Associate, Architect

SS&L Architects; Alabama; On-site; USD 55,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Medical & Dental Insurance

Disability Insurance

Gap Insurance

Profit Sharing (401k)

Relocation Reimbursement

Gym Membership Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

SS&L Architects seeks an Associate, Architect to join our team in Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, Auburn, Dothan, or Pensacola. This role moves beyond production to ownership of projects and contributes to the firm’s growth.

As an Associate, you’ll lead project delivery, mentor staff, and build lasting client relationships while supporting firm operations and process improvements. A NAAB-accredited degree and 5–8 years of experience are required for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
• 5–8 years of professional architectural experience.
• Experience leading projects through design and construction phases.
• Strong understanding of project management, consultant coordination, construction administration, and client communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery from programming through construction administration.
• Mentor and develop less experienced staff and reinforce firm culture and standards.
• Build and manage client relationships and support business development.
• Contribute to firm operations including quality control, recruiting, and project finance oversight.

Skills

Leadership potential

Mentoring

Project management

Client communication

Organizational skills

Education

NAAB-accredited architecture degree

Job description

SS&L Architects is seeking an Associate, Architect to join our team in Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, Auburn, Dothan, or Pensacola.

Named the #1 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in America in 2026, SS&L Architects combines the opportunities of a growing regional firm with the culture and accessibility of a close-knit team. With more than four dozen professionals across six offices, we design impactful projects throughout the Southeast, including public safety facilities, higher education campuses, military installations, parks and recreation complexes, civic buildings, and many other developments.

This position is more than a traditional Project Manager role. This position is ideal for architects who have moved beyond production-focused responsibilities and are ready to take ownership of projects and contribute to the continued growth of the firm.

As an Associate, you'll serve as a key leader within project teams while developing the skills necessary for future senior leadership opportunities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead Project Delivery

• Manage architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
• Coordinate project teams, consultants, and client stakeholders.
• Prepare and manage project schedules, staffing plans, and fee proposals.
• Oversee construction administration activities and support successful project outcomes.
• Maintain project quality, schedule performance, and budget objectives.

Mentor and Support Team Development

• Actively teach and reinforce SS&L's culture, standards, and operational processes.
• Create opportunities for less experienced staff to learn and grow.
• Share technical knowledge, project management skills, and lessons learned from project experience.

Build Client Relationships

• Participate in project interviews, client meetings, industry events, and community engagement opportunities.
• Support business development efforts through relationship building and exceptional client service.
• Help identify opportunities for future work with existing and prospective clients.

Contribute to Firm Operations

• Participate in quality control reviews and uphold the firm's commitment to design excellence.
• Assist with recruiting efforts and candidate evaluations.
• Support ongoing improvements to firm processes and project delivery standards.
• Oversee project invoicing, consultant payments, and contract administration.
• Work closely with Principals and Senior Associates to ensure projects remain financially successful.
• Understand the relationship between project performance, client satisfaction, and firm success.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
• 5-8 years of professional architectural experience.
• Experience leading projects through multiple phases of design and construction.
• Strong understanding of project management, consultant coordination, construction administration, and client communication.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and a desire to mentor others.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

WHY SS&L ARCHITECTS?

Nationally Recognized Workplace

• Ranked #1 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in America for two consecutive years in 2025 & 2026
• Consistently named one of Alabama's Best Companies to Work For

Work on meaningful projects across multiple markets:

• Higher Education
• Civic & Municipal
• Military
• Public Safety
• Parks & Recreation
• Commercial & Office
• Path for advancement and leadership opportunities
• Firm-wide mentoring and professional development
• Opportunities to influence strategic decisions and company direction

At SS&L, you'll know the people making decisions. We believe in investing in our employees, supporting professional growth, and creating an environment where talented architects can build long-term careers.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

We are committed to rewarding our team’s hard work and talent. As such, we are proud to offer hourly wages, standing out as one of the mere 14% of architecture firms nationwide that pay overtime, ensuring our team is compensated for every hour they dedicate to their work. Beyond wages, our benefits package is designed to support and enhance our team’s well-being and work-life balance, including generous paid time off, profit sharing, and gym membership discounts among other perks. We continuously monitor the market to maintain an industry leading compensation and benefit package.

• Highly Competitive Hourly Pay Structure
• Overtime (beyond 40 hours) earned at 1.5x hourly rate
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Disability & Gap Insurance
• 5% Profit Sharing for 401k
• Relocation Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

• 15 days per year, accrued annually
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Unused PTO rolls over annually