Architect

Actalent; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick leave

401(k)

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Actalent in Washington, DC is searching for a Senior Staff Architect to lead the technical execution of complex architectural projects, transforming design concepts into coordinated, constructible solutions while mentoring junior team members.

You will guide project teams, collaborate with consultants and clients, and help drive successful project outcomes with strong design capabilities and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture is required.
• 8+ years of professional architectural experience and leadership in projects.
• Licensure preferred or active progress toward licensure.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development and delivery of architectural projects from design development to construction administration.
• Translate design concepts into coordinated construction documents while preserving design intent.
• Apply expertise in building systems and detailing to develop buildable solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and lead project teams through reviews and coaching.
• Coordinate with consultants, engineers, and clients to maintain schedules and quality.
• Support construction administration including RFIs and submittal review.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentor junior staff

Client communication

Team leadership

Architecture design

Urban architectural projects

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Job description

About The Opportunity We are seeking a talented Senior Staff Architect to lead the technical execution of complex architectural projects while supporting the growth and development of junior team members. This role is well suited for a versatile architect who brings together strong design capabilities, technical expertise, project leadership, and effective client communication. You will play a key role in transforming design concepts into coordinated, constructible solutions while collaborating with consultants, guiding project teams, and helping drive successful project outcomes.

Senior Staff Architect

We are seeking a talented Senior Staff Architect to lead the technical execution of complex architectural projects while supporting the growth and development of junior team members. This role is well suited for a versatile architect who brings together strong design capabilities, technical expertise, project leadership, and effective client communication. You will play a key role in transforming design concepts into coordinated, constructible solutions while collaborating with consultants, guiding project teams, and helping drive successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Technical Execution

• Lead the technical development and delivery of architectural projects through design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Translate design concepts into coordinated, high-quality construction documents that maintain the project's design vision and technical integrity.
• Apply expertise in building systems, envelope detailing, interior detailing, codes, and construction practices to develop effective and buildable solutions.
• Identify and resolve technical, design, and project challenges while balancing project priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations.
• Support project planning efforts, staffing coordination, and resource management to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Utilize Revit and related documentation tools to support design development and document production.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide leadership and guidance to architects and designers by assigning responsibilities, setting expectations, and supporting day-to-day project activities.
• Mentor junior staff through technical review, coaching, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Share technical knowledge and best practices to elevate overall team performance and project quality.

Consultant Coordination & Client Interaction

• Coordinate with consultants, engineers, and internal project teams to maintain project schedules, deliverables, and overall project goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders through professional and responsive communication.
• Serve as a key point of contact throughout project execution, helping facilitate decision-making and collaboration.
• Review project documentation for technical accuracy, quality, and consistency.

Construction Administration

• Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and coordinating with contractors.
• Help ensure that design intent is carried through construction and project completion.
• Provide technical support during construction and field coordination efforts when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 8+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Proven experience leading project teams through design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Strong background in multifamily, mixed-use, urban infill, commercial, or large-scale base building projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Revit for design development, documentation, and project coordination.
• Experience using Bluebeam and similar project documentation platforms.
• Demonstrated success coordinating consultants and managing multidisciplinary project documentation.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior architectural professionals.
• Strong understanding of building codes, construction methods, permitting processes, and industry standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining exceptional technical quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project coordination abilities.
• Architectural licensure preferred or active progress toward licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with urban base-building, multifamily residential, and commercial developments.
• background working on complex mixed-use, multifamily, commercial, urban, or institutional projects.
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative and design-focused environment.
• Interest in contributing to notable and award-winning architectural projects.
• Commitment to mentoring others and continuing professional development.
• Strong design instincts supported by in-depth technical knowledge of building systems and detailing.
• Experience serving in a client-facing capacity and developing long-term professional relationships.
• Passion for helping shape impactful projects that contribute to the future of urban communities.

Work Environment

Join a firm of approximately 45 professionals that combines the close-knit culture of a smaller practice with the opportunity to work on significant and highly visible projects. Team members collaborate across a variety of project types rather than working in isolated studios, creating broad exposure to colleagues, clients, and project experiences throughout the organization. The culture is collaborative, supportive, and design-driven, with direct access to firm leadership and meaningful participation in all phases of project delivery. Professional development, mentorship, and continuous learning are core values, providing architects with opportunities to expand their technical expertise, contribute to complex urban and mixed-use developments, and make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $115000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. A collaborative, design-focused environment Growth opportunities that leverage individual capabilities and the firm's needs Paid vacation, sick and holiday leave; 401(k); medical, dental, vision and other flexible benefits

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.