Lead Architect/ Architectural Designer

WSP; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 102,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

WSP, an award-winning multi-disciplinary firm, seeks a Lead Architect/Architectural Designer to join the Buildings AE team in Portland, Maine. You will oversee design through all stages, produce drawings, specifications, and renderings, and ensure compliance with safety and occupancy standards.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor staff, and manage documentation from concept to construction. Seven to ten years of experience and ME licensure or progress are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required.
• 7–10 years of post-education experience in architecture.
• Licensed or licensure in progress in ME.
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, and codes.
• Proficient with design software: AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, Adobe Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead in developing and scoping medium- to large-sized building projects; prepare drawings and visualizations.
• Collect site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information for design/planning.
• Research and inspect proposed and existing site conditions to ensure compliance with standards and permitting.
• Contribute to concept development and design strategies prioritizing safety and functionality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on construction layout, materials, cost estimation, and scheduling.
• Prepare technical documentation including reports, renderings, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations.
• Maintain quality control for measurements, documentation, and design accuracy.
• Support feasibility studies and risk assessments related to design and construction.

Skills

Architectural design

Site analysis

Visualization

Technical drawing

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

Education

Bachelor's in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP, an award-winning and innovative multi-disciplinary firm, is currently looking for an Lead Architect / Architectural Designerto join our Buildings AE team at ourPortland, Maineoffice location.

As part of our growing organization committed to solving complex challenges and exceeding client expectations, you will provide technical expertise and guidance throughout all phases of project development. This includes due diligence, planning, concept design, and the implementation of functional and sustainable building solutions for both public and private sector projects.

Responsibilities include assisting with project visualization and contributing to the preparation of design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents. The role also involves producing clear and accurate documentation—such as blueprints, renderings, and technical specifications—related to materials, installation methods, feasibility, and construction technologies. All responsibilities are expected to be delivered with a level of quality that meets or exceeds industry standards for design, safety, structural integrity, and occupancy.

Your Impact

• Lead in developing and scoping medium- to large-sized building projects, including preparing architectural drawings and visualizations.
• Collect and analyze site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information to support design and construction planning.
• Conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions to ensure compliance with design standards and permitting requirements.
• Contribute to concept development and design strategies that prioritize safety, functionality, and future-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support construction layout, material selection, cost estimation, and project scheduling.
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, renderings, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations for design interpretation and presentation.
• Maintain quality control standards for measurements, documentation, and design accuracy.
• Support feasibility studies and risk assessments related to design and construction challenges.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, or closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience in the learned discipline.
• Licensed or licensure in progress in ME
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, process, and the application to project work-related issues.
• Familiarity with building planning, drawing standards, design, and construction management; including restorative and new design.
• Competent creative, visualization, and technical drawing skills.
• Familiarity with process and concepts for sustainability, green building design, and reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances/greenhouse gas.
• Highly familiar with relevant building and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, technology, math principles, graphics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e. AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $102,00- $151,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.