Architect - JK Executive Strategies, LLC : Job Details

Architect

Buffalo, NY

JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with the top public university in Buffalo, NY in search of an Architect to join its team!

Why apply? Working here comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal, and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness.

Step into a role that offers far more than just a job—embrace the chance to be part of a collaborative and innovative environment. You could shape the future of this prestigious institution while refining your skills and contributing to the dynamic growth of the University Facilities.

The University Facilities Design and Construction Department is on the lookout for a seasoned and visionary architect, fully licensed and ready to make a difference. As a key member of the expanding internal design team, the Architect will work closely with colleagues to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of major construction projects, all while advancing the University's mission as a leading SUNY research institution.

The Architect will report directly to the Manager of Architectural Support, with additional assignments potentially coming from the Assistant Director of Design and the Director of Design and Construction. This role demands a high level of independence, where the Architect will make informed decisions and take actions aligned with departmental operations and priorities set by the Director. The position requires significant independent judgment and initiative, including making decisions on various project aspects and developing cost-effective alternatives within the established budget constraints.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration with external design consultants hired to prepare contract documents from concept to closeout.
• Preparation and sealing of contract documents including drawings and specifications, support of ongoing project needs throughout construction, and active participation in the occupation of finished spaces and related systems.
• Serve as a peer reviewer of architectural scope in ongoing design reviews for both internally and externally designed University projects.
• Work with end users and project stakeholders to ensure that project requirements are met.
• Interface with outside agencies including SUCF, SUNY OCF, NYS Division of Standards and Codes, National Grid, National Fuel, NYPA, NYSERDA, and relevant vendors to coordinate construction documents.
• Serve as a subject matter expert of architecture for the University to support ongoing operations, sustainability efforts, and educational needs.
• Design of complex spaces with conflicting occupancies and requirements. These can include laboratories, Assembly spaces, warehouses, and other large storage buildings using professional expertise to ensure renovation and new construction scope is safe, appropriate, and compatible with existing infrastructure. Uphold all requirements and regulations inclusive of NYS building codes and procurement laws.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the University. Offer professional architectural guidance to efforts such as code reviews, fire exit pathways, and construction access during active semesters to prevent the interruption of daily.
• Partner with departments such as CIT, controls shop, EH&S, and end users to incorporate needs and manage expectations.
• Collaborate with design team members.
• Prepare contract documents including drawings and specifications for construction.
• Visit the project site to analyze existing conditions and update record drawings to reflect the spaces, finishes, furniture, systems, and equipment in their current configuration before the start of renovation design work.
• Design various aspects of the built environment for campus buildings in a standard electronic format (i.e., AutoCAD, REVIT, etc.). Designs will include, labs, classrooms, assembly spaces, public spaces, utility, and mechanical spaces.
• Coordinate architectural design with the work of the entire design team to ensure a cohesive set of construction documents, which accommodates interrelated systems, layouts, and equipment.
• Utilize personal, valid New York State professional architecture license to legally seal and sign final contract documents which are deemed clear, concise, and complete via QA/QC process.
• Contribute to the early and complete definition of the architectural scope of project work; Resolve difficult problems that require a combination of investigation, research, and analysis.
• Actively collaborate with cost estimators to ensure that accurate cost estimates are generated based on the full scope of the project work as known at each phase milestone.
• Resolve complex and difficult project problems when facts and information for a resolution may not be available, or strong differing opinions need to be aligned for progress to continue.
• Collaborate with project delivery teams during construction to address design changes, clarifications, additional information requests, submittals, and shop drawings in a timely manner to resolve issues in the field.
• Supervise junior staff and contribute to the growth and development of direct reports.
• Provide technical support to project managers and tradespersons for projects in construction.
• Collaborate with external design consultants hired to prepare contract documents.
• Shares in setting work priorities and objectives according to established policies and procedures.
• Assist in the coordination of the construction process, which includes new construction, renovations, and design modifications.
• Serve as a design stakeholder on project work to provide professional input on existing conditions, University standards, and coordination with other project disciplines. This function includes verification that compatible electrical, mechanical, and project-specific equipment is selected and coordinated with the architectural scope and subsequent documents.
• Clearly communicate questions and comments in a timely manner for incorporation in the project progression.

Required Qualifications

• New York State registration as a licensed architect with expertise in higher education.
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related degree with three years of experience in a design role.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree.
• Excellent oral, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of staff at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
• Experience with codes, regulations, and requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Experience with laboratory designs.
• Five years of architectural experience in the design of higher education buildings and the subsets within that occupancy type.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a team of construction professionals in a large and complex organization.
• Experience in education renovation and construction projects of similar size and scope desired; cost forecasting experience preferred. Certification as PMP, NYCCEO, and/or LEED or equivalent considered.

Salary Range

$90K - $110K

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.