Professional Architect Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Provides technical assistance and guidance for the due diligence, planning, concept development, restoration, alteration, extension, and implementation of creative, functional, and sustainable building designs and/or construction of projects in the public and private sector.  Tasks may include assisting with conceptually visualizing projects, preparing drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents, developing and presenting design proposals, and managing client relationships.  Generates accurate and concise drawings, blueprints, renderings, and documentation regarding material, installations, feasibility, and construction technology specifications.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural integrity, and occupancy.

• Assist with the preparation of detailed drawings showing both the external and internal appearance and structure of building projects.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, environmental data, historical use, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.   
• Perform professional architectural work and assist with conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building, infrastructure, and transportation channels to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Participate in incorporating advanced modeling techniques, concept development, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of occupants and end-users; incorporating future-ready solutions with architectural design standards.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work, assist with laying out structure installations, establishing reference points to guide construction, selecting appropriate materials to ensure durability, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, establishing project timelines, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Verify the characteristics of a site and structure, providing technical assistance on securing structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, artistic sketches, renderings, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, illustrations, and documentation.
• Assist with development and scoping of small- to medium-sized projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address timeline, design, and/or construction issues, problems, and opportunities. 
• Conduct research to gain further information on a particular design and construction issue and to assess feasibility, environmental impact, and action plans for low to mid-level risk mitigation activities.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals, subcontractors, and building authorities on Federal, State, regional, local and privately funded building, infrastructure, and development projects.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, or closely related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in the learned discipline.
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, process, and the application to project work-related issues. 
• Experience with building planning, drawing standards, design, and construction management; including restorative and new design.
• Proficient creative, visualization, and technical drawing skills.
• Knowledge with process and concepts for sustainability, green building design, and reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances/greenhouse gas.  
• Knowledge of relevant building and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, technology, math principles, graphics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from data collation, feedback, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree is preferred. 

• Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.

  WSP Benefits: 

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

  Compensation:

  Expected Salary (all locations): $93,000-$130,000

  WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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