Position Overview We are a real estate development company seeking an experienced Licensed Architect to join our in-house development and construction team. This position will play a key role in evaluating potential projects, developing architectural concepts, preparing and reviewing construction documents, navigating permitting and entitlement requirements, and supporting projects through construction. The ideal candidate combines strong architectural and technical skills with a practical understanding of real estate development and construction. Candidates must hold an active architectural license and be legally authorized to sign and seal architectural drawings for projects in the jurisdictions in which the company operates, or be able to obtain the necessary reciprocal licensure. This is a hands-on position for an architect who wants to work directly with ownership, development, construction, consultants, contractors, and government agencies and have significant involvement throughout the entire development process. Key Responsibilities Architectural Design & Project Planning Develop conceptual designs, schematic plans, site layouts, floor plans, elevations, and architectural studies for new developments, renovations, repositioning projects, and tenant improvements. Evaluate potential acquisitions and development sites from an architectural and design perspective. Perform preliminary site and building feasibility studies, including density, building area, unit yield, parking, circulation, setbacks, height, and other development constraints. Translate development objectives into practical, cost-conscious architectural solutions. Assist ownership and the development team in evaluating alternative designs and maximizing the functionality and value of each project. Construction Documents & Professional Sealing Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of architectural construction documents, permit drawings, details, specifications, and related documentation. Review drawings for technical accuracy, code compliance, constructability, coordination, and completeness. Sign and seal architectural drawings and documents when required and when professionally responsible for the work, in accordance with applicable licensing laws and professional standards. Coordinate architectural drawings with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, landscape, and other consultant drawings. Review drawings prepared by outside architects and consultants on behalf of ownership. Entitlements, Permitting & Code Compliance Research and interpret applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, accessibility requirements, fire and life-safety requirements, and other applicable regulations. Assist the development team with zoning, entitlement, special exception, rezoning, site plan, building permit, and other governmental approval processes. Participate in meetings with planning departments, building officials, fire marshals, zoning staff, and other government agencies. Prepare and coordinate responses to plan review and permit comments. Identify potential code, zoning, or design issues early in the development process and recommend solutions. Development & Construction Coordination Work closely with the company's development and construction teams from initial feasibility through project completion. Participate in design development, value engineering, budgeting, bidding, and contractor selection. Review shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, substitutions, and proposed design changes. Conduct site visits during construction to review progress and general conformance with the design documents. Assist in resolving field conditions, design conflicts, and construction-related issues. Coordinate architectural revisions and drawing updates during construction. Participate in punch-list, project closeout, and turnover activities. Consultant & Project Management Coordinate and manage outside architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, and other design professionals when appropriate. Establish design deliverables, schedules, and drawing standards. Review consultant proposals, scopes of work, drawings, and deliverables. Maintain organized project documentation and drawing records. Help establish internal architectural standards, prototype details, specifications, and best practices that can be used across the company's portfolio. Required Qualifications Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program or equivalent qualifications meeting applicable licensing requirements. Active U.S. Architect License in good standing. Ability to sign and seal architectural drawings in the jurisdiction(s) where the company develops projects, or ability to obtain reciprocal licensure. Approximately 5+ years of relevant architectural experience , preferably involving commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, residential, retail, hospitality, or real estate development projects. Strong knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, construction documents, permitting, and architectural detailing. Experience preparing and coordinating permit and construction drawing sets. Strong understanding of building systems and construction methods. Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Revit . Ability to independently review drawings and identify coordination, constructability, and code issues. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively with ownership, contractors, consultants, and government agencies. Preferred Qualifications Architectural license in Virginia, and Maryland , depending on the company's project locations. Experience working directly for a real estate developer, owner, design-build firm, or construction company. Experience with zoning and entitlement processes. Experience with multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, retail, office, or residential development. Working knowledge of development feasibility, construction budgeting, value engineering, and project scheduling. Experience coordinating civil, structural, MEP, and other engineering disciplines. Revit/BIM experience. Familiarity with Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or other visualization/project-management software. Experience interacting directly with local planning, zoning, and building departments. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is not solely design-focused. We are looking for an architect who understands that successful real estate development requires balancing design quality, construction cost, schedule, code compliance, constructability, and project economics . The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between high-level development planning and detailed architectural work—from evaluating whether a potential property can support a proposed development to reviewing construction details and resolving field conditions during construction. This position offers an opportunity for a licensed architect to work directly with ownership and participate in projects throughout the full real estate development lifecycle—from acquisition and feasibility through design, permitting, construction, and completion.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person