Mission Critical Architect

At Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, we are People Focused and Project Driven . We have been in business for more than 110 years and we are known for our quality work and quality employees. This is your chance to join our team - help us to design the infrastructure and buildings that improve the world! WRA is seeking a highly experienced Mission Critical Facility Architect to lead the architectural design of data centers and other mission critical facilities.

This senior-level role will drive project design from concept through construction, providing technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients on the complex programming, planning, and design requirements unique to mission critical environments. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in data center and mission critical facility design, strong team leadership capabilities, and a track record of delivering highly reliable, resilient facilities for demanding institutional and private-sector clients.

Responsibilities:
Lead architectural design efforts for data centers, colocation facilities, and other mission critical/high-reliability facility types from programming through construction administration. Serve as senior technical authority on mission critical design considerations, including redundancy, resiliency, security, and operational continuity requirements. Collaborate closely with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers to ensure fully coordinated, code-compliant mission critical facility designs. Translate client operational requirements (Tier/Uptime Institute ratings, N+1/2N redundancy, security classifications, etc.)

into architectural design solutions. Lead client-facing design meetings, workshops, and presentations, acting as a primary technical liaison for mission critical projects. Oversee preparation of design documents, specifications, and construction documents, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, industry standards, and client design criteria. Provide quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) review across all phases of design for mission critical projects. Mentor and provide technical guidance to project architects, designers, and junior staff.

Support business development, including proposal development, client presentations, and interviews for mission critical facility pursuits. Stay current on evolving mission critical facility industry standards, security requirements, and best practices, bringing forward innovative and resilient facility design solutions. Provide construction administration support, including review of submittals, RFIs, and site observations for mission critical facility projects. Manage project scope, schedule, and budget in coordination with project management and firm leadership.

Required:

Bachelor's or master’s degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited program Minimum of 16 years of architectural experience, with substantial, direct experience designing data centers and/or other mission critical facilities Registered Architect (licensure in Maryland, or ability to obtain reciprocity, required) Demonstrated expertise in mission critical facility design principles, including redundancy strategies, security layering, and facility resiliency. Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, life safety requirements, and industry standards relevant to mission critical facilities (e.g., Uptime Institute Tier standards).

Proven ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary design teams and manage demanding client expectations. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with experience communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office/Project; strong BIM coordination experience required. US Citizenship Required Preferred:
Prior experience with hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or government/defense mission critical facility clients. Familiarity with security design requirements for classified or high-security facilities. LEED accreditation or experience with sustainable/energy-efficient mission critical…