Senior Project Architect (K-12 Studio)

Grace Design Studios; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Profit sharing bonuses

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

A dynamic architecture firm in Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking a Senior Project Architect to lead the design of innovative K–12 educational projects. The role involves overseeing project development from concept through construction while managing and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a professional architecture degree, 10+ years of experience, and expertise in educational facility design. The firm offers competitive benefits including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and profit sharing bonuses.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect with 10+ years of professional experience in architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in K–12 facility design preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of building codes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of K–12 educational projects.
• Prepare presentations and documents to communicate design intent.
• Coordinate with consultants and oversee construction document production.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Creative vision

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

Accredited professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Overview

Grace Design Studios is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Project Architect to lead the design and execution of K–12 educational projects from concept through construction. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, technical expertise, and creative vision to manage complex project coordination, mentor junior staff, and collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams. Experience with school design, student-focused spaces, and educational regulations is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of K–12 educational projects across all phases, ensuring alignment with client goals, educational program needs, and firm standards.
• Develop innovative, functional, and age-appropriate design solutions that address safety, accessibility, and sustainability requirements.
• Prepare compelling presentations, drawings, and documentation to communicate design intent to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Coordinate with consultants to integrate all design disciplines and ensure regulatory/code compliance.
• Oversee the production, quality, and technical accuracy of construction documents and design deliverables.
• Lead and mentor project teams, guiding junior staff in design, technical development, and professional growth.
• Manage project planning, schedules, and resources to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of school projects.
• Conduct design reviews and quality control checks to maintain high standards of performance, functionality, and safety.
• Serve as the primary client liaison, presenting concepts, addressing feedback, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) required.
• Licensed Architect with 10+ years of professional experience, including leadership across all phases of architecture and engineering projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in educational or K–12 facility design strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and design presentation tools (e.g., SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• In-depth knowledge of building codes, construction methods, regulatory requirements, and school-specific safety standards.
• Strong design, technical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage consultant coordination, and mentor junior staff.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire
• Profit sharing bonuses
• 401(k) plan with an employer match
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life and AD&D insurance
• Other voluntary benefits including vision, dental, accident insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance are available
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays

Why Join Us?

At Grace Design Studios, we are more than architects—we are innovators, mentors, and collaborators. We design spaces that inspire learning, foster community, and support the growth of students and educators alike. As a Senior Project Architect in our K–12 studio, you’ll lead the design of educational environments, mentor emerging talent, and shape the future of our projects and our firm.

Architect, Architecture