Chief Sustainability Architect

CSO; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability benefits

Life insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) match

Job summary

CSO, an Indianapolis-based architecture and interior design firm, seeks a Sustainability Leader to guide environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and resilience across the firm’s portfolio. This role sets strategy, mentors staff, and leads certification pursuits, shaping CSO’s sustainability vision beyond individual projects.

You will collaborate with design teams, influence clients, and contribute to thought leadership through industry forums and publications.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture or related environmental design field.
• LEED AP, WELL AP or similar credentials (Active AIA membership preferable).
• 5–8 years in sustainable design within architecture or related built environment fields.
• Experience leading project design teams and consultants through LEED certification.
• Strong knowledge of green building rating systems, energy standards, and carbon reduction strategies.
• Excellent communication and leadership, able to influence multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Set sustainability goals with project teams and integrate them across all phases.
• Advise on carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and resilience strategies; communicate outcomes clearly.
• Define roles for designers and managers pursuing green building certifications (LEED/WELL) and ensure certification goals.
• Research emerging sustainability trends, materials, technologies, and regulations for the built environment.
• Lead sustainability workshops, charrettes, and trainings to advance knowledge and adoption.

Skills

Sustainability leadership

LEED AP / WELL AP

Energy modeling

Carbon reduction strategy

Project team mentoring

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree preferred

Architecture / Environmental Design degree

Tools

EnergyPlus/OpenStudio

IES VE

Tally for embodied carbon

Autodesk Insight / Forma

Job description

CSO, an Indianapolis-based architecture and interior design firm, seeks a Sustainability Leader to guide environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and resilience across the firm’s portfolio. This role sets strategy, mentors staff, and leads certification pursuits, shaping CSO’s sustainability vision beyond individual projects.

You will collaborate with design teams, influence clients, and contribute to thought leadership through industry forums and publications.