Building Enclosure Specialist - Sustainability Strategist - Senior

Gensler; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k

Profit sharing

Employee stock ownership

Bonuses

Job summary

Gensler is seeking a Building Enclosure Specialist to lead the technical development of high-performance enclosure systems across diverse project types. The role emphasizes a strong engineering approach, coordination with architects, engineers, and contractors, and expertise in waterproofing, air/vapor control, and movement considerations.

The ideal candidate brings 10–15 years of enclosure consulting experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Revit/BIM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Building Science with a strong technical focus.
• 10-15 years of experience in building enclosure consulting, facade design, waterproofing consulting, technical architecture, or building science.
• Strong understanding of waterproofing systems, air and vapor control layers, roofing systems, thermal control layers, building movement and system deflections, facade anchorage concepts, and moisture management.
• Experience reviewing shop drawings, product submittals, construction documents, and field installations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of building enclosure systems, including curtain wall systems, unitized facades, window wall assemblies, rainscreen cladding systems, roofing assemblies, below-grade waterproofing, plaza decks and terrace waterproofing, and air and vapor barrier systems.
• Develop enclosure details that support durability, thermal performance, and constructability.
• Evaluate and coordinate thermal, moisture, and air control strategies.
• Serve as an internal technical resource on building envelope performance and best practices.
• Review architectural details for water management, air barrier continuity, thermal continuity, tolerance accommodation, movement, and differential deflection.
• Support project teams with peer reviews and technical quality assurance.
• Work closely with contractors and facade trades during procurement, shop drawing review, and construction administration.
• Evaluate constructability and sequencing challenges and coordinate enclosure interfaces between structure, facade systems, roofing, waterproofing, and interiors.
• Review RFIs, submittals, mockups, and field conditions.
• Participate in enclosure testing programs, including water infiltration testing, air leakage testing, ASTM mockups, and thermal performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with sustainability and performance teams on projects targeting LEED, WELL, Passive House, or Net Zero goals.
• Existing buildings and renovations: assess enclosure conditions for adaptive reuse projects, office-to-residential conversions, and repositioning or modernization projects.
• Develop repair and remediation strategies where appropriate.

Skills

Building enclosure design

Waterproofing

Thermal performance

Peer reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/Engineering/Building Science

Tools

Revit

BIM coordination

Job description

Building Enclosure Specialist - Sustainability Strategist - Senior

Gensler is seeking a talented and technically driven Building Enclosure Specialist to join our Architecture and Technical Design team. This individual will bring a strong engineering-based approach to the design, coordination, and execution of high-performance building enclosure systems across a broad range of project types.

The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of building envelope systems and be comfortable collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and consultants throughout all phases of design and construction. This role requires expertise in waterproofing, air and vapor control systems, building movement and deflection considerations, facade constructability, and performance-based enclosure design.

As a key member of Gensler's Technical Design and Enclosure team, you will help elevate design quality, mitigate risk, and ensure the long-term performance of the buildings we deliver.

What You Will Do

• Building enclosure design: Lead technical development of building enclosure systems, including curtain wall systems, unitized facades, window wall assemblies, rainscreen cladding systems, roofing assemblies, below-grade waterproofing, plaza decks and terrace waterproofing, and air and vapor barrier systems.
• Develop enclosure details that support durability, thermal performance, and constructability.
• Evaluate and coordinate thermal, moisture, and air control strategies.
• Technical leadership: Serve as an internal technical resource on building envelope performance and best practices.
• Review architectural details for water management, air barrier continuity, thermal continuity, tolerance accommodation, movement, and differential deflection.
• Support project teams with peer reviews and technical quality assurance.
• Constructability and coordination: Work closely with contractors and facade trades during procurement, shop drawing review, and construction administration.
• Evaluate constructability and sequencing challenges and coordinate enclosure interfaces between structure, facade systems, roofing, waterproofing, and interiors.
• Review RFIs, submittals, mockups, and field conditions.
• Building performance: Participate in enclosure testing programs, including water infiltration testing, air leakage testing, ASTM mockups, and thermal performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with sustainability and performance teams on projects targeting LEED, WELL, Passive House, or Net Zero goals.
• Existing buildings and renovations: Assess existing enclosure conditions for adaptive reuse projects, office-to-residential conversions, and repositioning or modernization projects.
• Develop repair and remediation strategies where appropriate.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Building Science with a strong technical focus.
• 10-15 years of experience in building enclosure consulting, facade design, waterproofing consulting, technical architecture, or building science.
• Strong understanding of waterproofing systems, air and vapor control layers, roofing systems, thermal control layers, building movement and system deflections, facade anchorage concepts, and moisture management.
• Experience reviewing shop drawings, product submittals, construction documents, and field installations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Architect (RA) with significant enclosure expertise.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure.
• Experience with high-rise construction, complex facade systems, office-to-residential conversion projects, and adaptive reuse developments.
• Knowledge of ASTM testing protocols, AAMA standards, ABAA requirements, and building enclosure commissioning.
• Familiarity with simulation and analysis tools such as THERM, WUFI, Tally, and Climate Studio.
• Experience with Revit and BIM coordination workflows.

What Makes You Successful

You understand both design intent and construction realities. You can identify enclosure risks before they become field issues, enjoy solving complex interface conditions, and have a strong grasp of building science principles. You communicate technical concepts clearly to both design and construction teams and are passionate about improving building performance, durability, and resilience.

***The base salary range will be estimated between $130K-180k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Why Gensler

At Gensler, we believe that exceptional design requires exceptional technical execution. Our Building Enclosure Specialists play a critical role in ensuring that our projects perform as beautifully as they look. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on some of the world's most innovative and impactful projects while helping drive technical excellence across the firm.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and

All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

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Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].