Design Studio Architect

Lerch Bates; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave

Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Lerch Bates is looking for a Design Studio Architect to join their Architectural Design team in Baltimore, MD. This position requires strong technical design expertise and building enclosure knowledge. Responsibilities include managing design projects, developing construction documents, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, with 4-8 years of relevant experience. The role offers competitive compensation, benefits including health and vision insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years of experience in architectural design and project management.
• Licensed Architect preferred; active pursuit of licensure is encouraged.
• Experience with building enclosure systems such as roofing and waterproofing.

Responsibilities

• Manage architectural consulting and design projects from start to finish.
• Develop high-quality construction documents and architectural drawings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create integrated design solutions.

Skills

Technical design expertise

Building enclosure knowledge

Project management

Client relationship skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Baltimore, MD 21201

Salary Range: $100,000.00–$110,000.00 per year

Department: Building Science

Lerch Bates is seeking a Design Studio Architect to join our Architectural Design team. This role is ideal for an architect with strong technical design expertise, building enclosure knowledge, and a passion for solving complex building performance challenges.

Responsibilities

Project Management & Client Leadership

• Manage architectural consulting and design projects from initial investigation through construction completion.
• Define project scope, schedules, budgets, and technical objectives while coordinating project teams and deliverables.
• Serve as the primary client contact for assigned projects, providing technical guidance, presenting design solutions, and managing project communications.
• Coordinate multiple projects while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and schedule commitments.
• Support bidding activities, construction administration, and project closeout.

Architectural Design & Building Science

• Develop high-quality construction documents, architectural drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
• Design and coordinate building enclosure systems for restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, and building science consulting projects.
• Apply expertise in roofing, waterproofing, curtain wall systems, glazing, air barriers, vapor barriers, thermal performance, and other enclosure systems.
• Conduct building code research and coordinate product selection with manufacturers and industry partners.
• Utilize AutoCAD, Revit, and specification development tools to produce accurate, constructable, and code‑compliant deliverables.
• Perform technical and quality control reviews throughout the design process.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to develop integrated design solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance to support professional development.
• Contribute to technical standards, specification libraries, design details, and best practices within the Design Studio.
• Assist with workflow planning, project staffing, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Business Development & Practice Growth

• Support proposal preparation, fee development, and project planning activities.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and business development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand services.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to enhance technical expertise and support emerging service offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering.
• Licensed Architect preferred; candidates actively pursuing architectural licensure through NCARB AXP/ARE completion are encouraged to apply.
• 4–8 years of experience in architectural design, construction documentation, project management, building enclosure consulting, or building science.
• Experience developing construction documents from schematic design through construction administration.
• Knowledge of building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, glazing systems, exterior cladding, air barriers, vapor barriers, and thermal performance.
• Experience with restoration, rehabilitation, building enclosure consulting, or enclosure commissioning (BECx) preferred.
• Strong understanding of applicable building codes and construction practices.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft Office, and specification development software.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, presentation, and client relationship skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively while exercising sound technical judgment and independent decision‑making.
• Professional certifications related to building science, building enclosure systems, sustainability, or architectural practice (e.g., LEED AP, IIBEC, AIA, Passive House, WELL AP, or similar) are a plus.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually).
• 9 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).
• Paid parental leave.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
• Performance‑based incentives and bonuses.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear in meetings, in person and via telephone; crawl through tight spaces to access elevator pits and elevator car tops; climb ladders; move around construction sites to conduct inspection; stretch, reach or other physical motions to take measurements and observe project requirements; travel via car, air or rail to visit customer sites; work at extreme heights; use fingers, hands, and arms for functions such as typing, operating elevators from top of car, controlling and reaching interlock switches, prying elevator doors; work in confined spaces; see details within a few feet of the observer.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules; apply general rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers; combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new skills and information rapidly; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequently changing deadlines and interruptions; interact with LB Executives, Project Managers and Administrative Assistants as well as clients, members of governmental agencies, professional and community organizations and committees, the media and the public.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.