Architect II – Project Architect

Hamilton Anderson Associates (HAA) is a Detroit-based architecture and interior design firm dedicated to creating spaces that honor history, strengthen communities, and reflect the people who use them. Our work spans cultural, civic, educational, and commercial projects, with a strong focus on collaboration, equity, and design excellence.

About the Role

The Architect II – Project Architect is responsible for leading and coordinating small- to mid-size architectural projects through design, documentation, permitting, construction, and post-occupancy. Working closely with the Lead Design Professional, Project Managers, consultants, contractors, owners, and clients, this role helps manage project scope, schedule, budget, drawing and BIM production, quality assurance, and consultant coordination.

This position provides project-level leadership while remaining actively involved in design and technical execution. The Architect II plays an important role in maintaining client confidence, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and supporting the continued development of HAA’s project delivery and BIM standards.

What You’ll Do

Project Leadership & Delivery

1. Lead and coordinate project teams to ensure assignments and deliverables support overall project requirements.
2. Monitor project scope, schedule, budget, fees, staffing effort, and overall project status.
3. Keep project leadership informed of progress, potential challenges, and areas requiring additional support.
4. Assist Project Managers with documenting changes in scope and additional services.
5. Lead coordination among consultants, contractors, owners, and other project stakeholders throughout design, construction, and post-occupancy.
6. Lead consultant coordination for small- to mid-size projects with construction costs up to approximately $10 million.
7. Participate in client, consultant, agency, and internal project meetings and prepare appropriate meeting documentation.
8. Build and maintain strong client relationships through professionalism, accountability, responsiveness, and quality project delivery.
9. Identify opportunities to support clients with additional project-related services.

Design, Documentation & Technical Execution

1. Lead the organization and coordination of project drawing and BIM efforts.
2. Conduct architectural studies and contribute to the development of design concepts, design criteria, reports, calculations, and technical documentation.
3. Conduct preliminary field surveys and support the development of project designs and documentation.
4. Develop and coordinate drawing sets in accordance with HAA and AIA standards, including production of construction document sets in Revit.
5. Prepare and coordinate construction specifications and detailed construction documents.
6. Perform project code reviews and support code-compliant design solutions.
7. Collaborate with or serve as the project designer, as assigned.

Regulatory, Construction Administration & Quality

1. Support presentations and submissions to authorities having jurisdiction for land use, zoning, and permit approvals.
2. Observe construction in progress and at completion to evaluate conformance with project plans and specifications.
3. Provide clarification to contractors regarding interpretation of project drawings and specifications.
4. Follow established HAA standards for project production, documentation, and review.
5. Support implementation of HAA’s quality assurance process throughout the project lifecycle.

BIM & Team Collaboration

1. Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary project teams to meet project requirements and deadlines.
2. Support the continued development and improvement of HAA’s BIM practices and project-delivery standards.

What You’ll Bring

1. Strong architectural problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed, decisive decisions.
2. Advanced knowledge of architectural building systems, sustainability, construction methods, and material applications.
3. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with strong attention to detail.
4. Strong verbal, written, technical, and graphic communication skills.
5. Experience with entitlements, permitting, building codes, and zoning requirements.
6. Knowledge of integrated design and LEED guidelines; LEED accreditation preferred.
7. Proficiency in Revit, Newforma, and Microsoft Office.
8. Proficiency with design and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Enscape, and Bluebeam.
9. Strong experience developing and coordinating construction documents.
10. Knowledge of civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering systems as they relate to building design, performance, coordination, and project costs.
11. Ability to understand and respond to client expectations related to budget, schedule, design, and project delivery.
12. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Education & Experience

1. Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
2. Active architectural license.
3. Six (6) or more years of experience in architectural design, contract documents, and construction administration.
4. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a project leadership role.
5. Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.

What You’ll Earn

Salary Range: $85,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and licensure.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance and short-term disability coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Paid time off and firm holidays
Hybrid work schedule in accordance with firm policy