Senior Architect Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Senior Architect – Concept to Contract will serve as the architectural lead within an owner’s representation framework, responsible for driving early-stage design strategy, building configuration, and design management from initial concept through execution of design-build or GMP contracts.

This role blends architectural design expertise with program-level leadership—overseeing floor plan optimization, coordinating multi-discipline inputs, and developing bridging documents that clearly define scope, performance criteria, and design intent for downstream design-build teams.

The position is critical in translating business objectives, site constraints, and technical requirements into executable design frameworks that reduce risk, preserve flexibility, and enable competitive procurement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Concept Development & Building Planning

• Lead development of core and shell building concepts, including:
  • Building massing, orientation, and site integration
  • Floor plate configuration and optimization (efficiency, leasing flexibility, or technical fit)
  • Vertical circulation (stairs, elevators, shafts) and service zoning
• Develop and iterate test fits and stacking diagrams aligned with project goals
• Establish basis of design (BOD) narratives for architectural scope
• Coordinate early inputs from MEP, structural, and civil to ensure feasibility

1. Concept-to-Contract Program Leadership

• Oversee execution of the Concept to Contract (C2C) program, including:
  • Design schedule development and tracking
  • Milestone deliverables (Concept, SD, DD bridging level)
  • Coordination across internal teams and external consultants
• Serve as the primary interface between development, design, and preconstruction
• Ensure alignment between design evolution and budget, schedule, and constructability constraints

1. Bridging Document Development

• Lead creation of bridging documents to support design-build procurement, including:
  • Architectural drawings (plans, sections, key details at LOD 200–300)
  • Performance-based specifications
  • Scope demarcation between owner, design-builder, and vendors
• Define design intent with sufficient clarity to:
  • Enable competitive bidding
  • Minimize scope gaps and change orders
• Coordinate integration of:
  • Structural grids and systems
  • MEP space planning and major equipment allowances
  • Code and life safety requirements

1. Floor Plan & System Integration

• Drive floor layout configuration with focus on:
  • Efficiency and modularity
  • Coordination of core elements (MEP rooms, shafts, risers)
  • Future flexibility and phased build-out strategies
• Work closely with engineering leads to:
  • Validate equipment space planning
  • Resolve clashes early (white space vs. support space, etc.)
• Support high-performance building typologies (e.g., data centers, commercial core/shell, industrial)

1. Design Management & Consultant Oversight

• Manage external architects and consultants through early design phases
• Review and validate deliverables for:
  • Completeness
  • Coordination
  • Alignment with owner objectives
• Establish and enforce drawing standards, BIM requirements (LOD 300 target), and documentation protocols
• Lead design review workshops and redline cycles

1. Preconstruction & Procurement Support

• Collaborate with preconstruction to:
  • Validate quantities, assumptions, and cost drivers
  • Support value engineering without compromising core design intent
• Participate in design-build RFP development and contractor selection
• Assist in leveling proposals and identifying scope gaps

1. Code, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure early alignment with:
  • Building codes and zoning requirements
  • Life safety and accessibility standards
• Identify design risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Support permitting strategy (including early packages if required)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture
• 8–12 years of experience in architectural design and project delivery
• Demonstrated experience in core & shell building design (commercial, industrial, or mission-critical preferred)
• Strong experience in early design phases (Concept, SD, DD)
• Experience producing or coordinating bridging documents or design-build packages
• Proficiency in:
  • Revit (required)
  • AutoCAD
  • Bluebeam or similar review tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in owner’s representation, design management, or developer-side roles
• Exposure to data center, large-scale commercial, or industrial projects
• Familiarity with:
  • Design-build delivery methods
  • GMP procurement processes
  • BIMForum LOD standards
• Licensure (Registered Architect) preferred but not required

Core Competencies

• Design Leadership: Ability to translate high-level goals into executable building configurations
• Systems Thinking: Strong understanding of how architectural, structural, and MEP systems integrate
• Program Management: Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Communication: Clear articulation of design intent to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of cost, schedule, and risk implications of design decisions

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Construction Officer / Head of Development / Design Director (depending on org structure)
• Works closely with:
  • Preconstruction Team
  • Engineering SMEs (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
  • External A/E consultants
  • Design-Build Contractors

Success Metrics

• Quality and clarity of bridging documents
• Reduction in design gaps and downstream change orders
• Alignment of design with budget and schedule targets
• Efficiency and adaptability of building layouts
• Successful execution of design-build procurement