Senior Project Leader, Architect - Austin Office

gff-careers; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Licensure support

Job summary

GFF Design in Austin seeks a Senior Project Architect to lead complex commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects from concept through closeout. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure compliance with design standards and market demands.

Strong client relationships and staff mentorship are essential. The ideal candidate holds a Texas-licensed architecture credential, 15+ years of experience, and proficiency in Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license in Texas or ability to obtain reciprocity within six months.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 8 years leading commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects from design through project closeout, ensuring solutions meet client goals and standards.
• Establish strong client relationships and serve as the primary technical contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Forma

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

About GFF Design

GFF Design is a dynamic, award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm based in Dallas, with a legacy of excellence since 1982. Our team of design professionals in Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth deliver innovative Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning across the United States. We have garnered national recognition and numerous accolades, including receiving The Texas Society of Architect’s prestigious ‘Firm Award’ and receiving over 125 awards for design excellence. Our collaborative, design-focused approach thrives on tackling complex projects with creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring sustainability and client service excellence.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Architect to join our Austin Office. This position will lead GFF’s complex commercial, high-density multifamily and mixed-use projects from concept through project closeout, collaborating with our integrated teams of architects, interior designers, and planners. The ideal candidate has a passion for creating vibrant, contextually appropriate environments that enhance the quality of life in the communities we live in and serve.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the Principal-in-Charge (PIC) on fee proposal development, contract strategy, project schedules, budgets, and resource planning.
• Lead architectural projects from design through project closeout, ensuring solutions respond to client goals, design standards, site context, and market demands.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, resources, and overall project delivery.
• Establish strong client relationships and serve as the primary technical point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, interior designers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and specialty consultants.
• Guide teams through zoning, entitlement, permitting, accessibility, and code compliance requirements for commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments.
• Lead the technical execution of projects, including exterior envelope design, waterproofing, life-safety systems, vertical transportation, detailing, and code compliance.
• Develop and edit project specifications to meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Develop and oversee project-specific sustainability strategies, including energy efficiency, high-performance building envelopes, materials selection, equipment systems, and healthy building practices.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative team environment that values individual contributions and professional growth.
• Collaborate with Technical Directors and Technical Principals to improve project delivery standards, project management practices, and staff training programs.
• Identify and lead process improvements across project teams and the firm.
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, presentations, and client pursuits.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license in Texas, or ability to obtain reciprocity within six months.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 8 years leading commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects.
• Demonstrated experience with high-density, complex urban infill projects.
• Advanced knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, zoning regulations, construction methods, materials, and detailing.
• Strong understanding of commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use project delivery.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools such as SketchUp.
• Experience with sustainable design practices, green building programs, and high-performance building strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate design and technical concepts to clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Strong project management capabilities, including team leadership, design management, budgeting, scheduling, and resource coordination.
• Knowledge of unit design optimization, amenity programming, and multifamily market trends is preferred.

What Sets You Apart

• Extensive experience leading commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects.
• Understanding of financing structures for multifamily development.
• Experience with modular construction or other innovative building technologies.
• Active involvement in ULI, AIA, or other professional organizations.
• Experience with transit-oriented development or walkable urban design principles.
• Knowledge of universal design strategies.
• Previous experience developing or assisting development of practice standards and training programs.

Why GFF

• Collaborative, design-focused culture that values quality and excellence.
• Diverse portfolio of high-profile commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects across Texas.
• Opportunity to work with a firm recognized for excellence in architectural design.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, professional development, and licensure support.
• GFF fosters a studio culture that values both professional growth and personal well-being.
• Vibrant office locations in the heart of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.