Senior Architect - Real Estate

The Facilities and Field Services (FFS) Project Planning and Development (PPD) Sr. Architect is responsible for planning, directing, and executing architectural design assignments of varying complexity, from interior renovations to new-build construction projects. This role involves collaborating with internal customers and professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and consultants to confirm program requirements, establish design criteria aligned with corporate standards, and ensure the accuracy of design documentation.

The Sr. Architect manages and approves design changes in accordance with corporate guidelines, provides expertise in architectural programming, planning, and ergonomics, and responds efficiently to both routine and critical projects. Supporting a diverse portfolio, the Sr. Architect oversees capital projects, administers the corporate furniture and equipment program (XM1), conducts space assessments, and maintains high design standards to promote efficient operations, employee productivity, and positive public impact.

Responsibilities also include coordinating with stakeholders to resolve field design changes, managing space planning and office standards, recording spatial data in the MRI Manhattan Space management software, developing spatial layouts, collaborating with the Real Estate team on allocations and occupancy, generating occupancy reports and growth forecasts, coordinating building space audits, and addressing day-to-day space planning requests, all while upholding corporate design standards.

Job functions will include but are not limited to representing the section or department to resolve and/or to plan and coordinate design and field work. This positions objective is to have in‑house architectural SME to respond consistently and efficiently to planned, emergency and critical projects within FFS and in support of the Real Estate Strategy and portfolio.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, motivated, organized, and possess strong written and oral communication, presentation and leadership skills, with demonstrated initiative and commitment to safety, teamwork, and excellence. They must be able to handle multiple tasks and projects, often working to tight project deadlines. The Sr. Architect shall promote behavior consistent with the Company’s values in the treatment of peers, direct reports, supervisors, customers, and the public, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment.

• Conduct extensive field inspections, including measured surveys, while working with Facilities and IT to integrate their respective disciplines as part of the design.
• Develop and maintain floor plans, names to desk information in the Company’s Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS). This includes drafting in AutoCAD or its equivalent.
• Coordinate closely with the Real Estate team and internal customers to ensure information is reasonably current and leveraged for corporate‑level reporting and informed business decisions.
• Review project plans to ensure conformance to NYS, NYC building codes, Energy Conservation Code, NYC Local Laws, FDNY regulations, NYC Department of Buildings, and ADA Guidelines.
• Oversee, coordinate, and assess the work of architects, designers, engineers, and contractors. Develop ergonomic design solutions. Prepare and analyze cost estimates, schedules, and project documents. Review and approve architectural design scope in the company’s records system. Collect, analyze, survey, and summarize data to prepare project scope and reports. Present designs to stakeholders and make revisions as needed for final approval.
• Improve job knowledge through continuing education, reviewing professional and technical publications, and benchmarking state‑of‑the‑art practices.
• Lead or assist in the evaluation of space throughout our facilities. Support the Capital and Operations & Maintenance budgets of Facilities Real Estate, including buildings and yards of various Service Centers and Commercial Buildings, and may support projects associated with other customers of Steam Distribution, Substation Operations, Electrical Operations, IT,…