Project Architect – Critical Facilities

Gensler; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401k

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Gensler's Phoenix office is seeking a seasoned Project Architect - Critical Facilities to lead high‑profile data center projects from concept through construction. You will apply your design talent and technical coordination, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with clients, consultants, and authorities to deliver safe, high‑performance environments.

This role emphasizes building codes, licensure, and proactive regulatory processes, with opportunities for growth within our global practice.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (NAAB accredited)
• At least 10 years of architectural experience
• Licensed Architect (US) required
• Arizona licensure preferred
• LEED accreditation and experience preferred
• Revit experience required
• Outstanding knowledge of building codes, standards and structures
• Public speaking and moderating large teams of consultants, contractors, and clients
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships across the firm, with clients and stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on critical facilities design from programming to documentation
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors and regulators to meet project objectives
• Manage client, team and cross-disciplinary coordination and documentation
• Support communication among project team, clients, vendors, contractors and authorities
• Provide design support and documentation through concept to construction
• Lead permit submissions and plan checks with building/planning departments
• Oversee bid process: issue bid sets, respond to RFIs, evaluate proposals
• Manage construction administration: site visits, submittals, RFIs, coordination
• Drive progress with punch lists, inspections and closeout documentation
• Mentor junior staff with project guidance and day-to-day support

Skills

Revit experience

Public speaking

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Client coordination

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Job description

Description

Your Role

As a Project Architect - Critical Facilities in Gensler's Phoenix office, your job is to combine creativity and technical knowledge to help guide our clients. Our growing Critical Facilities studio is looking for a seasoned Project Architect and recognized contributor to high-profile, design driven projects who can leverage their industry expertise, design abilities, and technical acumen to drive projects from concept through construction. Our team is highly creative, collaborative, and dedicated to innovative problem solving and design excellence. Throughout your career, you have developed communication and team-building skills in managing multiple teams and projects. In this role, you will have opportunities to develop your existing strengths in design and technical coordination while also beginning to directly manage client relationships.

Our Critical Facilities practice is uniquely equipped to deliver high-performance data centers by drawing on expertise from across Gensler's diverse practice areas. We assemble specialized teams within our Critical Facilities group to design and execute data center projects that meet the complex needs of today's technology-driven organizations. This work sits at the intersection of architecture, infrastructure, and innovation - making it an exciting space for professionals who want to shape the future of digital environments. In addition to data centers, our team brings deep experience in mission-critical environments such as research and supercomputing facilities, command and control centers, and SCIFs. The complexity and impact of these projects offer rich opportunities for learning, advancement, and long‑term career growth.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate on design projects in the critical facilities including programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, design development and documentation
• Work with contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives
• Manage client, team and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with engineering and specialty consultants
• Support communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building and permitting officials
• Provide design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts
• Lead coordination with building and planning departments to facilitate permit submissions, respond to plan check comments, and secure approvals
• Oversee the bid process, including issuing bid sets, responding to RFIs, and evaluating contractor proposals in collaboration with clients
• Manage construction administration activities, including site visits, submittal reviews, RFI responses, and coordination with contractors to ensure design intent is maintained
• Drive project progress through punch list walkthroughs, final inspections, and closeout documentation to support successful project delivery
• Mentor junior staff through project work, technical guidance, and day‑to‑day support

Your Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture, demonstrated with a rigorous portfolio
• At least 10 years of relevant architectural experience, with a strong background designing multiple building typologies of varying scale. Experience with Data Centers a plus
• Licensed Architect (US) required
• Arizona licensure preferred
• LEED accreditation and experience preferred
• Revit experience required
• Outstanding knowledge of building codes, standards and building structures
• Proficient and confident in public speaking, and in moderating large teams of consultants, contractors, and clients
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships across the firm, with clients, and with other key constituents

Applications will not be considered without uploaded portfolio/work samples (in PDF form or linked to online portfolio)

• Notice: At Gensler an unlicensed Architect will have the job title of Technical Designer. Licensed Architects will have the job title of Architect. Both operate in this capacity for alignment with internal programs, doing business with clients and compliance with industry and government regulations. If you have questions regarding this notice, please ask our Talent Acquisition team during the application process.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best‑in‑class design. From hiking and camping excursions to internal design competitions to "Well‑being Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.