Senior Architect - Civic & Justice

NELSON Worldwide, LLC; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K) plan with company match

Full health benefits including medical

Wellness program with rewards

Paid time off and holiday pay

Flexible working schedules and work‑f‑

Work from home options based on client

Professional Development support

Job summary

NELSON Worldwide, LLC seeks a Senior Architect to lead Civic & Justice projects in California. You will guide design development, supervise production of construction documents, and oversee construction administration with a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience on prison, detention, courthouses, and public safety facilities, a California architecture license, and the ability to mentor staff while delivering projects to schedule and budget.

Qualifications

• Active California architect license required.
• Minimum 12 years of architecture industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and preparation of Construction Documents.
• Oversee coordination with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Review Shop Drawings and manage QA procedures.
• Mentor staff and promote an inclusive environment.
• Lead more complex projects and manage project scope and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SpecLink

Newforma

SketchUp

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and team-oriented Senior Architect to join our Civic & Justice Practice. As a Senior Architect, you will develop solutions to technical problems and lead multiple projects through the design process, production of construction documents, and construction administration as part of a project team. You must demonstrate leadership qualities and a collaborative approach to the successful production of design and construction documents. Candidates should demonstrate experience in all aspects of the design process including: Programming, Master Planning, Conceptual, Schematic and Design Development presentations, 3D modeling, and the technical proficiency to successfully implement designs through the CD/CA phases. Responsibilities include participating in design phase activities and coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the project. Experience with Civic & Justice projects is required. The ideal candidate has experience working on projects such as: Correctional facilities, Detention Centers, Courthouses, etc. Other preferred experience includes: municipalities, police and fire stations, city and county buildings, and other public works/public safety buildings. An active California architect license is required.

Attributes To Support The NELSON Culture

• Go All In. Own the Outcome. We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic. We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose. We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart. We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone. We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive understanding of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer supplier appropriateness
• Good understanding of project budgets and schedules
• Extensive knowledge of building regulations, life safety codes and ADA requirements
• Extensive knowledge of the construction process
• Extensive knowledge of design techniques, tools, and processes involved in production of Construction Documents
• Extensive knowledge of product specifications and detailing
• Good knowledge of MS Project
• Good knowledge of Newforma Project Center
• Good knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint
• Good knowledge of LEED and WELL requirements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership

• Assist project team with design and technical questions during the project
• Share knowledge with the entire studio and be a resource to the entire NELSON staff
• Be a mentor to staff, including interns
• Contribute as a Team Leader, on an as needed basis as it relates to individual performance & development within the project team
• Embrace specific steps to create, develop and promote a diverse workforce and to promote an inclusive environment

Project Delivery

• Assist with proposal and contract documents
• Contribute to the work plan for each project
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of Concept, Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents
• Conduct field survey as required
• Generate overall project design concepts
• Develop and/or oversee the development of design concepts into complete design development set and further advance into complete construction drawings
• Oversee material research and compilation of project data and incorporation throughout the project
• Prepare project specifications
• Communicate with project team members and resolve drawing discrepancies independently
• Coordinate and incorporate work of internal and external project consultants
• Oversee the preparation of Addenda and Bullentin documentation
• Review Shop Drawings
• Sign and seal drawings as needed
• Review, respond to and track RFI's
• Attend construction meetings, make periodic site observation visits as required by contract
• Prepare and update punch lists as required
• Adhere to NELSON standards in the preparation of deliverables
• Review and correct your own work and works of the project team including both internal & external consultants following established QA procedures
• Review and understand applicable building codes and other standards (including Accessibility Standards)
• Prepare zoning and building code analysis and review
• Assist with the timely submittal of drawings to the appropriate authorities having jurisdiction
• Oversee the maintenance and archiving of electronic project files
• Understand project scope and identify items that are beyond the original scope of services and bring attention to Project Lead
• Draft Client Agreement change orders and Sub Consultant agreement change ordered as directed by Project Leader
• Prepare meeting agendas, meeting minutes, phone conversation notes, etc. to document the process of the project and directions received from the Client.
• Attend project meetings
• Share knowledge with other teammates and assist team with design and/or detailing challenges
• Lead more complex projects

Client Relationships

• Maintain secondary client contact as back up to primary contact

Business Development

• Assist in secondary marketing by maintaining good working relationships with Client contacts
• Attend interviews as requested by Team Leaders, Studio or Managing Directors

Continuing Education & Professional Development

• Maintain licensure by fulfilling continuing education
• Continuously enhance skills in required software by attending in-house training and working on billable
• Billable percentage expected to be 90%-95% or greater on an on-going basis
• Enhance management and communication

Qualifications

• An active California architect license is required
• Minimum 12 years of industry experience
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, SpecLink, Newforma, SketchUp, Photoshop and InDesign
• Advanced knowledge of building life safety and ADA codes
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills
• Experience with Civic & Justice projects is required. The ideal candidate has experience working on projects such as: Correctional facilities, Detention Centers, Courthouses, etc. Other preferred experience includes: municipalities, police and fire stations, city and county buildings, and other public works/public safety buildings.

Billable Expectations

• Billable percentage expected to be 90%-95% or greater on an on-going basis

National average salary range: $100,000 – $145,000 (12+ years experience). Factors such as years of relevant experience, qualifications/licensure, education, and location are taken into consideration during the hiring process. Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing

Benefits of NELSON

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization

NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.

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