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Primary Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AppFolio

GA

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural ...

AppFolio

IL

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural ...

AppFolio

CO

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural ...

AppFolio

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural ...

AppFolio

CA

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural ...

MANSCAPED

OR

Who We're Looking For - Reporting to the VP of Strategy, Insights & Analytics , we areseeking a Data Solutions Architect to serve as the primary architect and guardian of our enterprise data ...

General Atomics

Systems Architect V

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

This individual will serve as the primary architect bridging the gap between advanced technology (GenAI, Machine Learning, RPA) and critical business operations, targeting the modernization of ...

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All JobsPrimary Architect Jobs

Primary Architect information

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$46.5K

$128.8K

$201.5K

How much do primary architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for primary architect in the United States is $128,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is architecture top 3 hardest degrees?

Architecture is often considered a challenging degree due to its demanding coursework, long hours, and requirement for creativity and technical skills. It ranks among the more difficult college programs, but whether it is in the top three hardest varies depending on individual experiences and criteria used for difficulty. For aspiring architects, strong time management and proficiency in design software are essential.

What is the highest paid architect job?

The highest paid architects are often senior partners or principal architects in large firms, earning six-figure salaries or more. Specialized roles such as design directors or architecture firm owners can also command higher compensation, especially with extensive experience and a strong reputation in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Primary Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Primary Architect, you need a strong background in architectural design, building codes, and construction processes, typically supported by a professional architecture degree and licensure. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM systems, as well as LEED certification, is often essential. Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills help differentiate top performers in this role. These abilities are critical for ensuring that design solutions are both innovative and compliant, while projects are delivered efficiently and collaboratively.

What is the difference between Primary Architect vs Structural Engineer?

AspectPrimary ArchitectStructural Engineer
CredentialsArchitect license, architecture degreeEngineering license, engineering degree
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client meetings, project planningConstruction sites, design teams, technical analysis
Industry UsageDesigning building aesthetics and layoutEnsuring structural safety and integrity
Common Search IntentDesign responsibilities, project coordinationStructural analysis, safety standards

The Primary Architect focuses on the overall design, aesthetics, and functionality of buildings, working closely with clients and design teams. In contrast, a Structural Engineer specializes in analyzing and ensuring the structural safety and stability of the building. Both roles collaborate during construction, but their core responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What does "primary architect" mean?

A primary architect is a lead professional responsible for designing and overseeing the development of building projects, ensuring that plans meet client needs and building codes. They often coordinate with engineers, contractors, and clients throughout the project lifecycle and may hold certifications such as the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

Was Louis Sullivan an architect?

Louis Sullivan was a prominent American architect known for pioneering modern skyscraper design and emphasizing functional architecture. He was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and influenced many architects with his innovative use of steel frameworks and ornamentation.

What does a Primary Architect do?

A Primary Architect is responsible for leading the overall design and planning of building projects, ensuring that architectural concepts meet both client requirements and regulatory standards. They oversee the project from initial concept through construction, coordinating with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. The Primary Architect also manages project timelines, budgets, and quality control, making crucial decisions to guide the project to successful completion. Their role is central to translating client visions into functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing structures.

How does a Primary Architect typically collaborate with other project stakeholders throughout the design and construction process?

A Primary Architect plays a central role in coordinating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. They facilitate early design meetings to capture client requirements, work closely with engineers to integrate structural and systems solutions, and guide contractors during construction to ensure the design intent is realized. Regular communication, site visits, and documentation reviews are essential for managing expectations and addressing challenges promptly. This collaborative approach helps ensure projects stay on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the envisioned outcomes.
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What job categories do people searching Primary Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Primary Architect jobs are:
Primary Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Primary Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,756 per year, or $61.9 per hour.
Sr. Staff IT Enterprise Architect

Sr. Staff IT Enterprise Architect

AppFolio

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

As a Senior Staff IT Enterprise Architect, you will play a key role in establishing and maturing AppFolio's integration and architecture capabilities within Business Systems. Acting as a strategic advisor and technical leader, you will guide the design and evolution of secure, scalable solutions that support AppFolio's growth and long-term objectives.

