Architect

Facade Today; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Project Architect or Architectural Lead in Seattle to transform concepts into high‑performing spaces. You will lead projects from initial visioning through construction, guiding teams and coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors to deliver design excellence and value.

Experience in grocery/retail is valued but not required; candidates from varied sectors are encouraged.

Qualifications

• NAAB-accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree.
• 8+ years job-related work experience with demonstrated competence leading projects, teams and clients.
• Experienced and passionate about leading projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• License is Optional: Current architect license/registration is a plus, not a must.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong client relationships through exceptional communication, responsiveness, and service.
• Proven ability to lead projects from initial programming and concept development through construction and project closeout.
• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
• Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with clients to define functional, operational, and spatial requirements; develop design solutions, specifications, material selections, and project schedules for client review and approval.
• Partner with design leaders and multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and effective design concepts.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform project design, technical solutions, code compliance, and project delivery strategies.
• Prepare, coordinate, and oversee construction documents for permitting, bidding, and construction.
• Develop and evaluate project construction cost estimates in collaboration with the project team.
• Conduct code analysis and jurisdictional research to support project planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform quality control reviews of drawings, specifications, and project documentation; provide mentorship and constructive feedback to project teams.
• Administer construction contracts, including management of addenda, substitutions, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other construction-phase services.
• Conduct site observations and field reviews during construction to verify compliance with design intent and contract documents; participate in punch walks and final inspections.
• Coordinate and direct the work of architectural team members, consultants, and other project stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Contribute to staff mentorship, training, and professional development efforts.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members to support successful project outcomes and long-term business growth.

Skills

Project leadership

Team coordination

Client relationships

Communication

Education

NAAB-accredited architecture degree

Job description

Position Description

A Project Architect or Architectural Lead brings ideas to life, transforming concepts into environments that serve people, businesses, and communities every day. At Cushing Terrell, this role is about more than designing buildings, it’s about creating thoughtful, high-performing spaces through collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence.

You’ll help lead projects from early visioning and design through construction, working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that balance design intent, functionality, sustainability, and long-term value. As a trusted project leader, you’ll guide technical development, coordinate project teams, and help ensure successful outcomes across all phases of delivery.

We’re seeking a well-rounded architect with diverse project experience and a passion for problem‑solving. Experience in grocery retail, food and beverage, or retail environments is valued, but not required. Candidates with experience across a variety of project types, including commercial, workplace, civic, education, healthcare, mixed‑use, or other complex building sectors, are encouraged to apply.

Whether designing customer‑facing environments, workplace settings, community spaces, or operational facilities, you’ll help create places that enhance the user experience, support client goals, and make a lasting impact on the people who use them.

Position Salary Range

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000 annually.

Required Qualifications

• NAAB‑accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree
• 8+ years job‑related work experience with demonstrated competence leading projects, teams and clients
• Experienced and passionate about leading projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams
• License is Optional: Current architect license/registration is a plus, not a must

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong client relationships through exceptional communication, responsiveness, and service.
• Proven ability to lead projects from initial programming and concept development through construction and project closeout.
• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
• Thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment that requires strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborate with clients to define functional, operational, and spatial requirements; develop design solutions, specifications, material selections, and project schedules for client review and approval.
• Partner with design leaders and multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and effective design concepts.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform project design, technical solutions, code compliance, and project delivery strategies.
• Prepare, coordinate, and oversee construction documents for permitting, bidding, and construction.
• Develop and evaluate project construction cost estimates in collaboration with the project team.
• Conduct code analysis and jurisdictional research to support project planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform quality control reviews of drawings, specifications, and project documentation; provide mentorship and constructive feedback to project teams.
• Administer construction contracts, including management of addenda, substitutions, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other construction‑phase services.
• Conduct site observations and field reviews during construction to verify compliance with design intent and contract documents; participate in punch walks and final inspections.
• Coordinate and direct the work of architectural team members, consultants, and other project stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Contribute to staff mentorship, training, and professional development efforts.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members to support successful project outcomes and long‑term business growth.

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/2024/12/CushingTerrell_Benefits-Guide_2025.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.