Project Architect - Science & Technology

A leading global architecture and design practice is expanding its San Francisco Science & Technology studio following continued growth across its life sciences, biotechnology and advanced-research portfolio.

We are seeking an experienced Project Architect who understands that laboratory planning and building-services coordination are fundamental parts of the design-not secondary technical considerations.

This is not a conventional project-management position. You will be responsible for protecting the research function itself: ensuring the architecture and building systems support the science while maintaining design intent through permitting, documentation, value engineering and construction.

The Opportunity

You will:

• Lead the design and technical delivery of sophisticated laboratory, biotechnology and advanced-research projects.

• Translate requirements such as vibration control, air-change rates, containment and chemical exhaust into effective design solutions-and clearly explain their cost and programme implications.

• Direct project documentation, drawing production and quality-control reviews across every phase.

• Coordinate architecture, interiors and laboratory planning with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and process-engineering consultants.

• Act as a trusted technical adviser to clients, researchers and facilities teams.

• Lead building-code, life-safety, hazardous-materials and authority-review submissions for complex laboratory occupancies.

• Oversee construction administration on technically demanding projects where details can directly affect scientific operations.

• Lead productive design reviews, workshops and charrettes that result in clear decisions.

• Mentor junior team members and strengthen their judgment on complex, highly serviced buildings.

• Support selected proposals, interviews and new-business pursuits.

What We're Looking For

You will ideally bring:

• At least 8-10 years of architectural experience.

• An active architectural licence.

• Substantial experience delivering life sciences, laboratory or advanced-research environments.

• Strong knowledge of building, zoning, energy, life-safety and hazardous-materials codes.

• Experience taking projects from early design studies through contract documents, specifications and construction.

• Confidence coordinating MEP-intensive projects with engineering and specialist consultants.

• The ability to communicate highly technical information clearly to clients and project teams.

• Vivarium experience would be particularly valuable.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Revit capability.

• Experience with Rhino and Grasshopper for conceptual or computational modelling.

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Familiarity with Enscape, Lumion or V-Ray.

• Experience with physical-modelling tools such as 3D printing or laser cutting is beneficial.

• Knowledge of environmental-analysis platforms such as Ladybug or ClimateStudio would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or a related discipline.

• Architectural licence.

• LEED Green Associate accreditation-or willingness to achieve it shortly after joining.

• A relevant advanced sustainability, wellbeing or building-performance credential is preferred.

What's On Offer

• Salary of $100,000-$150,000, depending on experience, qualifications and technical expertise.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off.

• Performance-related bonus opportunities.

• Professional-development funding and dedicated continuing-education time.

• Access to firmwide professional networks and leadership-development programmes.

• A collaborative San Francisco studio within a highly regarded international practice.

• The opportunity to deliver technically ambitious projects for leading scientific and research organisations.

The practice is committed to creating an inclusive workplace in which people from different backgrounds and perspectives can contribute, develop and progress equitably.

If interested, please send your resume and portfolio