Sustainability Lead and Subject Matter Expert

ZGF is seeking a talented and professional Architectural Sustainability Lead and Subject Matter Expert with 5-10 years of experience. Based in the LA, DC, or NY office, this role will provide leadership, support, and direction on projects and be a firmwide resource in one or more sustainability areas of focus, such as Materials, Resilience or Systems. 

As an Architectural Sustainability Lead and Subject Matter Expert, you will… 

• Be recognized as an office sustainability leader, helping advance shared sustainability priorities, mentor project teams, and build knowledge across the office. 

• Serve as a firmwide subject matter expert, translating best practices, research, and emerging strategies into actionable guidance for project teams and clients. 

• Perform architectural assignments with general direction, no immediate supervision, and work independently as well as collaboratively with others toward design solutions. 

• Assist in developing design and technical solutions for projects in all phases, including graphics, renderings, physical modeling, and performance metrics for the successful communication of the design goals. 

• Provide production of design drawings, presentation drawings, and digital models in support of design teams. 

• Research products and materials, review existing projects, and those under construction to inform the production of design documentation. 

• Be responsible for supporting the client and project teams in developing the sustainable vision and project goals. 

• Coordinate and work directly with internal and external consultant teams, leading discussions on sustainability objectives to develop design strategies that meet the sustainability vision and project goals. 

• Support the development of office and firmwide sustainable performance goals by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within the organization.  

• Lead and manage internal and external sustainability teams in sustainability analysis to develop cost effective and constructable design solutions, using tools to track those through design development. 

Qualifications 

• Professional Architectural Degree with 5-10 years of working experience. 

• Subject matter expert in one or more sustainability areas of focus, such as Materials (including Carbon), Resilience, and/or Systems. 

• Experience working with complex multi-phased higher education, large transit, healthcare, civic and/or commercial development projects is required. 

• Ability to provide direction and support on projects in the pursuit of sustainability goals within the AEC industry. 

• Minimum 5 years of experience with sustainable standards, including LEED, WELL and Passive House training, is considered an asset. 

• Proficient in Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper for Rhino, Adobe Suite, and MS Office Suite. 

• Experience working with Tally, EC3, and/or other LCA software. Along with experience with DIVA, Climate Studio, LightStanza, IES, or other sustainable performance building analysis software. 

• Budget conscious with the ability to develop and manage scopes and fees for sustainability scopes while driving projects forward and understanding the nuances with schedule, cost, and constructability impacts on building performance. 

• Ability to graphically illustrate and verbally communicate sustainability concepts in a clear and effective manner. 

• Experience in synthesizing complex (and often contradicting) data sets into succinct pros and cons to determine next steps based on project and client goals. 

• Demonstrated leadership skills, resourceful and self-motivated with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and process standardization.  

• Thrives in a project-driven, dynamic environment, managing and organizing multiple tasks with ease. 

• Highly motivated with the ability to take initiative and anticipate needs, often going above and beyond to address challenges and opportunities before they arise. 

• Foster a culture of continuous learning by promoting a growth mindset and supporting employees in expanding their skills and knowledge. 

• Demonstrates a high level of creativity and the ability to consistently generate original ideas and solutions. 

• Nimble and agile communicator with the ability to effectively communicate internally with teams and externally with clients and consultants. 

• Maintains an open and friendly demeanor, making it easy for others to approach for assistance or guidance. 

Base Salary Range

$105,000 - $124,000 annually depending on skills and experience

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With: 

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Portfolio

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box. Your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.

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