Building Specialist

We are seeking a passionate Building Performance Specialist to join our integrated team of architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and master planners. A candidate with a minimum of 1‑2 years of relevant industry experience is desired, though we welcome applicants with greater tenure and experience. The role, title, and salary will be adjusted based on the right candidate’s qualifications.

• Conduct building performance analysis on LPA projects, including early‑phase analysis through whole‑building energy modeling and LEED/regulatory compliance modeling.
• Assist in firm‑wide education and training on early‑phase modeling software for design staff throughout the firm.
• Act as a design partner, guiding teams through design decisions based on building performance analysis and feedback.
• Assist in the collection of project data to satisfy our 2030 Commitment reporting requirements.
• Contribute to LPA’s bi‑annual magazine, Catalyst, as well as other internal and external documents and briefs.
• Represent LPA in industry committees, conferences, and forums.

• Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines.
• Career development support, including professional development grants and in‑house training.
• Ongoing education through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks focused on innovative, sustainable practices.
• 8 paid hours of volunteer time each year.
• Opportunities to propose and lead projects that impact local communities, including over $1 million since 2015 in Habitat for Humanity builds, scholarships, and other pro bono community projects.
• Access to our Professional Development Grants program, which has invested $1,196,890 and impacted 848 LPA employees.

• Passion for integrative, high‑performance, and sustainable design.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical details with all design team disciplines and clients in an understandable and actionable way.
• A comprehensive knowledge of sustainable design strategies appropriate to different building types, market sectors, and geographic locations.
• A working knowledge of energy modeling requirements and documentation for third‑party rating systems (LEED) and applicable state/local green building requirements (Cal Green, AEGB).
• A working knowledge of both early‑phase and whole‑building energy modeling software and tools.
• Experience with other performance analysis tools (daylight, life‑cycle assessment, envelope integrity, CFD, etc.) – a plus.
• A general understanding of economic considerations such as return on investment variables.
• Articulate and comfortable public speaker, whether giving formal presentations or leading workshops.
• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 1‑2 years of building performance experience within the AEC industry; more experience is a plus.
• Accreditations such as LEED, HBDP, BEMP preferred.

Benefits include competitive salaries, a robust benefits package—health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs—as well as an annual bonus. Base salary is based on geographic location, skills, education, experience, and project complexity. LPA values pay equity and considers internal equity of our current team members when making final offers.

LPA uses E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires.