Project Architect - Life Sciences

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

LJC is seeking an experienced Project Architect to join our Life Sciences practice. This role is responsible for the technical leadership, coordination, and execution of architectural design for complex, regulated life sciences facilities, with a primary focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing environments.

The Life Sciences Project Architect plays a critical role in translating client operational and technical requirements into compliant, efficient, and constructible facility designs. Working closely with project managers, process architects, engineers, and construction teams, this position supports projects from early planning through construction administration while maintaining design quality, regulatory compliance, and schedule alignment.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead the architectural design and technical execution of life sciences manufacturing projects, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities.
• Translate client operational workflows, regulatory requirements, and technical criteria into effective architectural solutions for highly regulated environments.
• Provide architectural expertise in programming, feasibility studies, facility planning, cleanroom design, process adjacencies, and material and personnel flows.
• Support and guide architectural teams through all phases of design, including programming, planning, feasibility, concept development, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including project managers, process architects, lab planners, engineers, and construction partners, to deliver coordinated design solutions.
• Ensure architectural designs comply with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements, including cGMP, FDA, EU pharmaceutical regulations, and ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.
• Review and approve architectural drawings, details, and specifications to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project requirements.
• Support project managers in maintaining design schedules, managing scope, and addressing coordination issues as they arise.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and technical presentations, supporting clear communication and client confidence.
• Conduct regular quality checks on architectural deliverables to maintain high standards of design and documentation.
• Mentor and support junior architectural staff, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and professional development.
• Stay current with life sciences industry trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in facility design.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7+ years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on life sciences manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated facility types.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect with an active professional license (required).
• Demonstrated experience delivering architectural design for regulated environments, including clean rooms and controlled manufacturing spaces.
• Strong understanding of life sciences regulatory requirements, including cGMP, FDA, EU pharmaceutical…