Registered Project Architect

Description

Registered Project Architect - 2

Role Description:  We are seeking a Project Architect with 8–10 years of experience who sees design in all they do and is passionate about creating inspiring, inclusive learning environments. As a key member of our Education Studio, you will lead projects from conceptual design through construction administration, guide diverse teams, and mentor emerging professionals. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, thrives on collaboration, and combines strong design sensibility with exceptional technical and project management skills.  Ultimately, you will help shape the future of education by translating our work into thoughtful, inclusive spaces that empower students, educators, and the communities they serve. 

Location: Downtown Houston, Texas

Reports to: Vice President/Managing Principal

Employment Type: 40 FT Hours

Compensation Type: Salary

Registration: Licensed Architect

Education: Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture 

***TO BE CONSIDERED CANDIDATES MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Resume highlighting relevant experience and key accomplishments.
• Portfolio (PDF or online link) showcasing samples of completed projects, design approach, and technical documentation.
• Cover Letter briefly introducing yourself, outlining your interest in this role, and describing how your experience aligns with our studio’s mission 

Duties:

 Project Leadership 

• Coordinate and oversee the project team (including junior architects, consultants, and support staff) across all phases of design and construction. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and contractors, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration. 

Design & Documentation

• Develop and refine design concepts that align with client goals, regulatory requirements, and our studio’s commitment to design excellence. 
• Lead the preparation of thorough and accurate construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and details. 

Technical Expertise

• Oversee compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and industry standards.
• Integrate sustainable design strategies and best practices into project delivery.
• Coordinate with consultants and internal teams to ensure project milestones are met on time and within scope.

 Quality Control

• Review documents for clarity, completeness, and technical accuracy.
• Facilitate internal and external project reviews at key stages to maintain consistency and design integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepares and follows comprehensive Project Framework Instructions and proper work planning for a project. Ensures proper staff is assigned and utilized on their projects.
• Reviews project reports and performance metrics to track project progress and budget. Leads successful projects (profit, on-schedule, quality, satisfied client). 
• Contributes to successful delivery and performance of projects
• Cultivates relationships with clients and holds strong relationships with clients
• Understands, follows, and enforces Huitt-Zollars' business process including weekly rhythm
• Takes active steps in the pursuit of winning new business or additional opportunities with existing clients and may be responsible for a stated portion of office sales goal. Assists and/or leads team in pursuit of new work (repeat work, SOQ and Proposals). Develops and/or executes project Win strategy.
• Understands and follows HZ QMS and Quality initiatives. Ensures quality control measures are being adhered to on projects and daily operations.  
• Actively engages and participates in the training, coaching, and mentoring of junior staff 
• Understands duties and responsibilities, possesses necessary job knowledge and technical skills, maintains job knowledge current.

Role Competencies:

• Sharing Information: Conveying up-to date information in the most efficient and useful manner to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing problems and solutions by evaluating the quality of the information available from different sources and avoiding decision-making bias.
• Executes Strategy: Ensuring that people remain focused on accomplishing strategic goals by thoughtfully planning tasks and overcoming obstacles
• Fosters a Learning Culture: Creating an inspiring and engaging atmosphere where people feel motivated to grow, experiment, and learn new skills.
• Identifies Talent: Actively maintaining awareness of internal and external talent, current abilities, and hiring needs. 

Qualifications: 

Education & Licensure 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture.
• Professional Architecture License required.

Experience 

•  8–10 years of relevant professional experience in an architecture firm, ideally with exposure to educational or institutional projects. 
• Proven ability to lead projects through schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. 
• Proficiency in Renovation Projects: Experience navigating the complexities of working with existing structures, including code compliance and integration of new design elements. 
• Demonstrated Commitment & Initiative: Takes full ownership of tasks, proactively flags potential challenges, and proposes effective solutions—maintaining high standards and clear communication with minimal oversight. 

 Expertise 

• Broad knowledge of building codes, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure compliance and design excellence.

 Professional Growth

•  LEED or other relevant certifications and Professional Organizations are a plus. 

Technical Proficiency

•  Strong command of Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, and other industry-standard design software.
•  Comfort with visualization software such as (Enscape, Lumion, Vray).
•  Familiarity with presentation software (e.g.,Adobe Creative Suite, Powerpoint).

 PORTFOLIO REQUIRED

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of project types and demonstrating conceptual clarity, technical proficiency, and strong design sensibility.

 Soft Skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication for client presentations, consultant coordination, and stakeholder management.
• Strong leadership qualities and ability to mentor junior staff. 
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities. 

This position is also required to adhere to Huitt-Zollars’ Core Value and Leadership Competencies. About Huitt-Zollars:

• Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a privately held, 100% employee-owned leading Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firm since being established in 1975. Since then, our firm has been providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build services to our clients. 
• Located in more than 20 locations throughout 10 different US states, Huitt-Zollars holds a vision to improve the environment in which we live, work, and play. Employees/co-owners can expect to collaborate with their team, listen to client and community needs, and deliver world-class professional services. Learn more about a career with #teamHZ by viewing our LinkedIN Life page.

Benefits & Perks:

• Health insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
• Dental insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
• Vision insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
• MDLive Telehealth
• Employer-Paid Short- & Long-Term disability
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Employee Morale/Teambuilding events and activities
• Paid Vacation/Annual Leave 
• Paid Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter Benefits
• Professional Societies and Registrations Fee Reimbursements
• Term Life / AD&D insurance
• Cancer and Specified Disease insurance
• Two retirement plans: 401(k) and an ESOP

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion
• The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Huitt-Zollars in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Currently, Huitt-Zollars does not sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions. 

Huitt-Zollars does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a previously signed third-party agreement. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to any Huitt-Zollars hiring manager or employee will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency submitting the unsolicited resume. Huitt-Zollars will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Human Resources team and without an active, fully executed service agreement.  Huitt-Zollars is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or any other legally protected status. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company will make reasonable accommodations to assist in the application process upon the request of an applicant. No question on this application is intended to secure information to be used for discriminatory purposes. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 60-300.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities