Lead Architect

Join to apply for the Lead Architect role at WSP in the U.S.

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Architect. This position will sit out of our Durham, NC office.

Provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, planning, concept development, restoration, alteration, extension, and implementation of creative, functional, and sustainable building designs and/or construction of projects in the public and private sector. Tasks include conceptually visualizing projects, preparing drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents, developing and presenting design proposals, and managing client relationships. Substantiates reports and documentation to advise on material, installations, feasibility, and construction technology specifications.

Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural integrity, and occupancy. This position shall report to the Mid-Atlantic South Transportation and Infrastructure Business Line.

• Prepare detailed drawings for more complex and larger-scale projects showing both the external and internal appearance and structure.
• Provide guidance with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, environmental data, historical use, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
• Perform professional architectural work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, buildings, infrastructure, transportation channels, and operations to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Develop building construction plans, specifications, timelines, and cost estimates; updating design plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design, development, construction, and restoration of building and infrastructure projects, ensuring durability of materials and structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
• Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, building materials, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of occupants and end-users; implementing future‑ready solutions with architectural design standards.
• Oversee and monitor cross‑functional teams of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on mid‑level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, establishing timelines, technical calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Coordinate, review and approve building and infrastructure design plans, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, artistic sketches, renderings, calculations, cross‑sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex visuals, data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address structural, environmental, design, timeline, and/or construction issues or opportunities.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during site investigations and other sources, offering input with developing action plans for moderate‑to‑high‑level risk mitigation activities.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Collaborate with professionals, subcontractors, and building authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal…