Contractual Commercial Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Project Architect

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Workplace Type: Onsite
Reports To: Director of Operations
Compensation: Competitive Salary (DOE)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Architect to join our growing architectural team in Phoenix, Arizona. This role is ideal for a licensed architect with extensive experience managing large-scale commercial architectural projects from concept through construction administration. The Project Architect will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, clients, and fabricators while ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with design intent and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional project management skills, technical architectural expertise, and the ability to successfully manage multiple complex commercial projects simultaneously. Experience in interior design, industrial facilities, or integrated project delivery is considered a strong advantage.

This position offers an opportunity to work on challenging and high-profile commercial developments while mentoring junior team members and contributing to the continued growth of the firm.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Management

• Lead architectural projects from conceptual design through construction completion.

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, staffing requirements, and project milestones.

• Define project objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Monitor project progress to ensure successful execution within budget and schedule.

• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Ensure project deliverables align with client expectations and contractual requirements.

Client & Team Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout all project phases.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent communication and project execution.

• Coordinate activities among architects, consultants, engineers, fabricators, contractors, and internal project teams.

• Facilitate project meetings and communicate project updates to stakeholders.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve design and construction challenges.

• Ensure effective coordination among all project participants.

Architectural Design & Technical Leadership

• Guide architectural design development while maintaining the original design vision.

• Coordinate production of construction documents with careful attention to quality and accuracy.

• Review drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for completeness and compliance.

• Ensure architectural solutions meet functional, aesthetic, budgetary, and regulatory requirements.

• Provide technical guidance throughout design development and construction documentation phases.

• Support value engineering initiatives while preserving design integrity.

Construction Documentation

• Oversee preparation of:

  • Construction Documents

  • Design Development Drawings

  • Schematic Design Packages

  • Architectural Specifications

  • Detail Drawings

  • Site Plans

  • Permit Documents

• Ensure all documentation complies with applicable building codes and project requirements.

• Review consultant drawings for coordination and consistency.

• Coordinate revisions throughout the design process.

Regulatory & Municipal Coordination

• Coordinate with:

  • Local Municipalities

  • Building Officials

  • Code Authorities

  • Planning Departments

• Assist with permitting and entitlement processes.

• Ensure compliance with:

  • International Building Code (IBC)

  • Local Building Codes

  • Zoning Regulations

  • Accessibility Requirements (ADA)

  • Life Safety Codes

Construction Administration

• Provide architectural support during construction.

• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Review Submittals and Shop Drawings.

• Conduct site visits and field observations.

• Assist in resolving construction-related issues.

• Coordinate with contractors and consultants during project execution.

• Verify construction conforms to approved documents.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior architects, designers, and production staff.

• Provide technical leadership across project teams.

• Promote collaboration and accountability.

• Support professional development within the architectural team.

• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.

  • Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) preferred.

  • Master of Architecture (M.Arch) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional architectural experience.

• Extensive experience managing large commercial architectural projects.

• Demonstrated success coordinating multidisciplinary project teams.

• Experience working with consultants, contractors, and fabricators.

• Experience producing construction documentation.

• Interior design and/or industrial project experience is considered a plus.

Required Technical Knowledge

Strong knowledge of:

• Commercial Building Design

• Architectural Project Management

• Construction Documentation

• Building Systems

• Building Materials

• Architectural Detailing

• Construction Techniques

• Cost Estimating

• Urban Design

• Site Design

• Entitlement Procedures

• Building Codes

• Engineering Coordination

• Construction Administration

Software & Technical Skills

Candidates should have strong proficiency with:

Architectural Design Software

• AutoCAD

• Revit

• SketchUp

• Adobe Creative Suite

Additional Software

• Microsoft Office Suite

• PDF Markup Software

• Project Scheduling Software (preferred)

Required Licensure

• Registered Architect (Architectural Registration) required.

• Active architectural license in the United States.

• Arizona registration or ability to obtain through reciprocity preferred.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Architectural Design Leadership

• Commercial Project Management

• Client Relationship Management

• Construction Administration

• Technical Problem Solving

• Team Leadership

• Cross-Functional Coordination

• Design Quality Control

• Budget Management

• Schedule Management

• Communication Skills

• Organizational Skills

• Decision Making

• Attention to Detail

• Time Management

• Mentoring & Coaching

• Collaboration

• Strategic Thinking

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with any of the following are highly preferred:

• Interior Design project experience

• Industrial facility design experience

• Mixed-use commercial project experience

• Healthcare or institutional project experience

• Sustainable design experience

• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

• BIM coordination experience

• Value Engineering experience

• Construction Administration expertise

• Large multidisciplinary project leadership

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite position based in Phoenix, Arizona.

• Collaborative architectural office environment.

• Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and municipal offices may be required.

• Opportunity to work on high-profile commercial developments throughout the region.

Why Join Our Team?

Join a collaborative and innovative architectural practice where you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful commercial projects, work alongside experienced professionals, and contribute to the successful delivery of complex architectural solutions. We value creativity, technical excellence, teamwork, and professional growth while offering a dynamic environment where your expertise and leadership will make a lasting impact.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Project Architect is a licensed architectural professional with extensive commercial project experience and a proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams from concept through construction. They excel at balancing design excellence with project execution, possess strong technical knowledge of building systems and codes, and are skilled at coordinating clients, consultants, and contractors to successfully deliver high-quality architectural projects. Their leadership, communication, and organizational abilities enable them to mentor team members while consistently exceeding client expectations.