Senior Project Architect & Design Team Lead

People & Talent Advisor | HR Partner | Builder & Optimizer

Curt Hofer & Associates is seeking a seasoned architect who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, technical precision, and hands‑on collaboration with construction.

About Curt Hofer & Associates

Curt Hofer & Associates is a leading luxury residential design‑build firm in the greater Omaha area. For decades, CHA has been known for thoughtfully crafted custom homes, deep construction expertise, and long‑term client relationships. We blend timeless architecture with meticulous attention to detail, delivering homes that are as beautiful and livable as they are well built.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Project Architect & Design Team Lead to own the journey from design development through a complete, coordinated set of Construction Documents—and stay involved through construction.

Concept design on our projects is sometimes created in‑house, and often developed in partnership with outside designers. We are seeking a seasoned architect who can take those concepts—whether generated internally or externally—and drive them all the way to permit‑ready CDs and through construction administration.

The ideal candidate also brings a good eye for design and can contribute to conceptual thinking and aesthetics. If you are strong in both concept and delivery, that’s a plus—but technical excellence and project delivery are the non‑negotiables.

You will also lead and mentor a small, talented design team of two emerging architects/designers.

What You’ll Do

Core:
Project Delivery & Technical Leadership

• Lead custom residential projects from Design Development (DD) through a full set of Construction Documents (CDs).
• Translate concepts (developed by CHA or outside designers) into buildable, well‑detailed, coordinated solutions.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP consultants to produce complete, permit‑ready, and construction‑ready drawing sets.
• Partner closely with preconstruction and construction teams on scope, constructability, schedule, and budget.
• Provide ongoing construction phase support: RFIs, submittal review, clarifications, and detail refinements to maintain design intent.
• Own and elevate the quality, clarity, and consistency of all project documentation.
• Collaborate on conceptual design, massing, and planning for new projects—either contributing ideas or refining concepts from others.
• Bring a refined aesthetic sensibility to materials, proportions, and details that move projects from “good” to “great.”
• Work effectively with outside designers, respecting their conceptual vision while ensuring it’s executed faithfully in the field.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership for a small design team (currently two emerging architects/designers).
• Mentor team members in both design thinking and technical execution, helping them grow into strong project architects.
• Review drawings and details for quality, constructability, and adherence to CHA’s standards.

Client, Consultant & Internal Collaboration

• Participate in client meetings and design presentations as a key member of the project team.
• Coordinate with outside designers, engineers, suppliers, and trade partners to align design intent with budget and schedule.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with our construction team so that design and construction are tightly integrated rather than “handed off.”

What You Bring

Experience & Background

• 8–12+ years of professional experience in an architecture firm, with substantial responsibility on leading projects from concept through completion. Residential or high‑end experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Architectural licensure (or near‑licensure with a clear path) strongly preferred.

Technical Excellence (Required)

• Proven track record of taking projects from DD through CDs and into construction, ideally in a design‑build or highly collaborative environment.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, detailing, building codes, and coordination with engineers; residential or high‑end experience is a plus but not required.
• Confidence leading consultant coordination and resolving technical issues before they…