Project Architect

Description

Beyer Blinder Belle is seeking an experienced Project Architect to join our multidisciplinary Washington, DC office. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate architectural and engineering teams through all design phases, with an immediate focus on a complex existing-building residential project.

Working closely with the Project Manager, Partner in Charge, consultants, and client, the Project Architect will guide project documentation and coordination while addressing technical, regulatory, constructability, and existing-condition challenges.

In addition to working locally with a broad and diverse group of professionals at all career stages, new hires will collaborate virtually with BBB design professionals in the Boston, New York, and Miami offices. All BBB employees, including new hires, can participate in staff initiatives that advance professional skills, connect staff beyond project work, and promote environmental and social well-being.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural document production and coordination across all phases of the project, including Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, permitting, and Construction Administration. 
• Develop comprehensive and well-coordinated contract documents, including drawings, specifications, and technical details. 
• Evaluate existing building conditions and incorporate field observations, surveys, and available documentation into the design and project delivery process. 
• Identify and resolve technical challenges associated with the renovation and rehabilitation of existing residential buildings. 
• Coordinate the internal project team and external consultants, including structural, MEP/FP, civil, landscape, code, envelope, and other specialty disciplines.      
• Lead coordination meetings, establish clear priorities, delegate assignments, and monitor the team’s progress against project schedules and deliverables. 
• Collaborate with the Project Manager on staffing, production planning, project workflows, and resource needs. 
• Communicate design and technical concepts clearly to clients, consultants, and project team members through drawings, presentations, visualizations, specifications, and construction details. 
• Maintain design intent and technical quality throughout the project, incorporating direction from the client, Project Manager, and Partner in Charge. 
• Direct the development of zoning, permit, and other regulatory review packages. 
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to confirm compliance with BBB standards, client requirements, applicable codes, zoning regulations, and project-specific criteria. 
• Guide the development and coordination of the Revit model in accordance with BBB’s BIM standards and project requirements. 
• Support the Construction Administration process, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, participating in site visits and meetings, and resolving field conditions. 
• Provide clear direction, technical guidance, and mentorship to junior and intermediate team members. 

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• 10+ years of professional architectural experience, including significant experience serving as a Project Architect or in a comparable project leadership role. 
• At least five years of experience working on multifamily residential projects. 
• Demonstrated experience with the renovation, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse of existing residential buildings. 
• Experience working through multiple project phases, including Construction Documents and Construction Administration. 
• Registered Architect required; sustainability accreditation is preferred. 
• Thorough understanding of multifamily residential building systems, technical detailing, accessibility requirements, life-safety considerations, and applicable building codes. 
• Knowledge of Washington, DC codes, zoning requirements, permitting processes, and regulatory agencies is strongly preferred. 
• Ability to assess existing conditions, anticipate complex technical or constructability issues, and identify the appropriate resources and solutions. 
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing consultants, delegating assignments, and supervising staff. 
• Strong quality assurance and quality control capabilities. 
• Excellent communication, organization, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain project quality while meeting established deadlines. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite applications. 

BIM Capabilities

A successful candidate must be able to:

• Work effectively within Building Information Modeling platforms; proficiency in Revit is required. 
• Participate in BIM execution planning and follow established standards for design authoring, model exchange, drawing production, and design review within a common data environment. 
• Guide project teams in developing and maintaining coordinated architectural models. 
• Conduct or oversee BIM-based coordination, issue tracking, and quality assurance using platforms such as Autodesk Construction Cloud/BIM 360, Navisworks, Revizto, or Solibri. 
• Produce and manage BIM deliverables that comply with project data requirements and Level of Development expectations. 

Benefits

BBB is committed to supporting your well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with a no-premium option)
• Financial: 401(k) plan (pre-tax/ and or Roth), pre-tax healthcare and dependent care savings plans, commuter transit/parking programs, and life/disability insurance. 
• Paid Time: PTO, holidays, and paid volunteer opportunities.
• Professional Development: Subsidies for ARE exam fees, AIA membership dues, and other professional expenses.
• Wellness: Fitness Discounts, mental health support, and wellness programs.
• Culture: Mentorship programs and employee resource groups. 

Compensation

BBB offers fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $100,000-$130,000, with variations based on experience, education, achievements, and business needs. Employees may also receive an annual performance-based bonus and a salary increase.