AIA Austin · 1 day ago
Senior Project Designer
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expPfluger Architects is a well-established firm focused on designing educational spaces that foster connection and creativity. The Senior Project Designer will oversee the design narrative of projects, ensuring alignment with client needs and guiding the design team through various project phases.
ArchitectureCommunitiesNon Profit
Responsibilities
Embody Pfluger’s core values. Consistently demonstrate the principles of Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle in all professional activities
Oversee the pre-design phase and set the tone for the “breaking of the bread” meeting. Inspire the client and drive the visioning process
Supervise the comprehensive analysis of the project site to incorporate geotechnical, environmental, social, historic, and cultural conditions. Oversee space planning and block planning efforts with a high attention to detail
Drive strategic research on building materials, sustainable design practices, and current technologies to influence firm-wide innovative design processes
Lead the development of the project story and program. Guide the conceptualization of building design from both a functional and aesthetic perspective, aligning with the client’s requirements, guiding principles, and budget
Drive the development of design concepts through sketches, physical models, electronic models, diagrams, massing studies, and other visual formats to express the design intent
Act as the primary design representative in presentations to the project team, client, and building user groups
In partnership with the project team, lead the evaluation and selection of building systems and materials
Partner with the Interior Designer to direct the development of advanced floor plans, furniture layouts, and room arrangements to maximize function and aesthetics
Guide the development and refinement of design concepts and narratives, integrating creative ideas and technical aspects
Implement sustainable design principles into the building design and surrounding environment whenever possible
Provide expert guidance on building codes and regulations to assure project compliance
Lead internal design reviews and pin ups from the pre-design stage to the schematic design stage. Provide constructive feedback during all project stages to improve design solutions
Lead the presentation of building design to key stakeholders during early project phases. Address feedback and refine solutions as needed
Oversee and review architectural documents from schematic design to construction documentation, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the design vision
Coordinate and strategically collaborate with architects, consultants, contractors, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of design components. Adress project complexities with expertise
Advise on site visits in partnership with the Project Manager, providing input to ensure that construction aligns with design intent
Strategically guide value engineering processes to ensure design quality and intent are maintained
Approve substitution requests related to materials or design intent
Partner with the Project Manager in responding to requests for information (RFIs) by clarifying design-related issues or addressing gaps in the documentation that could impact the building’s design
Lead multiple project teams, ensuring effective collaboration throughout all project phases
Serve as a key leader within the organization, contributing to strategic initiatives and the advancement of the firm
Act as an ambassador and steward of the firm’s portfolio of work with the ability to guide and educate others
Mentor and support junior staff (Technical Staff I – Project Designer III), providing guidance and fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development. Support architectural staff in pursuit of licensure and provide opportunities to earn AXP hours
Qualification
Required
Alignment with Pfluger's purpose of 'inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience,' with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Extensive knowledge of architecture and design principles and practices
Strong visual and design skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas through drawings and models
Demonstrated proficiency in projects of the greatest size and complexity, historically ensuring design excellence, accuracy, and timely delivery
Experience in educational projects is required
Proficiency in Revit is essential
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage, mentor, and motivate clients and internal teams
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Extensive knowledge of building codes, regulations, construction processes, and project documentation
Demonstrated problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Ability and prior experience overseeing and guiding project teams
Professional degree in Architecture is required
Licensed Architect in the state of Texas is required
Minimum of ten years of architectural experience
Preferred
Experience with Bluebeam, other relevant design software, and Microsoft Office products is highly preferred
Company
AIA Austin
AIA Austin is a non-profit organization that provides architecture programs for public, professional, and community organizations.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase