Architectural Design Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

Description

Project Architect | Commercial Design
Full Time | Architecture | Commercial Projects
Elizabeth Banzhaf, LPN
Co-Founder & COO | Heartline Staffing
Call or Text: 272-230-3157
LinkedIn: View Elizabeth's LinkedIn
Prefer a confidential conversation instead of applying? Call or text Elizabeth directly at 272-230-3157.
Heartline Staffing, in partnership with Purple Cow Recruiting, is hiring a Project Architect for Popli Design Group in Rochester, New York.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Popli Design Group is seeking an experienced, licensed Project Architect to lead the architectural design, documentation, and technical coordination of commercial and multidisciplinary projects. This is a hands-on design position for an architect who wants to remain actively involved in project development rather than working exclusively in project management.
The Project Architect will oversee architectural work from design development through permitting, construction administration, and project closeout. This individual will coordinate with internal engineering disciplines, external consultants, clients, contractors, and governing agencies while ensuring that project documents meet applicable building codes, client expectations, and Popli Design Group standards.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, maintain project momentum when the Project Manager is unavailable, supervise junior architectural staff on a project basis, and balance design responsibilities with team coordination and client communication.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead the architectural design and production of commercial and multidisciplinary projects
Remain actively involved in hands-on design, technical documentation, and drawing production
Coordinate architectural work with internal engineering teams, external consultants, clients, contractors, and governing agencies
Prepare and oversee complete project documentation for client approvals and state or local permits
Ensure drawings and specifications meet applicable building codes, project requirements, and company standards
Organize project workloads and develop redlines for junior architectural staff to implement
Review staff work and provide regular feedback, mentorship, and technical guidance
Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing needs, project priorities, design progress, and deadlines
Maintain project momentum and make appropriate technical decisions when the Project Manager is unavailable
Perform construction site visits and project walkthroughs
Review RFIs, shop drawings, submittals, and contractor questions during construction
Issue supplementary instructions and help resolve design or construction conflicts
Confirm that contractor work aligns with contract documents and project specifications
Review project closeout documentation and support final project completion
Select and apply appropriate architectural procedures, technical methods, and design solutions
Prepare clear meeting minutes, reports, correspondence, and project documentation
Assist with value-engineering efforts while protecting design quality, functionality, and code compliance
COMPENSATION
$80,000-$120,000 Annual Salary
Final compensation will be based on experience, licensure, technical expertise, and overall qualifications
SCHEDULE
Full-Time Position
On-Site at the Rochester, New York Office
No Remote Work
Local travel to project sites is required
WHY ARCHITECTURE PROFESSIONALS ARE APPLYING
Join Popli Design Group, a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm serving clients since 1982
Work within an established organization with seven offices across New York State
Remain actively involved in architectural design and documentation rather than moving into a fully administrative project-management role
Lead commercial and multidisciplinary projects from design development through construction completion
Collaborate directly with architects, engineers, consultants, clients, contractors, and governing agencies
Mentor junior architectural professionals and influence the technical development of project teams
Apply advanced architectural judgment while maintaining meaningful involvement in daily project design
Participate in construction administration, site visits, code compliance, permitting, and project closeout
Build a long-term career with an established firm known for quality, professionalism, and integrity
BENEFITS
Full-Time Direct-Hire Employment
Long-Term Professional Growth Opportunity
Project Leadership and Mentorship Responsibilities
Exposure to Commercial and Multidisciplinary Projects
Benefits package details will be confirmed during the interview process

Requirements

Professional Architect License REQUIRED
New York State Architect License Preferred; Candidates Must Be Able to Obtain New York Reciprocity Within 6 Months REQUIRED
Minimum 6 Years of Hands-On Architectural Design and Documentation Experience REQUIRED
Predominantly Hands-On Design Experience Rather Than Exclusively Project Management Experience REQUIRED
Commercial, Institutional, Civic, Industrial, or Other Non-Residential Project Experience REQUIRED
Residential-Only Architecture Experience Does Not Meet the Position Requirements
Five-Year NAAB-Accredited Architecture Degree or an Equivalent Combination of Education and Relevant Professional Experience REQUIRED
Experience Leading the Development and Production of Architectural Documents REQUIRED
Experience Coordinating Multidisciplinary Projects with Engineers, Consultants, Clients, Contractors, and Governing Agencies REQUIRED
Strong Knowledge of Building Codes, Permit Documentation, Construction Documents, and Technical Standards REQUIRED
Ability to Lead Projects and Maintain Progress When the Project Manager Is Unavailable REQUIRED
Experience Developing Redlines, Reviewing Staff Work, and Mentoring Junior Architectural Staff REQUIRED
Proficiency in AutoCAD REQUIRED
Proficiency in Revit REQUIRED
Proficiency in Bluebeam REQUIRED
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite REQUIRED
Proficiency in New York State Energy Software REQUIRED
Strong Written, Verbal, Technical, and Client-Facing Communication Skills REQUIRED
Ability to Read and Interpret Complex Technical Documents, Drawings, Codes, and Specifications REQUIRED
Ability to Prepare Professional Reports, Meeting Minutes, Emails, Memos, and Project Correspondence REQUIRED
Valid Driver's License and Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record REQUIRED
Ability to Travel to Construction Sites and Attend Project Walkthroughs REQUIRED
Ability to Work Full Time On-Site in the Rochester, New York Office REQUIRED
Remote Work Is Not Available for This Position
United States Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status REQUIRED
Advanced Construction Administration Experience Preferred
Experience Reviewing RFIs, Shop Drawings, Submittals, and Closeout Documentation Preferred
Experience Organizing Workload Assignments and Supporting Value-Engineering Efforts Preferred
Not ready to formally apply? That's okay. Many architecture professionals prefer a confidential conversation first. Call or text Elizabeth Banzhaf directly at 272-230-3157 to discuss the position privately.
Heartline Staffing is a Strategic Talent Partner with Purple Cow Recruiting. Applications are securely tracked and reviewed through our applicant-tracking system. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly regarding next steps.