What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Architect position at SGA (Boston | New York)?
ABOUT SGA
SGA is an architecture and interior design practice founded in 1991. Winner of the Fast Company Magazine’s “Most Innovative Companies” award for architecture, SGA embodies tech-forward design that redefines how projects are visualized and delivered. With over 50 professionals in Boston and New York, SGA’s team-first approach, and trademark creativity, has resulted in over 450M SF of successful and innovative commissions. www.sga-arch.com
SUMMARY
The Project Architect plays a critical role in advancing the design, documentation, and execution of complex architectural projects across multiple market sectors. This position requires a balance of design sensitivity, technical expertise, and leadership—supporting SGA’s mission to deliver integrated, sustainable, and innovative environments that enhance how people live, work, and discover.
The Project Architect is responsible for ensuring that project elements are successfully developed, coordinated, and documented through all phases—from concept through construction administration. Working closely with Project Managers and Senior Designers, this role maintains a high level of design integrity, technical quality, and client service, while helping to mentor and guide junior team members.
Ideal candidates bring a strong understanding of architectural principles, building systems, and codes, with the ability to lead coordination efforts across consultants and disciplines in support of mixed-use, residential, research, and corporate environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES
Design & Technical Leadership
- Lead or support design development and documentation of complex projects from concept through construction.
- Maintain design integrity while ensuring constructability, technical coordination, and adherence to budget and schedule.
- Apply a strong understanding of architectural detailing, materials, sustainability strategies, and building performance.
- Translate design concepts into fully coordinated construction documents consistent with SGA standards.
- Integrate sustainability principles and emerging technologies into design solutions.
- Contribute to the firm’s knowledge sharing and design culture.
Project Coordination & Management
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Principals, and other senior staff to meet client expectations and deliverables.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams—including structural, civil, and MEP/FP—ensuring alignment across all documentation.
- Lead internal coordination meetings and participate in client and stakeholder presentations.
- Support and sometimes lead code and zoning research, agency submissions, and approval processes.
- Oversee daily team activities to ensure clarity, communication, and accountability within the project team.
- Be able to effectively coordinate and lead teams across both offices.
Construction Administration
- Provide construction administration services including shop drawing reviews, responses to RFIs, and preparation of addenda, ASIs, and bulletins.
- Conduct field observations, document progress, and track design intent through project completion.
- Collaborate with construction partners to resolve challenges efficiently and maintain design quality.
Client Service & Representation
- Serve as a point of contact for clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
- Contribute to building and maintaining long-term client relationships through responsiveness, reliability, and quality delivery.
- Participate in business development and proposal efforts as needed, representing SGA’s design approach and technical expertise.
Mentorship & Team Culture
- Mentor junior staff by modeling best practices, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional growth.
- Contribute to the positive culture and collaborative spirit of SGA’s studios.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 8 years of experience in architecture, with increasing responsibility and demonstrated leadership.
- Strong understanding of architectural design, documentation, and technical coordination.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work across teams and disciplines.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience in one or more of the following markets: multi-family housing, mixed-use, corporate workplace, research, higher education, or sustainability-focused design.
- Ability to guide and mentor others, contributing to SGA’s culture of growth and excellence.
- Familiarity with codes, zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes.
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
- Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
- Architectural license required or actively in progress.
- LEED accreditation or pursuit encouraged.on.
CERTIFICATES LICENSES
- Registered Architect preferred; NCARB certification desirable.
- LEED, WELL, or other sustainability credentials are a plus.
TECHNOLOGY
- Proficiency in Revit required.
- Familiarity with Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and Deltek’s Ajera.
- Experience with rendering and visualization tools preferred.