Healthcare Architect

Project Architect – Healthcare Specialist

Locations: Des Moines, IA (preferred) | Cedar Rapids, IA | Madison, WI

Healthcare Practice Team | Licensed Architect

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Project Architect with deep healthcare expertise to join a growing, highly collaborative healthcare practice. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful healthcare projects, mentor a close-knit team, and play a visible role in shaping client relationships and long-term growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a Project Architect who wants real ownership—from planning and design through construction—and the freedom to chart their own course while being supported by a strong mentor and healthcare-focused team.

What You’ll Do

As a Healthcare Project Architect, you will have full responsibility for managing multiple projects of varying size and complexity, serving as the primary client contact while leading internal and consultant teams.

Project & Client Leadership

• Lead healthcare projects from planning and design through construction administration
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from smaller ambulatory facilities to complex institutional healthcare environments
• Serve as the primary client liaison, owning scope, schedule, budget, and communication
• Prepare strategic “plans of attack” to set projects up for success from day one
• Estimate fees, define scopes of work, and support proposal and contract development

Healthcare Design Expertise

• Lead the design and execution of hospitals, medical office buildings, outpatient facilities, and specialized care environments
• Collaborate with clients, clinicians, and stakeholders to understand workflows and user needs
• Ensure full compliance with healthcare codes and regulations, including FGI Guidelines, ADA, and applicable building codes
• Develop patient-centered, efficient, and compliant design solutions

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a healthcare-focused team of approximately six professionals
• Foster a culture where every team member is valued and supported
• Work closely with engineers, consultants, and contractors to integrate building systems
• Participate in client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings
• Support the growth and development of junior staff through hands-on mentorship

What Success Looks Like

• Confidently stepping into active healthcare projects and building immediate client trust
• Delivering projects on time, on budget, and with high technical quality
• Establishing yourself as a go-to healthcare leader and mentor within the firm
• Building strong client relationships that lead to repeat work and long-term partnerships
• Expanding your influence in planning, business development, and client strategy over time

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Active Architectural License
• 10+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years leading healthcare projects
• Proven experience with hospitals, medical office buildings, surgical centers, or similar healthcare facilities
• Strong proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and related design tools
• Deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, including FGI, ADA, and LEED
• Excellent client leadership, communication, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple complex projects

Preferred Traits

• Collaborative, humble leadership style with strong mentoring instincts
• Organized, decisive, and confident in client-facing situations
• Passion for healthcare design and improving patient outcomes
• Interest in expanding influence into planning, client development, and long-term practice growth
• Experience with sustainable and evidence-based design strategies

Why This Role

• Highly respected healthcare practice with a strong regional presence
• Close-knit team where each person’s contribution matters
• Supportive leadership focused on mentorship and professional growth
• Flexibility and autonomy—not a corporate environment
• Opportunity to shape your career path, client relationships, and future business development
• Work on impactful healthcare projects that truly serve communities

If you’re a Healthcare Project Architect looking for meaningful work, strong mentorship, and the freedom to lead—this is a rare opportunity to step into a role with both stability and upside.