About the Role
Popli Design Group is seeking an experienced, licensed Project Architect to lead the architectural design, documentation, and technical coordination of commercial and multidisciplinary projects. This is a hands-on design position for an architect who wants to remain actively involved in project development rather than working exclusively in project management.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architectural design and production of commercial and multidisciplinary projects
- Remain actively involved in hands-on design, technical documentation, and drawing production
- Coordinate architectural work with internal engineering teams, external consultants, clients, contractors, and governing agencies
- Prepare and oversee complete project documentation for client approvals and state or local permits
- Ensure drawings and specifications meet applicable building codes, project requirements, and company standards
- Organize project workloads and develop redlines for junior architectural staff to implement
- Review staff work and provide regular feedback, mentorship, and technical guidance
- Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing needs, project priorities, design progress, and deadlines
- Maintain project momentum and make appropriate technical decisions when the Project Manager is unavailable
- Perform construction site visits and project walkthroughs
- Review RFIs, shop drawings, submittals, and contractor questions during construction
- Issue supplementary instructions and help resolve design or construction conflicts
- Confirm that contractor work aligns with contract documents and project specifications
- Review project closeout documentation and support final project completion
- Select and apply appropriate architectural procedures, technical methods, and design solutions
- Prepare clear meeting minutes, reports, correspondence, and project documentation
- Assist with value-engineering efforts while protecting design quality, functionality, and code compliance
Requirements
- Professional Architect License REQUIRED
- New York State Architect License Preferred; Candidates Must Be Able to Obtain New York Reciprocity Within 6 Months REQUIRED
- Minimum 6 Years of Hands-On Architectural Design and Documentation Experience REQUIRED
- Predominantly Hands-On Design Experience Rather Than Exclusively Project Management Experience REQUIRED
- Commercial, Institutional, Civic, Industrial, or Other Non-Residential Project Experience REQUIRED
- Residential-Only Architecture Experience Does Not Meet the Position Requirements
- Five-Year NAAB-Accredited Architecture Degree or an Equivalent Combination of Education and Relevant Professional Experience REQUIRED
- Experience Leading the Development and Production of Architectural Documents REQUIRED
- Experience Coordinating Multidisciplinary Projects with Engineers, Consultants, Clients, Contractors, and Governing Agencies REQUIRED
- Strong Knowledge of Building Codes, Permit Documentation, Construction Documents, and Technical Standards REQUIRED
- Ability to Lead Projects and Maintain Progress When the Project Manager Is Unavailable REQUIRED
- Experience Developing Redlines, Reviewing Staff Work, and Mentoring Junior Architectural Staff REQUIRED
- Proficiency in AutoCAD REQUIRED
- Proficiency in Revit REQUIRED
- Proficiency in Bluebeam REQUIRED
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite REQUIRED
- Proficiency in New York State Energy Software REQUIRED
- Strong Written, Verbal, Technical, and Client-Facing Communication Skills REQUIRED
- Ability to Read and Interpret Complex Technical Documents, Drawings, Codes, and Specifications REQUIRED
- Ability to Prepare Professional Reports, Meeting Minutes, Emails, Memos, and Project Correspondence REQUIRED
- Valid Driver's License and Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record REQUIRED
- Ability to Travel to Construction Sites and Attend Project Walkthroughs REQUIRED
- Ability to Work Full Time On-Site in the Rochester, New York Office REQUIRED
- Remote Work Is Not Available for This Position
- United States Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status REQUIRED
- Advanced Construction Administration Experience Preferred
- Experience Reviewing RFIs, Shop Drawings, Submittals, and Closeout Documentation Preferred
- Experience Organizing Workload Assignments and Supporting Value-Engineering Efforts Preferred
Skills
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Office Suite
- New York State Energy Software
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Technical Communication
- Client-Facing Communication
- Reading and Interpreting Complex Technical Documents
- Reading and Interpreting Drawings
- Reading and Interpreting Codes
- Reading and Interpreting Specifications
- Preparing Professional Reports
- Preparing Meeting Minutes
- Preparing Emails
- Preparing Memos
- Preparing Project Correspondence
- Construction Administration
Location
- Rochester, New York
Work Type
- Full-Time
- On-Site
Experience Level
- Minimum 6 Years of Hands-On Architectural Design and Documentation Experience
- Advanced Construction Administration Experience Preferred
Education Level
- Five-Year NAAB-Accredited Architecture Degree or an Equivalent Combination of Education and Relevant Professional Experience
Salary/Compensations
- $80,000-$120,000
Benefits
- Full-Time Direct-Hire Employment
- Long-Term Professional Growth Opportunity
- Project Leadership and Mentorship Responsibilities
- Exposure to Commercial and Multidisciplinary Projects
About the Company
- Join Popli Design Group, a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm serving clients since 1982
- Work within an established organization with seven offices across New York State
- Build a long-term career with an established firm known for quality, professionalism, and integrity