You will translate business priorities into pragmatic architectural decisions by assessing current-state capabilities, defining target-state approaches, and establishing the standards and patterns that enable teams to deliver with consistency and confidence. Your work will span enterprise applications, system integrations, and emerging AI-enabled workflows, partnering closely with stakeholders across Business Systems, Engineering, Data, Security, and the business.

You will also serve as the primary authority for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architectural reviews, ensuring proposed technology investments are evaluated through sound architectural governance and risk assessment. Through influence, collaboration, and trusted relationships, you will help move AppFolio from tribal knowledge to trusted infrastructure.

ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Integration Architecture & Strategy

  • Assess current-state integrations, dependencies, and architectural patterns across the enterprise application landscape.

  • Define target-state architectures and pragmatic transition roadmaps for enterprise applications and integrations.

  • Establish and maintain architecture principles, reference architectures, and design patterns that promote scalability and consistency.

  • Design scalable, secure, resilient integration solutions that support evolving business needs.

  • Define integration guidance across APIs, events, batch processing, orchestration, and automation capabilities.

  • Identify opportunities to simplify architectures, reduce technical debt, and improve maintainability.

Architecture Governance & TPRM

  • Serve as the primary architect for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) architecture reviews.

  • Evaluate proposed technology initiatives for alignment with enterprise standards, security requirements, and architectural principles.

  • Develop lightweight governance processes that enable speed while maintaining appropriate controls.

  • Document architecture decisions through Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) and related artifacts.

  • Participate in Architecture Review Board activities and represent Business Systems architecture perspectives.

Integration & Platform Leadership

  • Define standards and decision frameworks across AppFolio's integration platforms, including MuleSoft, AWS, Workato, and emerging technologies.

  • Recommend appropriate integration patterns based on business requirements and non-functional needs.

  • Promote modern integration practices including API-first design, event-driven architectures, serverless capabilities, and reusable services.

  • Partner with engineering teams to improve observability, reliability, and supportability of integrations.

  • Provide guidance on platform selection and architectural tradeoffs.

AI Enablement & Emerging Technologies

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to assess and prioritize AI-enabled use cases within Business Systems.

  • Advise teams on architectural considerations related to AI capabilities, including data readiness, integration patterns, and operational considerations.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend practical applications aligned to business objectives.

  • Support the transition of AI initiatives from experimentation to production readiness in alignment with evolving governance practices.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence

  • Facilitate architecture discovery and strategy sessions with technical and business stakeholders.

  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.

  • Build trusted partnerships across Business Systems, Engineering, Security, Data, Product, and business teams.

  • Establish the artifacts, operating rhythms, and decision frameworks necessary to mature the Enterprise Architecture capability within Business Systems.

  • Influence technology direction through evidence-based recommendations and collaborative decision-making.

  • Mentor team members and elevate architectural thinking across the organization.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering, integration architecture, enterprise applications, or related technical leadership roles, including experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives and influencing architectural direction across multiple teams.

  • 8+ years designing and delivering enterprise integration solutions within complex environments.

  • Experience developing architecture standards, integration patterns, and technical guidance across multiple platforms.

  • Experience architecting or supporting AI-enabled capabilities, with an understanding of the architectural considerations associated with large language models, agentic workflows, and enterprise data integration.

  • Hands-on experience with enterprise integration technologies such as MuleSoft, AWS, Workato, Boomi, or similar platforms.

  • Experience facilitating architecture reviews and evaluating proposed solutions against established principles.

  • Strong understanding of API-led connectivity, event-driven architecture, and modern integration approaches.

  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing decisions without direct authority.

  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and drive outcomes independently.

Preferred

  • Experience building or maturing architecture practices within high-growth SaaS organizations.

  • Familiarity with architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, or similar approaches applied pragmatically.

  • Exposure to data architecture concepts including data governance, lineage, and modern data platform patterns.

  • Experience participating in Architecture Review Boards or governance forums.

  • Familiarity with DevOps practices, observability concepts, and infrastructure-as-code principles.

  • Experience working with globally distributed teams.

Location

Find out more about our locations by visiting our site. 

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation we reasonably expect to pay for this role is 167,200-209,000 base pay. The actual compensation for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, education, experience, and internal equity.

Please note that compensation is just one aspect of a comprehensive Total Rewards package. The compensation range listed here does not include additional benefits or any discretionary bonuses you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type.
Regular full-time employees are eligible for benefits - see here.

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