Senior Project Leader, Architect - Austin Office

GFF Design; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development & licensure

Job summary

GFF Design seeks a Senior Project Architect to lead complex commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects from concept through closeout in our Austin office. You will guide design teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure regulatory compliance while delivering high-quality, contextually responsive environments.

The ideal candidate holds a TX architectural license (or reciprocity within six months) and has 15+ years of experience, including 8+ years in leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license in Texas is required (or ability to obtain reciprocity within 6 months).
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 8 years leading commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing for high-density, complex urban infill sites.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools (Forma Building Design, SketchUp, etc.).
• Experience with sustainable design practices and green building certification programs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; strong project management and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects from concept through closeout.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources across multiple teams.
• Develop project strategies, fee proposals, and contract considerations.
• Oversee exterior envelope design, life-safety systems, and code compliance.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative design environment.
• Drive process improvements across project teams and firm-wide standards.
• Contribute to business development activities, proposals, and presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relations

Communication

Revit

AutoCAD

Forma Building Design

SketchUp

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Forma

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

GFF is an award-winning, design-focused firm with a 40+ year legacy of creating memorable architectural solutions across Texas, with offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin. Our passionate team of planning, architecture, and interior design professionals offers an energetic and stimulating work environment, competitive salary/benefits, and advancement potential at all levels.

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 Principal-In-Charge (PIC) on fee proposal development and contract strategy.
• Collaborate with PIC and Design Leader on project schedule development.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.
• Lead architectural design phases ensuring innovative solutions that respond to client goals, design standards, site context, and market demands.
• Establish strong client relationships and serve as primary technical point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Guide teams through complex entitlement processes, including zoning, permitting, and code compliance specific to commercial, multifamily and mixed-use developments.
• Develop and oversee project-specific sustainability strategies, including energy efficiency measures, materials selection, and healthy building standards.
• Lead full project teams including design architects, interior designers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and other specialty consultants, fostering successful collaboration across all design phases.
• Lead technical execution of the project, including exterior envelope design, waterproofing, life-safety systems, vertical transportation, and code compliance.
• Develop and edit project specifications to meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Mentor junior staff and cultivate a collaborative work environment that values each team member’s contributions.
• Drive process improvement across multiple project teams and at the firm level.
• Collaborate with Technical Directors and Technical Principals to identify areas of improvement in project delivery standards, project management standards, and staff training programs.
• Participate in business development efforts, contributing to proposals, interviews, and presentations.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license in Texas is required (or ability to obtain reciprocity within 6 months).
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 8 years focused on leading commercial, multifamily and mixed-use projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing for high-density, complex urban infill sites.
• Advanced knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, and zoning regulations specific to commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools (Forma Building Design, SketchUp, etc.).
• Experience with sustainable design practices and green building certification programs.
• Experience implementing sustainable building strategies such as building site orientation, appropriate glazing, high-performance building envelope design, efficient equipment selection, and solar energy systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management abilities, including team leadership, design management, and budget/schedule management.
• Thorough understanding of regional construction methods, materials, and detailing specific to commercial, multifamily and mixed-use construction.
• 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.