Architect

Cushing Terrell; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell is seeking a licensed Architect to lead architectural projects in our Billings or Boise office. You will drive design and technical delivery from concept to construction for federal/institutional work, mentoring teams and coordinating with consultants to ensure quality and compliance.

You will apply building codes, federal requirements, and firm standards with limited supervision while advancing client relationships and project outcomes.

Qualifications

• NAAB-accredited degree required.
• Current architectural license/registration.
• 10+ years progressive professional architectural experience.
• Demonstrated experience with federal government projects and procurement.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, zoning, and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from concept through construction with federal/institutional focus.
• Mentor and lead project teams to meet standards and deadlines.
• Prepare and coordinate architectural drawings and BIM models across phases.
• Develop schematic design and design development concepts with leadership.
• Coordinate with consultants and ensure constructability and compliance.
• Perform site observations and support construction administration activities.

Skills

NAAB-accredited

Architect license

10+ years experience

Federal projects

Federal permitting

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Bluebeam

Building codes

Project coordination

Time management

Communication

Education

NAAB-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Architect

Position Description

As a licensed Architect based in our Billings or Boise office, you will independently lead the planning, design, and technical delivery of architectural projects while providing design and technical leadership within project teams. This role is responsible for developing and coordinating architectural solutions from concept through construction, producing and reviewing design documentation, and actively participating in consultant coordination and construction administration.

A key focus of this role is experience with federal government projects and an understanding of federal permitting processes, agency requirements, and compliance frameworks. You will apply sound architectural judgment, building codes, and firm standards with limited supervision, while mentoring team members and strengthening long‑term client relationships with federal and institutional clients.

We are looking for a well‑rounded architect who brings technical depth, project leadership experience, and a passion for delivering meaningful work in the federal and public sector space.

Position Salary Range*

The expected salary range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 annually.

Required Qualifications**

• NAAB‑accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Current architectural license/registration
• 10+ years of progressive professional architectural experience demonstrating increasing responsibility, technical competence, and independent problem‑solving
• Demonstrated experience working on federal government projects, including familiarity with federal agency requirements, procurement processes, and compliance frameworks
• Experience navigating federal permitting processes and applicable regulatory requirements
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office
• Strong working knowledge of building codes, zoning requirements, and construction methods, with the ability to apply them independently
• Ability to analyze complex design challenges and develop well‑reasoned architectural solutions
• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills
• Ability to coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary internal teams
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines with minimal oversight

Preferred Qualifications**

• Experience with GSA, USACE, VA, or other federal agency design and construction standards
• Familiarity with Design‑Build or IDIQ contract delivery methods common in federal work
• LEED certification and/or passion for sustainability
• Willingness to adopt and help implement new tools, processes, and technologies

Position Responsibilities***

• Lead projects from conception to completion, ensuring high‑quality delivery across federal and institutional project types
• Lead project teams, reviewing work to maintain standards and provide guidance
• Independently prepare and coordinate architectural drawings and BIM models across multiple project phases
• Lead the development of schematic design and design development concepts in collaboration with project leadership
• Translate project goals into a clear vision and produce original, engaging solutions
• Review work for compliance with project requirements, building codes, federal agency standards, and quality standards
• Coordinate architectural scope with engineering consultants and other disciplines
• Prepare and review construction documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability
• Perform code analysis and support federal permitting and regulatory review processes
• Develop and refine construction cost estimates in collaboration with project teams
• Lead construction administration activities on small to medium projects, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and change orders
• Conduct site observations, prepare field reports, and support resolution of construction issues
• Review and mentor junior team members by providing clear direction and constructive feedback
• Contribute to studio leadership and support team processes, helping other team members grow in technical and career skills
• Maintain and develop internal and external client relationships, including federal agency contacts
• Seal and sign permit documents on assigned projects
• Operate independently with sound judgment while escalating issues as appropriate
• May have supervisory responsibilities, including training, assigning and directing work, reviewing performance, rewarding and disciplining team members, addressing complaints, and resolving problems
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws
• Other duties as assigned

Working at Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

Why Cushing Terrell

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first‑of‑their‑kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, “design meets you.” Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

Things to Note

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job‑related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.