Architect - Civic & Justice

NELSON Worldwide, LLC; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

Health benefits

Wellness program

Pet insurance

Career advancement

PTO & holidays

Parental leave

WFH options

Professional development

Job summary

NELSON is seeking an Architect to join the Civic & Justice Practice. You will lead multiple projects through design, CD and CA, coordinating with clients, consultants and contractors.

The role requires experience in Civic & Justice facilities and an architectural license in at least one state. Responsibilities include design development, production of construction documents, and construction administration; mentoring staff and contributing to a diverse, inclusive studio culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture and license in at least one state.
• Minimum 7 years of industry experience in Civic & Justice projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit; knowledge of related software tools.
• Strong design fundamentals, codes, construction documentation and coordination.
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and client communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and technical questions within project teams and mentor staff.
• Prepare and oversee Concept through Construction Documents using listed software.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants and contractors throughout projects.
• Review RFIs, shop drawings, submittals and assist in project meetings.
• Ensure QA, codes compliance, and timely project delivery; maintain project files.
• Support business development and maintain professional relationships.

Skills

Design knowledge

Budgets & schedules

Building codes

Construction documents

Product specs

LEED/Well basics

Communication

Task prioritization

AutoCAD

Revit

Bluebeam Revu

Photoshop

SketchUp

MS Project

Newforma

Deltek Vantagepoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SpecLink

Newforma

SketchUp

Photoshop

InDesign

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

NELSON is currently seeking a highly motivated and team-oriented Architect to join the Civic & Justice Practice. As an Architect, you will lead multiple projects through the design process, production of construction documents, and construction administration as part of a project team. The Architect develops solutions to technical problems, demonstrates leadership qualities, and a collaborative approach to the successful production of design and construction documents. Candidates should demonstrate experience in all aspects of the design process including: Programming, Master Planning, Conceptual, Schematic and Design Development presentations, 3D modeling, and the technical proficiency to successfully implement designs through the CD/CA phases.

Responsibilities include participating in design phase activities and coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout each project. Experience in Civic & Justice is required. This includes: Correctional facilities, Detention Centers, Courthouses, Public Safety buildings, Municipality buildings, etc. Architectural license in at least 1 state is required.

Attributes To Support The NELSON Culture

• Go All In. Own the Outcome. We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic. We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose. We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart. We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone. We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Good understanding of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer supplier appropriateness
• Ability to adhere to project budgets and schedules
• Good knowledge of building regulations, life safety codes and ADA requirements
• Good knowledge of the construction process
• Good knowledge of design techniques, tools, and processes involved in production of Construction Documents
• Good knowledge of product specifications and detailing
• Basic knowledge of LEED and Well requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks as needed to complete within the identified time frame
• Required: Proficiency in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop or Revit, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Bluebeam Revu
• Basic knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup
• Basic knowledge of MS Project
• Basic knowledge of Newforma Project Center
• Basic knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Leadership

• Assist project team with design and technical questions during each project
• Share knowledge with the entire studio and be a resource to the entire NELSON staff
• Be a mentor to staff, including interns
• Contribute as a Team Leader, on an as needed basis as it relates to individual performance & development within the project team
• Embrace specific steps to create, develop and promote a diverse workforce and to promote an inclusive environment

Project Delivery

• Assist with proposal and contract documents
• Contribute to the work plan for each project
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of Concept, Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents using software skills listed above
• Conduct field surveys as required
• Generate overall project design concepts
• Develop and/or oversee the development of design concepts into complete design development set and further advance into complete construction drawings
• Oversee material research and compilation of project data and incorporation throughout each project
• Prepare project specifications
• Communicate with project team members and resolve drawing discrepancies independently
• Coordinate and incorporate work of internal and external project consultants
• Oversee the preparation of Addenda and Bulletin documentation
• Review Shop Drawings
• Sign and seal drawings as needed
• Review, respond to and track RFls
• Attend construction meetings, make periodic site observation visits as required by contract
• Prepare and update punch lists as required
• Adhere to NELSON standards in the preparation of deliverables
• Review and correct your own work and work of the project team including both internal and external consultants following established QA procedures
• Review and understand applicable building codes and other standards (including Accessibility Standards)
• Prepare zoning and building code analysis and review
• Assist with the timely submittal of drawings to the appropriate authorities having jurisdiction
• Oversee the maintenance and archiving of electronic project files
• Understand project scope and identify items that are beyond the original scope of services and bring to attention of project lead
• Draft Client agreement change orders and Sub Consultant agreement change orders as directed by project lead
• Prepare meeting agendas, meeting minutes, phone conversation notes, to document the progress of the project and directions received from the Client
• Attend project meetings
• Share knowledge with other teammates and assist team with design and/or detailing challenges

Client Relationships

• Maintain secondary client contact as back up to primary contact

Business Development

• Assist in secondary marketing by maintaining good working relationships with Client contacts
• Attend interviews as requested by project lead, Studio or Market Leaders

Continuing Education And Professional Development

• Maintain licensure by fulfilling continuing education
• Continuously enhance skills in required software by attending in-house training and working on billable
• Enhance management and communication

Education / Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited University plus:
• 7+ years' experience; or equivalent in appropriate education and experience working in the field of
• Architectural license in at least one (1) state

Billable Expectations

• Billable percentage expected to be 90%-95% or greater on an on-going basis

Qualifications

• Architectural license in at least 1 state
• Minimum 7 years of industry experience
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, SpecLink, Newforma, SketchUp, Photoshop and InDesign
• Advanced knowledge of building life safety and ADA codes
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills
• Experience in Civic & Justice is required. This includes: Correctional facilities, Detention Centers, Courthouses, Public Safety buildings, Municipality buildings, etc.

National average salary range: $80,000 – $120,000 (7+ years experience). Factors such as years of relevant experience, qualifications/licensure, education, and location are taken into consideration during the hiring process. Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing.

Benefits of NELSON

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization

NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.