Sr. Project Architect

Baltimore County Public Schools; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore County Public Schools is seeking a Senior Project Architect in Middle River, Maryland. The successful candidate will oversee large capital improvement projects, manage architecture and engineering teams, and ensure compliance with design standards. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in architecture, eight years of experience in architectural design, and knowledge of public K-12 projects. A Maryland professional architecture license is preferred. This role involves project management, budget oversight, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in architectural design.
• Experience with public K-12 and/or large capital projects is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of architectural design.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall project oversight and coordination for capital improvement projects.
• Manage architecture/engineering design teams and contractors.
• Prepare cost estimates, specifications, and construction documents.

Skills

Architectural design principles

Engineering knowledge

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Job description

Overview

Serves as senior project architect for the planning, design and construction phases of new construction and renovation capital improvement projects. Plans, organizes, and directs the oversight of large, multi-faceted capital improvement projects and architectural/engineering studies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provides overall project oversight, reporting, and coordination for large, single- and multi-phased capital improvement projects at various phases (planning, design, and construction).
• Manages the architecture/engineering design teams, construction managers, and contractors to ensure the study or project is completed on time and under budget. Ensures that projects meet completion milestones. Resolves project design issues and construction delays.
• Assists in creating and updating design standards. Oversees preparation and documentation for facility feasibility studies, planning studies, and site studies. Assists in creating and updating education specifications.
• Prepares schematic designs/design development/construction documents packages, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Reviews, comments upon, and approves engineering designs of in-house and consultant engineers. Reviews drawings, specifications, and calculations to ensure compliance with design standards and intent. Interprets codes, regulations, and requirements.
• Participates in community engagement and committee meetings with community and school stakeholders. Oversees preparation of historic property’s Determination of Eligibility, as needed.
• Performs constructability reviews during the design process to identify potential conflicts. Investigates project sites to document existing conditions and possible issues.
• Participates in and conducts meetings with consultants, school administrators, the public and others. Participates in project design and bidding process, assisting BCPS’ project manager/planner. Participates in pre-bid meetings with contractors and representatives of other agencies. Assists with answering contractor questions during the bid phase. Conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors.
• Ensures that contractors adhere to established schedules, standards, and contracts. Meets with and coordinates project work with school-based administrators, contractors, and others.
• Serves as liaison between the contractor, architect, BCPS, and the Office of Facilities Construction and Improvement.
• Analyzes complex building issues and recommends a course of action based on analysis. Prepares and presents detailed studies and reports. Works with engineers, architects, maintenance staff, and others to investigate and resolve problems.
• Prepares and reviews cost estimates, specifications, and other construction documents. Navigates and prepares the review and approval of projects with the State of Maryland and other outside agencies. Gathers and assembles data required for state reports and other documents. Prepares correspondence relating to projects. Develops and implements scopes of work, cost estimates, design/technical submittal reviews, change order management and financial and schedule oversight.
• Evaluates data/information with electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers; prepares schematic design solutions.
• Develops and tracks construction project plans, schedules, and budgets. Checks drawings and confirms that the construction is performed according to the drawings, specifications, and codes. Oversees and approves projects as they progress. Visits project sites, evaluates the existing conditions; meets with the principals for their input.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training And Experience
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Eight years of experience in architectural design. Experience with public K-12 and/or large capital projects is preferred.

Note: Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in the class may be considered.

Licenses And Certificates

• Possession of a valid class C Maryland driver's license or an equivalent is required.
• A professional license in architecture from the State of Maryland or an equivalent is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of architectural design.
• Thorough knowledge, skills, and abilities in engineering.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to supervise assigned engineering and design professionals.
• Skill and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with school personnel, consultants, contractors, manufacturers’ representatives, utility services, and others as necessary.
• Skill and ability to negotiate consultants’ proposals for professional services and change orders.
• Skill and ability to ensure the accuracy of construction drawings and specifications.
• Skill and ability to organize, plan, and execute work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with contractors, school-based administrators, and others.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Physical And Environmental Conditions

• The duties of this class are generally sedentary with occasional walking, standing, and other limited physical activities. Duties will require travel to sites throughout the jurisdiction and movement through project sites, buildings, and areas under construction. Work may include walking, standing, climbing ladders, and exposure to potential hazards, such as traffic, heavy equipment, and adverse site conditions/weather when on construction sites.

Conditions Of Employment

• Essential-As-Needed personnel; may be required to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or emergencies when directed.
• May be assigned to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. May be required to work beyond regularly scheduled hours with little advance notice.

Citzenship, residency or work visa in United States required