What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Architect position at Uptic Studios?
Location (on-site): Spokane, WA
Years of Experience: 6 Years
Salary: $80k - $110k
Benefits:
- comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- matching 401k
- generous PTO
- education stipend
- performance bonuses and sales commissions
Role Overview:
Uptic Studios is seeking an experienced Project Architect to lead project delivery across a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial work. This role is ideal for an architect with deep technical expertise and a proven ability to lead teams, manage clients, and execute complex projects with clarity and precision.
At Uptic, design excellence is supported by open collaboration and disciplined execution. The Project Architect plays a central role in translating design intent into built work—guiding projects from schematic design through construction documentation and construction administration.
This individual will oversee technical development, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients. They are responsible for maintaining alignment between design vision and execution, ensuring consistency and quality across all phases of work.
As a key contributor to the studio, the Project Architect helps uphold Uptic’s standards by fostering clear communication, strong team coordination, and thoughtful problem-solving throughout the life of a project.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the documentation, coordination, and technical execution of architectural projects from design development through construction administration.
- Manage client communication, contracts, and project schedules to ensure alignment of scope, budget, and design intent.
- Oversee consultant coordination across disciplines, integrating structural, civil, MEPF, and specialty systems into cohesive and buildable solutions.
- Direct production efforts and quality control for project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and permitting packages.
- Conduct site observations and construction administration to maintain design integrity and resolve field conditions.
- Collaborate with the design team to translate conceptual design into detailed and executable architectural solutions.
- Mentor junior designers and staff, promoting consistent standards for documentation, communication, and project delivery throughout the studio.
- Support and refine internal workflows to improve project efficiency, coordination, and overall quality.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Architecture licensure required or actively taking the ARE
- Minimum 6 years of professional experience in architectural design and project delivery for residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects through all phases, from schematic design to construction closeout.
- Strong understanding of building codes, jurisdictional permitting processes, and construction methods.
- Proven experience managing consultant teams and coordinating technical documentation for complex projects.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and client-facing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple active projects concurrently.
Required Technical Proficiency:
- Revit and AutoCAD (primary production platform)
- SketchUp and Enscape for visualization
- Adobe Creative Suite for design development support
- Familiarity with AIA contract documents and standard project delivery methods
Beneficial but not required:
- Morpholio or comparable iPad-based architectural software
- Miro for research and data management
- Monograph for project management and resource planning
- Energy modeling software or sustainability tools
- AI tools for data management, ideation, and composition
About [us]:
Background: Uptic Studios, Inc. is an architecture, interior design, and procurement firm based in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 2010 by Matthew and Julie Collins, the studio was established to deliver exceptional design through continuous learning, exploration, and meaningful community engagement.
Over the past 16 years, Uptic has grown into a multidisciplinary design practice leading diverse projects across the continental United States and Hawaii. The firm has received numerous local and national awards, including multiple AIA honors, and has been featured in a range of publications. Most recently, Uptic was recognized by LUX Magazine as one of the best design firms in the Pacific Northwest.
Uptic is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, education, and community outreach. The studio supports artist residency and exhibition programs, hosts quarterly in-house sustainability forums, and participates in a variety of professional and philanthropic initiatives. Through this work, Uptic continues to lead in shaping healthy, thoughtful communities while creating exceptional spaces and experiences.
Mission: To bring the best experience and service to our clients, colleagues, and communities through our passion, integrity, and integrated multi-disciplinary team.
Vision: To elevate the human experience and to leave our world a better place than we found it. Beyond the craft, we C.A.R.E.
Core Values: C.A.R.E: We are Connected, Altruistic, Reasonable humans, and strive for Excellence.
- CONNECTION: We establish trust through understanding and clear communication.
- ALTRUISM: We provide continued education, outreach, engagement, and collaboration to build and support the natural and built environment.
- REASONABLENESS: We are informed, empathetic, and realistic. We are cautiously optimistic and humbly confident.
- EXCELLENCE: We are enthusiastic in our quest for design excellence. We deliver holistic designs and professional expertise with an integrated team. Uptic guarantees to guide our clients through the design process to maximize the project quality and value.
Salary : $80,000 - $110,000