Senior Architect

The Position:

Join our dynamic architecture firm, where creativity meets functionality and service meets trusted client advisory. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional client care, enduring architecture, and innovation that shapes the future of education, municipal, and commercial environments. As the leading PreK–12 Planning, Design, and Construction firm in Michigan, our work touches the lives of nearly half a million students every single day.

We are a growth-oriented company and are seeking a Senior Architect to grow with us. You will lead projects, anticipate and solve client and technical concerns while leveraging your team talents and resources. You will collaborate closely with other architects, consultants, and construction partners to develop optimal client solutions. The Senior Architect will take an active leadership role in defining standards, overseeing work coordination, eliminating roadblocks, and delivering projects. Ideally, the right candidate will be ready for additional leadership opportunities with the firm within a short timeframe.

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in K-12 planning, design, and construction concerns, and is a collaborative and solutions-oriented collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Successful candidates will exhibit a strong service mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to drive budget, schedule, and deliver results. A positive and friendly approach combined with diligence and dedication to quality and consistency are essential.

Responsibilities: Architect/Project Leadership

· You will report to a Vice President/Principal in Charge, operating largely self-directed with responsibility for setting up and completing projects from inception to grand opening.

· Learn, apply, and contribute to development of company standards including planning and design, production, specifications, construction administration, and other professional services.

· Ensure cohesive project plans. Coordinate with engineering consultants (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology, food service, civil, etc.) as required for the project.

· Participate in internal and/or external project meetings, as necessary.

· Support design work with 3D visualization models, mockups, or other presentations as required.

· Participate in technical review processes through all phases of the project to meet the expectations for quality and project performance.

· Assist in preparing presentations and strategies to secure client contracts.

· Develop and review building plans in collaboration with project teams.

· Estimate project costs and budgets, track financial concerns of projects.

· Consult with clients.

· Manage relationships with all project participants, especially the client, contractors, and consultants.

· Develop and oversee schedules and timelines. Approve and manage billings, payments, and contracts.

· Provide mentorship to team members.

Qualifications: Preferred

· Professional degree(s) in Architecture.

Additional training in Engineering, Construction Management, business, or related fields a plus.

· Ten (10) or more years of experience working in architecture, engineering, or construction environments with firsthand BIM/CAD production and coordination experience.

Technical Skillset

· Proficiency in Autocad (and Revit ideally). Firm is migrating to industry (Revit) standard.

· Experience with Navisworks, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, cloud collaboration platforms (BIM 360 / ACC), and related digital coordination tools is a great plus.

· Familiarity with Deltek/Vantage Project Management or similar tools.

Professional Strengths

· Requires strong people skills, executive gravitas, and emotional intelligence consistent with senior management responsibilities.

· Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.

· Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

· Ability to work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

· Demonstrated ability to mentor others and contribute to a positive, learning- oriented culture.

What We Offer: Competitive Salary
An attractive compensation package will be developed for the right candidate.

Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits program is designed to ensure you feel valued in your role and to support the physical, financial, and mental well-being of both you and your family.

Benefits available to full-time employees include:

· Competitive compensation. Commensurate with experience. Position includes a base salary and potential bonus contingent on individual and company performance. Annual targets and reviews.

· Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) . We provide annual grants of stock to all qualified employees. Subject to planning parameters.

· 401K . We provide a company matching 401K to all qualified employees. Subject to plan parameters. Includes access to financial planning resources.

· Health Benefits . Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision coverage through national carriers.

· Life Insurance . Company paid Basic Life, with optional Supplemental Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage for you and your dependents.

· Disability Insurance . Company paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, with optional Buy-Up Long-Term Disability.

· Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts . Varies with plan design and carriers, but individual programs may allow you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

· Employee Assistance Program . Employees and household members have access to confidential professional support resources.

· Paid Time Off . Company has generous allowances for personal time including sick, vacation and personal days.

· Voluntary benefits . We offer Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Disability Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, and Identity Theft Protection.

· Transit program . Allows you to use pre-tax dollars (up to statutory limits) to pay for your public transportation and/or parking expenses.

· Paid Company Holidays and Events . We offer additional days off from time to time, when we can (such as extended office closures for holidays, etc.). when we can.

· Employee discount program/team spirit programs . Company provided swag, group discounts, and miscellaneous company store items.

· Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement and reimbursements for qualified training and licensure.

· Work-Life Alignment : Comfortable work environment with emphasis on wellness and personal flexibility.

· Growth and maximizing your potential . A great culture and place to elevate your career and overall person.

How to Apply: I nterested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter and any supporting documents to Emergyst/Carrie Pardon ([email protected]).

Please include Senior Architect in the subject line.

About Us: We LEAD

We are client-centered, prioritizing learning environments, engaging with clients, achieving stakeholder objectives, and supporting student discovery.

Learn I Engage I Achieve I Discover

FRENCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (FRENCH) is a leader in planning, design

architecture, engineering, and construction. We have been providing architectural services to Michigan clients for 55 years. We have extensive resources, unique experience, and valuable insight into the complexities of educational facilities, including research, office, clinical, public spaces, and athletic facilities, to name a few. We help clients make confident decisions today to realize the transformative potential of their projects.

Our commitment to customer service and the highest quality of work is our top priority. Our multidimensional perspective helps clients transform facilities and reach increasing levels of success.

Our Mission: Our mission is to create facilities that inspire people, foster imagination,

support communities and exceed stakeholder expectations.

Our Values:

· Excellence

· Integrity

· Collaborative

· Engagement

· Client Focus

· Productive

· Positive

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person