Senior Project Architect

Overview

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Senior Project Architect to lead the design and delivery of municipal and industrial projects throughout Wisconsin.

This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical leader, mentor emerging professionals, and guide projects from concept through construction.

Based in either our Madison or Baraboo office, you will play a critical role in supporting MSA's projects throughout Wisconsin while helping develop the next generation of architects and design professionals. You'll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to create innovative, functional, and community-focused facilities.

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."

* Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Design

* Lead architectural projects from inception through construction completion and project closeout

* Serve as Architect of Record on municipal, industrial, and other public-sector projects

* Direct project teams through planning, design, documentation, bidding, and construction administration phases

* Develop architectural concepts, layouts, and technical solutions that meet client goals, project budgets, and regulatory requirements

* Coordinate architectural efforts with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and other disciplines

Project Management & Delivery

* Define project scope, develop project plans, and monitor budgets and schedules throughout project execution

* Manage project activities to ensure successful delivery while maintaining quality and profitability goals

* Identify and communicate scope changes, project risks, and resource needs

* Perform quality control reviews and ensure project deliverables meet firm and industry standards

* Coordinate and review work completed by subconsultants and internal project team members

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

* Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal and industrial clients

* Lead client meetings, presentations, interviews, and project discussions

* Prepare proposals, statements of qualifications, and project-related correspondence

* Coordinate with permitting agencies, jurisdictional authorities, contractors, and project stakeholders

* Participate in public meetings and stakeholder engagement activities as needed

Mentorship & Team Development

* Mentor emerging professionals, project architects, designers, and architectural technicians

* Provide technical guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to support professional growth

* Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across offices and disciplines

* Help build a strong architectural presence in the Madison and Baraboo offices through leadership and team development

Qualifications

Education

* Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering required

* Master's degree preferred

Experience

* 10+ years of experience performing a broad range of architectural duties

* Experience leading architectural projects from concept through construction required

* Municipal and/or industrial project experience strongly preferred

Licensure

* Licensed Architect in WI required.

Professional Involvement

* Active member of AIA preferred

* Industry-related certifications and professional organization involvement encouraged

Skills

* Strong knowledge of architectural principles, building systems, codes, and construction practices

* Proficiency with BIM-based design platforms and architectural software tools

* Experience preparing construction documents, specifications, reports, and permit applications

* Strong project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight

* Proven leadership and mentoring abilities

* Ability to build strong client relationships while delivering profitable project outcomes

Why MSA

* 100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact

* Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm

* Flexible work‑life integration

* Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions

* Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging

* Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Additional Benefits

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

* Compensation Range: $88,800-$142,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

* Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - As a 100% employee-owned…