Senior Architect

Job Title :   Sr. Architect

Job Description : The Senior Architect is responsible for ensuring that all essential functions of the firm are performed effectively and efficiently, for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the firm’s owners, employees, and clients. This individual will be responsible for managing technical aspects of architectural projects, from Programming through Construction Administration.

This role is viewed as a team leader with responsibility and ownership of all aspects of projects, including production, detailing, building code compliance, client requirements and satisfaction, and constructability. The position requires strong communication skills and effective coordination with internal stakeholders, including Principals, designers, and support staff, as well as external partners such as clients, engineers and contractors.

The roles of this position include, but are not limited to, Project Management, Leading Project Design, Production of Drawings and Specifications, Marketing and Business Development, Cost Control, Constructability review, Contract Negotiation, and Quality Control.

Qualifications / Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or above, and maintain current licensure.
• Ten or more years of experience as a project architect, and 5 or more years in a leadership / management position.
• Proficiency with all phases and aspects of architectural projects, to include planning, proposal development, programming, design, drafting, detailing, specification writing, coordination with engineers and consultants, client relations, contract administration, bidding and negotiation, close-out, and billing.
• Competency in managing / overseeing various business functions, such as : licensure, insurance, human resources, financial management, information management, contracting, and marketing / business development.
• Highly proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.

Duties and Responsibilities :

General :

Set the office standard for carrying out duties in a manner that is efficient, professional, courteous, cheerful, and in the spirit of teamwork.

Set an example for excellence in work quality.

Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

Keep staff informed of issues or opportunities that can impact the operation of the business and / or affect their jobs.

Marketing / Business Development :

Establish a network of business and social contacts. Develop and implement a system for maintaining regular / frequent contact with this network. Coordinate efforts with Business Development professionals as appropriate.

Define a target market or markets and cultivate relationships within those markets.

Set up a process to systematically identify potential projects in your target markets and develop strategies to successfully compete for projects.

Design a process for responding to RFQs and RFPs that can be adapted to various projects easily. Strive to achieve continuous improvement in proposal development.

Seek feedback on projects that are not won and apply feedback to constantly improve.

Direct frequent updates of the company website and social media platforms to ensure that they reflect current and recent projects and accomplishments.

Seek opportunities to submit projects and / or accomplishments for awards, media recognition, or news articles.

Architecture :

Ensure that each project conforms to the contractual agreement with the client.

Encourage design that is distinctive, inspiring, and functional, regardless of the project’s size or budget.

Effectively manage projects to ensure completion within the defined schedule and budget.

Provide clients with error-free documents by establishing an internal review process to ensure quality control.

Coach project architects on handling difficult situations and conflict. Step in to resolve the issue only when necessary to maintain good client relations, or to protect the long-term interests of the firm.

Implement processes to mitigate risks and minimize exposure throughout all phases of the project.

Financial Management :

Solicit ideas from staff on streamlining operations to reduce unnecessary costs.

Maintain schedules and processes to predict revenues, generate invoices for projects, and monitor payments.

Talent Management / Human Resources :

Provide office space that reflects the firm’s commitment to well-designed, safe, and attractive workspaces.

Hold staff accountable for the quality of work product, and for meeting deadlines and maintaining good client relations.

Provide training, coaching, and professional development for career growth and improved performance.

Actively manage performance through regular constructive feedback that is specific and actionable.

LACHIN Architects, apc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About LACHIN Architects, apc

LACHIN Architects, apc is committed to supplying clients with seamless collaboration and creative design solutions, backed by superior document production and project delivery. We believe in the constant development of both the personal and professional skills of our employees. Lachin Architects is a third-generation firm, practicing in Greater New Orleans and across the Gulf South Region for over 70 years. With a closely integrated team and a focus on transparency and communication, our firm ensures consistency in the administration of design and delivery on all projects. We are known in the industry for our accuracy in design and comprehensive collaboration with our construction partners. This is proven by our repeat partnerships, change order numbers well below industry standards, and zero claims in over 30 years of practice.

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Retirement plan

Vision insurance