:
RLF is not accepting applications for sponsorship at this time (e.g., H-1B or TN Visas).
EEO Statement:
RLF is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful work environment. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. RLF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.