Sr. Project Architect, Community

Little; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Opportunity for professional growth

Collaboration with diverse teams

Job summary

Little in McLean, Virginia, is seeking a skilled Senior Project Architect to join their Community Studio. This role involves guiding projects from concept to construction documentation while fostering collaboration across teams and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate will bring over 10 years of experience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit, all within a diverse and innovative environment. Little values creative partnerships and community-focused projects, making this an exciting opportunity to shape impactful developments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience with demonstrated project leadership.
• Strong design portfolio is a must.
• Professional registration or NCARB certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee projects from concept through construction documentation.
• Develop compelling design concepts across diverse project types.
• Guide and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Strong design portfolio showcasing concept development through execution

Excellent communication skills

Proven ability to lead teams

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related design field

Job description

Little, a diverse and transdisciplinary design firm, is seeking a Senior Project Architect to work in our Community Studio in our Tysons Corner (DC) office.

The ideal candidate for this opportunity will be an ambitious, creative Senior Project Architect who has extensive experience working for community clients and is looking to improve the performance of our clients through creative collaboration and breakthrough ideas. This is an opportunity to shape impactful projects across community, K-12, higher education, and recreation/sports sectors while working within a highly collaborative, transdisciplinary design environment.

About the Role

We’re looking for a design-forward Senior Project Architect who thrives at the intersection of creativity, technical excellence, and collaboration. In this role, you will lead complex projects from early concept through construction documentation—driving design vision, mentoring teams, and building strong client relationships.

A position you’ll love

• Guide Projects End-to-End: Oversee projects from concept through design development and construction documents
• Lead Design Excellence: Develop and articulate compelling design concepts across diverse project types. Delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that align with client goals and project constraints
• Mentor & Grow Teams: Support and guide junior staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive studio culture
• Build Client Relationships: Establish trust with clients and ensure alignment on vision, scope, and outcomes
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work seamlessly with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders
• Ensure Technical Quality: Produce clear, coordinated, and code-compliant documentation with integrated sustainability strategies

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related design field (professional registration or NCARB certification preferred)
• 10+ years of professional experience with demonstrated project leadership
• Strong design portfolio showcasing concept development through execution
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and visual
• Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate in a client‑focused environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities

Why Little

Little is a place where you’ll surround yourself with colleagues who have different areas of expertise, are from different cultures and generations, and embody different talents, experiences and passions. In fact, if you ask our employees what keeps them excited about coming to work each day, you’ll hear that it’s the people. It’s also our culture and the chance to be part of creating a better future through our work. We embrace a culture of teaching and learning through cross‑mentoring that spans generations, disciplines, talents, and interests and we strive to give each person exposure to the widest possible array of experiences. We care intensely about our clients and each other, and we do our best to spark a spirit of creativity and excitement in everyone around us. Curious what it’s like to work at Little? Check out our video! Life at Little: Our Core Values on Vimeo

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your letter of interest, resume, and portfolio for review.

Little is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti‑discrimination law, Little prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Little is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [e-mail] or a member of our HR Team.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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