Construction Administration Architect

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Washington, DC, is seeking a Construction Administration Architect to lead all construction administration activities, ensuring projects meet design intent and quality on-site. You will liaise between design and construction teams, resolve field issues, and coordinate with contractors, consultants, and clients.

The role emphasizes on-site problem solving, communication with stakeholders, and mentoring junior staff, with a focus on multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects.

Qualifications

• Licensed or pursuing licensure in architecture.
• Minimum 8 years of professional architectural experience.
• Experience leading project teams through design, documentation, and construction administration.
• Experience with multifamily, mixed-use, or large-scale commercial projects.
• Proficiency in Revit for documentation and coordination.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and permitting processes.
• Experience coordinating with structural, MEP, civil, and specialty consultants.
• Strong client-facing communication and project management skills.
• Mentoring junior staff is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all construction administration activities from permit issuance through project closeout.
• Serve as the primary architectural point of contact for contractors, owners, consultants, and project stakeholders during construction.
• Conduct regular site visits and field observations to monitor construction progress and conformance with contract documents.
• Prepare detailed field reports documenting site observations, progress, and issues.
• Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and product data for compliance with design intent.
• Collaborate with contractors and consultants to resolve field conditions and technical challenges.
• Coordinate responses with structural, MEP, civil, and specialty consultants throughout construction.
• Assist clients in understanding construction-related issues, risks, and schedule impacts.
• Support punch lists, substantial completion reviews, and project closeout.

Skills

Leadership

Client communication

Problem solving

Construction administration

Project management

Coordination with consultants

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture

Architectural licensure

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Project documentation tools

Job description

Job Title: Construction Administration Architect

Job Description

This role focuses on leading and coordinating all architectural activities during the construction phase to ensure projects are built as designed, on time, and to the highest quality standards. The Construction Administration Architect serves as the primary liaison between design and construction teams, providing technical expertise, resolving field issues, and maintaining clear communication with contractors, consultants, and clients. The position is ideal for an architect who enjoys being on site, thrives in a client-facing environment, and excels at problem-solving in complex, fast-paced project settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all construction administration activities from permit issuance through project closeout.
• Serve as the primary architectural point of contact for contractors, owners, consultants, and project stakeholders during construction.
• Conduct regular site visits and field observations to monitor construction progress and evaluate conformance with contract documents.
• Prepare detailed field reports documenting site observations, construction progress, and outstanding issues.
• Review and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) in a timely manner while coordinating with project managers and design teams.
• Review and approve submittals, shop drawings, product data, samples, and mockups for compliance with project requirements and design intent.
• Evaluate and process substitution requests, change order proposals, and construction modifications.
• Collaborate with contractors and consultants to resolve unforeseen field conditions and technical challenges.
• Coordinate architectural responses with structural, MEP, civil, and specialty consultants throughout construction.
• Assist clients in understanding construction-related issues, risks, schedule impacts, and project progress.
• Support punch list inspections, substantial completion reviews, and project closeout activities.
• Maintain thorough project documentation, correspondence, and construction records throughout the life of the project.
• Monitor construction quality and advocate for adherence to the projects design, performance, and technical standards.
• Interpret construction documents and provide clear technical guidance regarding architectural details, building systems, materials, and code compliance.
• Identify potential project risks and proactively develop solutions that minimize delays, cost impacts, and construction conflicts.
• Work closely with project managers and design teams to communicate construction issues and implement effective resolutions.
• Foster strong relationships with contractors, clients, consultants, and internal project teams through proactive communication and collaboration.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of construction administration best practices within the office.
• Mentor junior staff by sharing technical knowledge, construction insights, and project delivery best practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture.
• 8+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Proven experience leading project teams through design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Strong background in multifamily, mixed-use, urban infill, commercial, or large-scale base building projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, including Revit Architecture, for documentation and coordination.
• Experience with construction drawings and architectural design for complex building types.
• Experience with Bluebeam and other project documentation tools.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, construction methods, permitting processes, and industry standards.
• Demonstrated success managing consultants and coordinating technical documentation.
• Experience in project management for both internal and external stakeholders during construction.
• Strong construction administration experience, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, and field coordination.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and technical judgment in addressing field conditions and construction challenges.
• Strong communication skills for client-facing interactions and collaboration with contractors and consultants.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Architectural licensure preferred or active pursuit of licensure.
• Commercial project experience, with federal project experience preferred.
• Experience working on complex urban, mixed-use, multifamily, commercial, and institutional projects.
• Ability to interpret and coordinate work with structural, MEP, civil, and specialty consultants.
• Experience supporting punch lists, substantial completion reviews, and project closeout.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior staff in technical and construction-related tasks.
• Interest in working in a design-driven, highly collaborative environment that values innovation and professional growth.
• Motivation to expand technical expertise in project delivery and documentation and contribute to award-winning projects.
• Ability to build strong, long-term relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams through proactive communication and reliability.

Work Environment

The firm operates with approximately 45 employees, offering a close-knit, collaborative culture combined with the opportunity to contribute to large, impactful projects. Teams do not work in isolated studios; instead, they collaborate across project types, providing exposure to a diverse range of urban, mixed-use, multifamily, commercial, and institutional work. The environment is highly collaborative and design-driven, with a strong emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and professional growth. Employees have direct access to leadership, benefit from mentorship, and are encouraged to take on meaningful project responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle. The workplace culture supports career development, technical excellence in project delivery and documentation, and the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized architects on projects that help shape major urban environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

A collaborative, design-focused environmentGrowth opportunities that leverage individual capabilities and the firms needsPaid vacation, sick and holiday leave; 401(k); medical, dental, vision and other flexible benefits

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Washington, DC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and criminal records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.