Project Architect -

Technical Design & Construction Documentation Salary:

$90,000-$120,000 per year, commensurate with experience and demonstrated technical capabilities Amara is a boutique architecture firm offering integrated structural engineering and construction management services. By approaching every project through both a design and construction lens, we develop thoughtful architectural solutions that are creative, technically sound, coordinated, and buildable. We are seeking an experienced Project Architect with strong technical architecture and construction-documentation expertise to join our team. This is a hands-on project leadership and production position for an architect who understands how buildings are constructed and takes pride in developing clear, coordinated, code-compliant construction documents. The ideal candidate can move comfortably between design, technical detailing, code analysis, consultant coordination, client communication, and construction administration while remaining actively involved in the production of the work. What You'll Do Technical Design & Construction Documentation Lead architectural projects through all phases, from programming and conceptual design through construction documentation and construction administration. Personally develop and coordinate clear, accurate, detailed, and buildable architectural construction documents. Translate design concepts into technically sound building assemblies and construction details. Develop plans, building and wall sections, details, schedules, and other technical documentation necessary to clearly communicate design and construction intent. Apply a strong understanding of building materials, systems, envelope conditions, assemblies, and construction methods to project documentation. Identify drawing conflicts, missing information, coordination issues, and potential constructability concerns before documents are issued. Coordinate architectural documents with structural engineer, civil engineer, MEP engineer, and any other specialty consultants. Perform technical and quality-control reviews of project documentation. Develop code-compliant solutions and prepare comprehensive code analysis and egress plans. Apply working knowledge of the IBC, IRC, accessibility requirements, energy codes, and applicable Connecticut building codes. Prepare and coordinate COMcheck and REScheck documentation as applicable. Construction Administration & Bid Support Support bidding and procurement by responding to contractor questions and clarifying construction-document requirements and design intent. Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, substitutions, and related construction documentation. Perform construction site observations and assist in identifying and resolving discrepancies between field conditions and contract documents. Work directly with contractors, owners, consultants, and our construction-management professionals to resolve technical and constructability issues. Prepare supplemental drawings, sketches, ASIs, and other documentation required during construction. Maintain organized construction-administration records and project documentation. Working experience with Procore for construction administration activities, such as RFIs, submittals, document review, and project communication. Project Leadership & Coordination Manage multiple projects while maintaining schedules, budgets, technical quality, and client expectations. Lead interdisciplinary coordination with structural engineer, civil engineer, MEP engineer, and any other specialty consultants. Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, consultants, municipal officials, and project partners. Proactively identify and resolve technical, scheduling, and coordination challenges. Mentor junior staff in construction documentation, detailing, building systems, codes, and technical problem-solving. Participate in internal quality-control reviews and help advance firm-wide documentation standards and best practices. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.), Master of Architecture (M. Arch.), or equivalent professional architectural education. 7+ years of professional architectural experience , with significant involvement in projects carried from design through construction. Demonstrated experience personally producing and coordinating complete architectural construction-document sets. Strong knowledge of building systems, construction assemblies, materials, detailing, envelope conditions, and construction methods. Ability to develop clear and technically complete plans, sections, wall sections, details, schedules, and construction documentation. Strong working knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, egress requirements, and energy codes. Experience preparing code-analysis and egress plans. Experience with COMcheck and REScheck. Strong AutoCAD proficiency is required. AutoCAD remains our primary architectural production platform. Experience coordinating architectural documents with structural engineer, civil engineer, MEP engineer, and any other specialty consultants. Construction-administration experience, including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, field observations, and contractor coordination. Strong organizational, written, verbal, and graphic communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and proactively identify and resolve technical and constructability issues. Preferred Qualifications Architectural licensure. Revit and AutoCAD proficiency. Experience with Lumion/renderings preferred. Experience with Procore or similar construction-management platforms. Experience with small- to medium-scale commercial, educational, mixed-use, residential, retail, manufacturing, and/or industrial projects. Familiarity with Connecticut permitting and building-code requirements. Experience working directly with contractors or construction-management teams. Knowledge of sustainable design principles and building-performance strategies. The Person Who Will Thrive in This Role We are particularly interested in architects who enjoy the technical side of architecture —professionals who understand how buildings go together, recognize when a detail or drawing may create a problem in the field, and take pride in producing construction documents that clearly communicate the design intent so it is buildable. You should be comfortable getting into the details yourself. This is not solely a design or project-management position. The successful candidate will remain actively involved in drawing production, detailing, technical coordination, code analysis, and problem-solving throughout the life of a project. We value professionals who ask good questions, take ownership of their work, communicate clearly, and recognize that successful project delivery depends on both thoughtful design and technical execution. Why Join Amara? At Amara, architects collaborate with structural engineers and construction professionals who believe successful projects result from collaboration between design and construction. Our integrated approach provides architects with direct exposure to how design decisions translate into building systems, cost, coordination, constructability, and field execution. Rather than operating within isolated disciplines, our team works collaboratively to identify challenges early and develop practical solutions. As a boutique firm, team members have meaningful involvement throughout the project lifecycle and the opportunity to directly influence the quality of our work, our technical standards, and the continued growth of the practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of project types while contributing to a collaborative environment that values thoughtful design, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Candidates advancing through the interview process should be prepared to discuss examples of construction documents and technical details for which they had significant personal responsibility.

Pay:

$90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person