Strategic Design Lead Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description:

As a Senior Architectural Design Lead, you will serve as the principal technical authority for the design and delivery of large-scale, mission-critical data center facilities, leading the full spectrum of Civil, Structural, Landscape, and Architecture (CSLA) disciplines. With 10+ years of direct experience in high-performance, mission-critical environments, you will drive design strategy from conceptual planning through final turnover, ensuring the highest standards of quality, functionality, sustainability, and operational efficiency. This role demands exceptional technical depth, decisive leadership, and the ability to align complex cross-functional teams around shared project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will serve as the senior technical lead and primary decision-maker for CSLA disciplines across complex, large-scale data center projects, guiding each phase from conceptual planning and schematic design through construction documentation, administration, and final turnover.
• You will establish and enforce design standards, review all deliverables for technical quality and completeness, and drive continuous improvement in architectural processes, tools, and outcomes across the CSLA discipline.
• You will collaborate with internal teams including R&D, Construction, and Operations and external stakeholders including EoRs, contractors, and regulatory bodies to resolve complex challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure timely, cost-effective delivery with a focus on safety, functionality, and sustainability.
• You will research and lead the integration of innovative architectural solutions and emerging design trends to enhance the scalability, sustainability, and operational efficiency of data center facilities.
• You will lead the issuance of RFPs, evaluate vendor proposals, manage contract execution, and ensure that all design-related documentation including change proposals, invoices, submittals, and reports aligns with project requirements and quality standards.
• You will hold EoR teams accountable to project milestones and quality standards, providing constructive feedback and driving alignment across construction, operations, and all project stakeholders throughout all phases of delivery.
• You will proactively identify and address potential project risks, adjusting schedules and strategies as needed to respond to evolving business demands and maintain project momentum.
• You will lead hands-on testing, mock-up reviews, and commissioning activities to ensure systems are installed, integrated, and validated to the highest performance standards.
• You will serve as the primary point of contact between internal teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring seamless communication and timely issue resolution across all project stages.
• You will maintain comprehensive oversight of project status, decision-making processes, and key milestones, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation is shared with all internal and external stakeholders.
• You will provide authoritative technical guidance on building systems design, ensuring all architectural and CSLA designs comply with applicable industry standards, codes, and client specifications for mission-critical environments.
• You      will drive cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure integrated and      cohesive system designs, maintaining alignment between the architectural      team and all other design disciplines throughout the project lifecycle.
• You will lead design, delivery, and quality meetings to resolve critical issues, align stakeholders, and drive successful project outcomes at every phase.
• You will collaborate with the Quality team, leading site reviews, system integration checks, issue resolution, and commissioning script review to ensure optimal system performance and design intent compliance.
• You will support Facilities Engineering and Operations teams with technical guidance and knowledge transfer to ensure smooth system operation and a seamless handover throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements:

• Licensed Architect with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the design, development, and delivery of large-scale, high-performance, mission-critical data center facilities.
• Proven track record leading CSLA design disciplines on hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center projects from concept through commissioning and final turnover.
• In-depth knowledge of construction standards, building regulations, permitting processes, and safety protocols for large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit/BIM, Bluebeam, Autodesk, and Google Suite, with demonstrated ability to coordinate large-scale CSLA designs within a BIM-driven project environment.
• Deep expertise in structural design across multiple materials including steel, concrete, and mass timber, with a comprehensive understanding of architectural details and building systems as they apply to data center environments.
• Extensive experience in geotechnical design, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and integrating sustainable practices into the design of mission-critical facilities.
• Demonstrated experience with redundancy strategies, fault-tolerant design principles, and high-uptime facility requirements specific to data center environments.
• Knowledge of advanced security systems, physical access control, interior and  exterior finishes, and other specialized systems required for mission-critical environments.
• Strong familiarity with Environmental Health and Safety regulations and their application throughout the architectural design and construction process.
• Comprehensive understanding of professional services from conceptual planning and site selection through detailed design, construction administration, and project close-out.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts, technical decisions, and project progress to diverse audiences including senior leadership, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Passion for improving design processes, driving continuous improvement, and advancing the quality and efficiency of mission-critical project delivery.
• Proficient with Microsoft Productivity Suite products.