Project Architect – Critical Facilities

Gensler; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Profit sharing

Employee stock ownership

Job summary

Gensler's Phoenix office seeks a Project Architect – Critical Facilities to lead high-profile data center projects from concept through construction, blending design excellence with technical coordination.

You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and ensure design intent while navigating regulatory and permitting processes. A seasoned communicator, you will mentor junior staff and contribute to the firm's growing critical facilities practice.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture with a strong portfolio.
• At least 10 years of architectural experience, especially with data centers.
• Licensed Architect (US) required.
• Arizona licensure preferred.
• LEED accreditation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and structures.
• Excellent public speaking and leadership of large teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on design projects in the critical facilities including programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, design development and documentation.
• Coordinate with contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet project objectives.
• Manage client, team and project coordination with engineering and specialty consultants.
• Maintain communication between project team, clients, vendors, and officials.
• Provide design support and documentation during concept development to construction.
• Lead coordination with building and planning departments for permit submissions.
• Oversee the bid process with RFIs and contractor proposals.
• Manage construction administration including site visits and submittals.
• Drive project progress through punch lists and closeout documentation.
• Mentor junior staff through project work and day-to-day guidance.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Team leadership

Mentoring junior staff

Collaboration

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect (US)

Arizona licensure preferred

LEED accreditation preferred

Job description

Build to Suit + Headquarters, Industrial + Logistics

Locations

Phoenix, AZ, US

Description

Your Role

As a Project Architect – Critical Facilitiesin 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, designdevelopmentand documentation

Work with contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives

Manage client,teamand project coordination, including full documentation coordination with engineering and specialty consultants

Support communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building andpermittingofficials

Provide design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts

Lead coordination with building and planning departments tofacilitatepermitsubmissions, 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,demonstratedwith 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

Arizonalicensurepreferred

LEED accreditation and experience preferred

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.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity andaffirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us .

Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud . Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail] .

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Area of Expertise: Mixed Use + Retail Centers

Area of Expertise: Mixed Use + Retail Centers

Area of Expertise: Professional Services

Area of Expertise: Professional Services

Area of Expertise: Professional Services