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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Federal Architect

💰 $110,000 - $175,000+ (DOE & Clearance Level)

ArchitectureGovernmentFederal ContractingConstructionAEC

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a seasoned and highly motivated Federal Architect to join our dedicated public sector team. In this pivotal role, you will act as the primary architectural authority and client liaison for a diverse portfolio of federal government projects. The ideal candidate is a registered architect with a proven track record of navigating the complexities of federal design standards, security protocols, and procurement processes. You will be responsible for leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and resilient facilities for agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This position requires a unique blend of technical design excellence, project management acumen, and exceptional communication skills to ensure project success from concept to completion.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Project Architect
  • Mid-Level Architect (with some federal project exposure)
  • Government-side Facilities Architect or Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Federal Architect / Senior Project Manager
  • Federal Program Manager
  • Director of Federal Programs / Market Sector Leader

Lateral Moves:

  • Federal Construction Manager
  • Federal BIM/VDC Manager
  • Government Account Manager (AEC)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead and manage multi-disciplinary A/E teams through all project phases, including strategic planning, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for federal government clients, stakeholders, and contracting officers, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals.
  • Develop and review comprehensive architectural drawings, specifications, and design documents, ensuring full compliance with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), and other relevant federal and military standards.
  • Oversee the creation of detailed construction documents and specifications using tools like SpecsIntact and ensure they are fully coordinated across all engineering disciplines.
  • Conduct thorough quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews of all architectural deliverables to guarantee accuracy, completeness, and adherence to contractual requirements.
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources effectively to deliver projects on time and within scope, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks.
  • Interpret and apply complex building codes, life safety codes (NFPA), accessibility standards (ABA), and anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) criteria to all design solutions.
  • Prepare and contribute to technical proposals, statements of qualifications, and SF330 packages in response to federal government solicitations (RFPs/RFQs).
  • Facilitate design charrettes, client workshops, and progress meetings to drive decision-making and ensure stakeholder consensus throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior architects and design staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning within the federal team.
  • Perform site visits and field investigations to assess existing conditions, monitor construction progress, and resolve design-related issues that arise in the field.
  • Coordinate with security consultants and government representatives to integrate sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) and other secure space requirements into the building design.
  • Lead the preparation of design analysis reports, basis of design documents, and other required project documentation for government submission and approval.
  • Champion sustainable design principles and ensure projects meet federal mandates for energy efficiency and sustainability, including LEED or Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings.
  • Review and process contractor submittals, shop drawings, and requests for information (RFIs) during the construction phase, providing timely and accurate responses.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in business development activities, including client relationship management, industry day attendance, and identifying new federal project opportunities.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal design standards, workflows, and best practices for the federal market sector.
  • Stay current with evolving federal regulations, design guides, and procurement trends to maintain our position as a trusted government partner.
  • Assist in negotiating project scope, fees, and contractual terms with government contracting officers and prime contractors.
  • Mentor emerging professionals on the nuances of federal project delivery, including code compliance, security protocols, and client expectations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Federal Design Standards: Deep expertise in Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), and agency-specific standards (e.g., GSA P-100, VA Design Guides).
  • Architectural Software: High proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD for producing comprehensive construction documents.
  • Specification Writing: Proven ability to develop and edit specifications using SpecsIntact and UFGS master specifications.
  • Code Compliance: Expert knowledge of International Building Code (IBC), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
  • Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (e.g., Secret, Top Secret).
  • Project Management: Strong command of project management principles, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management, often using software like MS Project or Primavera P6.
  • Cost Estimating: Familiarity with cost estimating methodologies (e.g., MII/MCASES) and the ability to contribute to cost-conscious design.

Soft Skills

  • Client Management: Exceptional ability to build rapport and trust with government clients, contracting officers, and user groups.
  • Leadership & Team Collaboration: Proven leadership skills to guide and motivate multi-disciplinary teams towards a common goal.
  • Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying complex problems and developing creative, compliant, and practical solutions under pressure.
  • Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design documentation, quality control, and contract compliance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited university.
  • Must be a Registered Architect (RA) in at least one U.S. state.

Preferred Education:

  • NCARB Certification to facilitate reciprocal licensure.
  • Professional certifications such as LEED AP, Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architecture
  • Architectural Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 8-15+ years of progressive architectural experience.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience as a Project Architect or Project Manager on U.S. federal government projects.
  • Direct project experience with Department of Defense (USACE, NAVFAC), General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or other major federal agencies is highly preferred.
  • Experience leading the design of various federal facility types, such as administrative buildings, barracks, healthcare facilities, or research laboratories.
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