Senior Aviation Architect

Overview

Atkins

Réalis is seeking a Senior Aviation Architect to support complex airport programs and other long‑term capital initiatives in our Denver, CO office. While aviation is a focus, the ideal candidate is a well‑rounded senior architect capable of contributing across multiple market sectors as project needs evolve.

This role is well suited to a candidate with experience spanning planning, design, documentation, and coordination
, and who is motivated to continue developing their aviation expertise over time. Initial assignments may include multi‑year architectural program support for airport owners
, including owner's representative responsibilities, architectural design oversight, bridging documents and coordination of multiple consultant design teams.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of architectural delivery within complex, regulated environments
, along with the adaptability, technical breadth, and collaborative mindset needed to support a diverse architectural practice.

• Lead or assist with architectural program management for large capital programs, coordinating across multiple projects and consultant teams.
• Serve in an owner's representative or oversight role, reviewing consultant deliverables for quality, consistency, and alignment with program standards.
• Contribute to the planning, design, and delivery of airport facilities, including terminals, concourses, renovations, and phased upgrades in active operational environments.
• Participate in programming and conceptual design, balancing operational, technical, and architectural objectives.
• Apply knowledge of airport standards, FAA guidance, and AHJ review processes, with continued development of aviation expertise.
• Contribute to schedule, budget, and phasing strategies across multi-project or multi-year efforts.
• Support client decision‑making, scope development, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring alignment across project goals.
• Develop and oversee Revit‑based construction documents, including preparation of bridging documents for design‑build and alternative delivery models.
• Direct and mentor project teams and junior staff to produce high quality architectural deliverables.
• Coordinate with airport staff, airlines, regulatory agencies, operators, and subconsultants to support effective and well coordinated project outcomes.
• Operate successfully in stakeholder intensive environments, facilitating collaboration and issue resolution.
• Interface with clients and support business development efforts through a seller‑doer mindset, including pursuits and presentations.
• Review and redline drawings using Bluebeam or equivalent tools.
• Coordinate specifications and support constructability, phasing, and cost informed design decisions.
• Contribute architectural expertise to non aviation projects when staffing needs arise, including federal, institutional, civic, transportation, or other commercial work.
• Apply strong fundamentals in architectural design, documentation, and coordination across a range of project types.
• Lead or support existing facility investigations, site observations, and field documentation, particularly in occupied or operational environments.
• Bring a flexible, team oriented mindset and willingness to adapt to evolving project assignments.

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Master's preferred).
• Registered Architect (RA), with the ability to obtain additional licenses as required.
• 10+ years of professional experience, with a significant portion dedicated to aviation projects.
• Experience delivering projects for large or medium hub airports.
• Understanding of complex stakeholder coordination, including owner groups, airlines, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency in Revit, with working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Direct experience working on projects at Denver International Airport (DEN), preferred.
• Experience leading or supporting capital improvement programs (CIP) or multi project portfolios and long‑term owner programs, preferred.
• Familiarity with FAA guidelines, airport design standards, and security driven design constraints, preferred.
• Proven ability…