Architect B/C - Façade Technical Detail Specialist

nycsca; Queens (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The SCA is seeking a Facade Technical Detail Specialist to lead facade design from concept to construction for NYC public school projects. You will ensure budget and schedule alignment, and coordinate with design teams to achieve high performance envelopes.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, development of facade details, and oversight of analyses and testing to meet energy, durability, and code requirements.

Qualifications

• Lead facade design from concept through construction documents.
• Provide technical leadership on facade-related scope within project budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate envelope performance with structural, MEP, and acoustics teams.

Responsibilities

• Offer technical direction and coordinate with in-house architects, engineers, consultants, fabricators, and suppliers.
• Develop facade details and standard repositories; maintain design standards.
• Oversee testing and QA/QC of envelope assemblies and related field evaluations.

Skills

Facade design

Technical leadership

Envelope performance

Thermal analysis

U-value calculations

MEP coordination

Tools

2D/3D simulation tools

Facade software

Job description

Build your career while building NYC Public schools and impacting the learning environments of the next generation!

The SCA's Architecture and Engineering Department is responsible for development of scope, design, and construction documents for new school buildings, additions, lease conversions and renovation work of existing schools for New York City's approximately 1.1 million students. Our projects are intentionally and thoughtfully designed; positive impact design is at the forefront of all our projects.

Our In-House studio is a multidisciplinary practice that is responsible for designing some of the largest and most complex schools in our 1,500+ school portfolio as well as renovation work to existing schools. Our other two studios manage external consultants from design inception to completion. Our three studios are comprised of talented architects and engineers who are driven to deliver high quality custom designed, sustainable, and resilient public schools.

Come and join our continuing journey towards design excellence in the K-12 education sector. Be impactful!

Job Description Summary

EXPERTISE IN FAÇADE DESIGN NEEDED

The Façade Technical Detail Specialist, Architect - Level A Level B or C reports to an A&E Director, Managing Architect or Managing Engineer, or a higher assignment level Architect or Engineer, and is responsible for performing work in a variety of assignments and technical roles, as needed, to achieve the objectives of the Authority.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership on fa ç ade-related scope, aligning project budget, schedule, and code compliance with SCA standards from early concept through construction, setting design strategy and ensuring technical excellence on complex projects.
• Create and innovate with a strong conceptual design ability and technical resolution. Integrate interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the envelope design to achieve a project's design and performance aspirations.
• Evaluate envelope systems for movement and tolerance, including thermal, structural (dead/live), seismic, and wind-induced conditions.
• Perform and oversee thermal analysis, including whole-assembly U-value calculations and condensation (dew point) studies using 2D and 3D simulation tools.
• Perform and oversee advanced fa ç ade analyses with specialized software including structural behavior, geometry optimization, thermal performance, moisture/condensation, air/water tightness, system movement, durability, and long-term maintenance.
• Produce, coordinate and/or oversee fa ç ade presentation content and deliverables such as detail sketches, diagrams, 3D models, drawings, specifications and performance analysis.
• Provide technical direction and coordinate directly with in-house Architects, engineers, specialty consultants, fabricators, and suppliers to ensure integrated, buildable solutions.
• Perform and/or direct material and building envelope research, analysis and participate in the coordination and preparation of project specifications.
• Define preliminary sizing criteria for fenestration and rainscreen systems based on structural performance requirements.
• Advise on insulating glass unit (IGU) configurations to meet project-specific solar heat gain, thermal performance, and durability targets.
• Develop conceptual roof waterproofing assemblies, including overburden systems, with consideration for long-term maintenance and constructability.
• Develop typical fa ç ade details coordinating envelope systems with structural interfaces, addressing attachment, tolerances, and installation sequencing.
• Recommend roofing and waterproofing systems, including typical details and integration with fa ç ade assemblies.
• Coordinate with MEP teams, and acoustic consultants to integrate fa ç ade performance into energy modeling, and review model outputs for compliance and optimization.
• Develop and maintain a fa ç ade technical standards repository, including lessons learned and best practices.
• Lead internal training initiatives related to fa ç ade design, performance, and construction.
• Prepare and review specifications for fa ç ade and roofing systems.
• Advise on value engineering strategies while maintaining fa ç ade performance and durability standards.
• Witness and evaluate field performance testing (e.g., AAMA air and water infiltration tests).
• Conduct manufacturer facility inspections and QA/QC reviews.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with codes, and standards.
• May be required to sign, seal and file drawings and sign and seal other documents
• Manage time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with occasional interaction and direction from team leaders while guiding and teaching in-house Architects.
• May act as Managing Architect in the absence of the Managing Architect.
• Participate in cross-studio/division seminars and training workshops