Senior Architect

SSOE Group; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

401K retirement plan with company matching

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking a Senior Architect in Nashville, TN to lead design for large-scale data center projects. The ideal candidate will have over twelve years of experience, a strong understanding of scalable design principles, and expertise in BIM-related tools like Revit. This role involves technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 to $160,000 and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401K, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of twelve years of professional architectural experience in data center design.
• Deep understanding of scalable data center design principles.
• Experience mentoring junior architects and technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design for large-scale data center projects.
• Develop Basis of Design documents and site-fit analyses.
• Prepare and review construction documents and specifications.

Skills

Architectural design

BIM and Revit expertise

Technical communication

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

At SSOE, we do not just design buildings; we architect the backbone of the digital economy. We are looking for a Senior Architect to lead our most technically sophisticated data center projects, driving the design of high-availability, power-dense environments for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise clients. This role is for a specialist who thrives at the intersection of scalable modular infrastructure and mission-critical resilience. You will be the architectural anchor of a multidisciplinary team of experts to integrate complex cooling and power systems into seamless, sustainable designs. From steering Revit/BIM strategy to navigating ASHRAE and NFPA compliance, you will own the design lifecycle from schematic through construction. If you are ready to deliver the infrastructure that keeps the world connected, your next career milestone starts here.

AI and Innovation

As part of our commitment to innovation, all team members will be trained on Microsoft Copilot and empowered to use it as a core tool in their everyday work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and technical documentation for large-scale data center projects, overseeing everything from site planning and core/shell to complex white space and support area configurations.
• Develop comprehensive Basis of Design (BoD) documents, programming, and site-fit analyses that prioritize power density, tiered redundancy, and long-term modular expansion.
• Function as a technical lead during milestone presentations and design charrettes, translating complex operational requirements into actionable architectural solutions.
• Develop and maintain BIM models using Revit, coordinate across disciplines through federated models, and perform clash detection with Navisworks to minimize field issues and RFIs during construction.
• Interpret and apply codes and standards including IBC, NFPA, TIA-942 data center standards, and local jurisdictional requirements to ensure regulatory compliance throughout design phases.
• Lead cross-discipline coordination with electrical, mechanical, process/piping, fire protection, structural, civil, and IT/telecom to eliminate clashes and ensure system operability.
• Prepare and review construction documents, specifications, and detail drawings, ensuring completeness and technical accuracy for client review, approval, and permitting.
• Conduct site walks/assessments and verify existing conditions influencing architectural planning and system placement to optimize scalability and modular growth potential.
• Lead quality control reviews and validation of design deliverables, providing technical leadership and mentoring junior staff architects to elevate team competency.
• Coordinate submittal reviews, respond to RFIs with technically precise clarifications, and manage timely package turnovers to meet project schedules.
• Document and track design changes rigorously through formal change control processes to maintain alignment with client expectations and contractual obligations.
• Integrate sustainable design principles where applicable, supporting LEED documentation and energy-efficient material selections to minimize environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program is required.
• Licensed Architect with responsible charge authority; ability to obtain additional state registrations as project needs dictate.
• Minimum of twelve years of professional architectural experience, with a majority specializing in mission-critical/data center data center facility design.
• Deep understanding of scalable data center design principles including modular growth, tiered redundancy, and critical power and cooling infrastructure.
• Thorough understanding of relevant codes and standards, including IBC, NFPA, and TIA-942 standards.
• Strong technical communication skills, capable of effectively interfacing with clients, contractors, and internal discipline leads.
• Experience mentoring junior architects and technical staff, driving professional development within integrated project teams.
• Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience. Opportunity for ample rewards, leadership incentive/bonus program, and ownership investment opportunities.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.

Preferred Qualifications (nice To Have, But Not Required)

• Direct exposure to hyperscale or colocation data center facilities and understanding of their unique design and operational demands.
• Experience delivering LEED-certified projects, with familiarity in sustainable architectural materials and energy-saving design strategies.
• Background supporting commissioning and startup phases of critical facility projects, including constructability reviews and coordination of system testing.
• Awareness of project cost management and schedule constraints to balance design innovation with practical delivery imperatives.