Lead Architect/ Architectural Designer

WSP in the U.S.; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 102,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

WSP, an award-winning multi-disciplinary firm, seeks a Lead Architect/Architectural Designer for its Portland, ME office. You will guide project development through design and documentation phases, ensuring safety, sustainability, and compliance across public and private sectors.

Responsibilities include creating drawings/visualizations, preparing proposals, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. A Bachelor’s in Architecture with 7–10 years of experience and ME licensure progress is

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or closely related discipline is required.
• 7–10 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Licensed or licensure in progress in ME.
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, processes, and application to project work.

Responsibilities

• Lead in developing and scoping medium- to large-sized building projects, including drawings and visualizations.
• Collect and analyze site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information.
• Prepare design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents.

Skills

Architectural design

Visualization

Technical drawing

Communication

Leadership

Independent work

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Description

WSP, an award-winning and innovative multi-disciplinary firm, is currently looking for a Lead Architect / Architectural Designer to join our Buildings AE team at our Portland, Maine office 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior design experience.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations

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

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Notice To Third Party Agencies

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.