Design Studio Architect

Design Studio Architect

Lerch Bates is seeking a Design Studio Architect to join our Architectural Design team. This role is ideal for an architect with strong technical design expertise, building enclosure knowledge, and a passion for solving complex building performance challenges.

As a Design Studio Architect, you will lead architectural consulting and design projects involving building enclosure systems, restoration, rehabilitation, new construction consulting, enclosure commissioning (BECx), and other building science services. You'll manage projects from concept through construction administration while collaborating with consultants, engineers, clients, and project teams to deliver practical, code-compliant, and constructable design solutions.

This position combines technical project leadership with opportunities to support practice growth, mentor team members, and contribute to the continued advancement of Lerch Bates' Design Studio.

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we've partnered on some of the world's most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

• Manage architectural consulting and design projects from initial investigation through construction completion
• Define project scope, schedules, budgets, and technical objectives while coordinating project teams and deliverables
• Serve as the primary client contact for assigned projects, providing technical guidance, presenting design solutions, and managing project communications
• Coordinate multiple projects while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and schedule commitments
• Support bidding activities, construction administration, and project closeout

• Develop high-quality construction documents, architectural drawings, specifications, and technical reports
• Design and coordinate building enclosure systems for restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, and building science consulting projects
• Apply expertise in roofing, waterproofing, curtain wall systems, glazing, air barriers, vapor barriers, thermal performance, and other enclosure systems
• Conduct building code research and coordinate product selection with manufacturers and industry partners
• Utilize AutoCAD, Revit, and specification development tools to produce accurate, constructable, and code-compliant deliverables
• Perform technical and quality control reviews throughout the design process

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to develop integrated design solutions
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance to support professional development
• Contribute to technical standards, specification libraries, design details, and best practices within the Design Studio
• Assist with workflow planning, project staffing, and continuous process improvement initiatives

• Support proposal preparation, fee development, and project planning activities
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and business development efforts
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand services
• Pursue ongoing professional development to enhance technical expertise and support emerging service offerings

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering
• Licensed Architect preferred; candidates actively pursuing architectural licensure through NCARB AXP/ARE completion are encouraged to apply
• 4–8 years of experience in architectural design, construction documentation, project management, building enclosure consulting, or building science
• Experience developing construction documents from schematic design through construction administration
• Knowledge of building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, glazing systems, exterior cladding, air barriers, vapor barriers, and thermal performance
• Experience with restoration, rehabilitation, building enclosure consulting, or enclosure…