Acela Architects Engineers, PC is a full services Architectural and Engineering firm in Allentown, PA, consisting of Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors, Architects, Interior Designers, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Plumbing\Fire Protection Engineers. We design new buildings and renovation projects for the Healthcare, Commercial, Industrial, and Aviation sectors.
We are seeking a Director of Architecture with 15-25 years of experience to join our architecture group. The key responsibilities of a Director of Architecture include, but are not limited to:
Job Description:
The Director will oversee, supervise, manage, mentor, and support staff architecture, interior designers, designers, and technicians. The Director of Architecture will provide input and guidance to the design process and oversee the analysis, design, and construction in the area of Architecture and Interior Designers.
Position Responsibilities:
Management of the Architectural Department Responsibilities
- Develop and implement architectural department organizational structure.
- Develop company architectural procedures, processes and standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Review drawings and specifications within the Architectural Department.
- Provide architectural in-house QA/QC reviews.
- Resolve architectural department staffing issues, client issues, and project issues.
- Participate in the development the Architectural Department's annual budgets, including revenue goals, expenses, and staffing.
- Manage the architectural design and analysis tasks within the department.
- Manage the preparation of project architecture within the department.
- This position will also act as a billing manager, who is responsible for meeting with and mentoring project managers. The billing manager will be responsible for monitoring and managing the project's key performance indicators (KPIs). The billing manager is responsible for managing project scope changes, invoicing and collections. The billing manager is responsible for fostering relationships with clients, understanding clients' and project goals, meeting with team members to ensure project goals are met, and resolving all project and client issues in accordance with company policies.
- This position is responsible for operating the Architectural Department as a quasi-stand-alone business center within the Acela corporate structure's framework, utilizing the corporate department's tools and reporting.
- This position will be responsible for assessing, reviewing, and acting upon KPIs related to the business unit. This position is expected to coordinate actions within the Architectural Department with the President of Acela prior to implementing actions.
Leadership of the Architectural Department Responsibilities
- Supervise and mentor architecture staff.
- Be a role model and lead by example to reinforce company culture, values, SOPs, and other corporate procedures.
- Develop and/or oversee project managers in developing project planning, project scheduling of the architectural department staff, and ensuring architectural department staff meets expected utilization rates for those positions.
- This position is expected to be an expert in their field and encouraged to pursue opportunities to present seminars at professional conventions in order to emphasize to existing and future clients that the company is an expert in our field.
- This position is expected to involve participation in professional associations and pursuing opportunities to serve on professional association boards.
Architectural Design Responsibilities
- Provide architectural oversight of all projects within the company.
- Coordinate with other disciplines, such as MEPT, structural, and civil, etc., throughout the design phase and with construction phase services during the project's construction phase.
- Prepare architectural design and analysis tasks, including plan preparation.
- Prepare architectural specifications.
- Prepare architectural assessments and feasibility reports.
- Implement design or analysis tasks in accordance with building code requirements.
- This position is expected to be, on average, at least 50% billable.
Corporate Business Development Responsibilities
- Develop new and build on existing client relationships.
- Be responsible for marketing the company's services. There is an expectation that this position will generate new sources of revenue and develop relationships with existing and future clients.
- Create departmental proposals for both internal clients and external clients. When the proposal is for the purpose of an external client, coordinate with other disciplines and/or subconsultants to develop the entire proposal.
Core Competencies & Requirements:
- Possess a strong command of national trends within the architectural area.
- Strong business acumen with an aptitude for improving processes and experience with change management.
- Demonstrated experience of leadership, personal accountability, and persistence
- Well organized.
- Congenial to both internal and external customers while maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to follow a task to completion, insisting on information from employees when needed to complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Ability to handle many tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to confidently lead the design team.
- Adapt quickly to changing parameters while maintaining consistency in the quality of work.
- Provide timely and accurate project documentation.
- Perform site visits.
- Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
- Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, and legal regulations.
- Advanced knowledge of building code and regulatory requirements.
- Knowledgeable in the use of computer analysis software related to the Architectural field.
- Proficient in AutoCAD and REVIT design software.
- Be proficient in developing project schedules and Gantt Charts, utilizing Ajera, MS Project and/or Primavera P6.
- Proven knowledge of architectural design software and equipment.
- Proficient in MS suite software including Word, Excel, etc.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to provide clear and accurate direction.
- Working additional hours beyond regularly scheduled hours as requested by management.
- Meet stringent deadlines.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
Education & Experience
- Professional degree in Architecture.
- 15-25 years of work experience as an architect.
- Registration with an architectural license is required.
- NCARB records verification is preferred.
- Master of Business Administration is preferred.
- Previous experience in Newforma and Ajera is preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- What percentage of billable time are you currently responsible for?
- On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being mastery, what is your Revit skill level?
- What are the three most important aspects of company culture?
- Are you a registered architect in good standing?
- Do you have experience with government contracts?
Ability to Relocate:
- Allentown, PA 18103: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person