Architectural Design Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

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

• 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.