Project Architect

GPD is currently seeking a Project Architect for our Akron, OH office location to support GPD’s mission in our Federal practice.

Join GPD Group, where our purpose is to improve the well‑being of our employees, clients, communities, and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build with clients. Our employee ownership structure fosters a non‑hierarchical collaborative work environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and creativity to the betterment of the organization and our clients.

This structure also enables each associate to explore and expand their talents, reach their full potential, and deliver to the core traits that guide GPD group and allow us to deliver successfully for our clients.

For over 65 years, GPD Group has been providing architectural, engineering and planning services to clients across the United States. With a diverse team of 870+ professionals working in 14 different offices, it is our passion for our work and our commitment to our purpose that unites us.

The position will be to provide design leadership and technical expertise for federal projects from concept through completion. This role is ideal for an experienced architect who thrives in highly regulated environments and is passionate about delivering secure, compliant, and high‑quality design solutions for government clients. The Architect leads multidisciplinary teams, serves as a trusted advisor to federal clients, and ensures all project deliverables meet stringent federal standards, agency requirements, and firm quality expectations.

You will actively mentoring design teams in multiple facets of project types. This position plays a critical role in shaping project success through strong leadership, technical oversight, and comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

• In partnership with the Project Managers and Contract Managers, lead the planning and architectural design of federal and military projects, demonstrating technical expertise and the ability to independently manage design challenges.
• Conduct building conditions assessments and building surveys.
• Lead and collaborate closely with internal disciplines and external stakeholders to promote effective communication and coordination throughout all phases of federal project delivery.
• Serve as a primary client liaison, working directly with federal agencies and project teams to define, communicate, and refine project scope while translating client objectives into successful design implementation.
• Apply expert knowledge of federal, state, and local architectural codes, standards, and regulations, including agency‑specific criteria, to resolve design issues and ensure full regulatory compliance.
• Review, coordinate, and refine work produced by project team members to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with federal design standards, agency guidelines, and project objectives.
• Coordinate final Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) reviews to verify that all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and federal client requirements prior to submission.
• Complete as‑built documentation as required by the governing agency and/or client.
• Provide expert technical advice for mission‑specific infrastructure such as barracks, command centers, hangers and hardened defense systems.
• Support in the pursuit of new projects and support the team in proposal development, scope definition, and labor‑hour estimating, providing technical insight aligned with federal procurement processes.
• Mentor and guide architectural staff, fostering professional development, technical excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Some travel will be required.

• Bachelor of Architecture (5‑year program) or Master of Architecture (6‑year program) from a NAAB‑accredited institution is required.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of eight (8) years of job‑related experience.
• Licensure/Certification:
  Registered Architect (RA) with NCARB certification required.
• A valid Drivers License is required.