Project Architect (On-site)

Socket.dev; Ambler (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced Architect to lead complex architectural projects from concept through construction in a dynamic team environment.

You will oversee design, documentation, permitting, bidding, and construction administration while mentoring staff and ensuring design excellence and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Active Architectural License required.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional architectural experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems, construction methods, materials, and techniques.
• Strong leadership and client-facing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects through all phases of design and construction.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage project deliverables.
• Oversee design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding, and construction administration.
• Mentor junior staff and foster collaboration and professional growth.
• Manage client relations, proposals, and project goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Architecture license

Job description

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and licensed Architect to lead the design and delivery of complex architectural projects from concept through construction. This role is responsible for overseeing all phases of project development, including design, construction documents, permitting, bidding, and construction administration.

The Architect serves as a technical leader, ensuring design excellence, code compliance, quality control, and successful project execution while mentoring and developing team members.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise, project leadership, and client-facing skills with a passion for design innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Design Management

• Lead architectural projects through all phases of design and construction.
• Develop creative, practical, and code-compliant design solutions that align with client objectives.
• Guide project teams in planning, design development, construction documentation, and project execution.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of conceptual, schematic, and final design drawings.
• Resolve complex design and technical challenges efficiently and effectively.
• Champion sustainable and resilient design practices throughout project development.

Technical Excellence & Quality Control

• Maintain ultimate responsibility for the technical quality and success of assigned projects.
• Conduct comprehensive quality assurance and quality control reviews throughout all project phases.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform in-depth architectural and engineering coordination reviews.
• Review, sign, and seal construction documents as required.
• Research and apply applicable codes, regulations, and jurisdictional requirements.

Project Delivery

• Direct coordination between architectural, structural, MEP, fire protection, and specialty consultants.
• Lead project kickoff meetings and establish coordination protocols.
• Manage permitting processes and responses to jurisdictional review comments.
• Oversee bidding procedures and procurement support activities.
• Support construction administration efforts, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, field observations, and resolving construction-related issues.
• Coordinate peer reviews and document quality control efforts.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and public agencies.
• Represent client interests during public hearings, planning meetings, and governmental approvals.
• Participate in proposal development and pursuit strategies.
• Support business development and marketing initiatives.
• Assist project managers in defining project scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Prepare statements of probable construction costs and budgeting analyses.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor, coach, and develop architects, designers, and technical staff.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members, including Architect I staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and contribute to professional development planning.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Help shape and advance the firm's vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Active Architectural License required.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional architectural experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems, construction methods, materials, and techniques.
• Thorough understanding of applicable building codes, zoning regulations, life safety requirements, and industry standards.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale projects or multiple concurrent medium-sized projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing project deliverables.
• Proficiency in developing construction documents, specifications, and technical detailing.

Core Competencies

• Architectural Design Leadership
• Construction Documentation
• Building Codes & Regulatory Compliance
• Project Management
• Multidisciplinary Coordination
• Quality Assurance / Quality Control
• Construction Administration
• Cost Estimating & Budget Awareness
• Sustainability & Resilient Design
• Public Presentations & Client Relations
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving