Project Architect – Critical Facilities

Build to Suit + Headquarters, Industrial + Logistics

Phoenix, AZ, US

Your Role

As a Project
Architect – Critical Facilities
in Gensler’s Phoenix office, your job is to combine creativity and technical knowledge to help guide our clients. Our growing Critical Facilities studio is looking for a seasoned Project Architect and recognized contributor to high-profile, design driven projects who can leverage their industry expertise, design abilities, and technical acumen to drive projects from concept through construction. Our team is highly creative, collaborative, and dedicated to innovative problem solving and design excellence.

Throughout your career, you have developed communication and team-building skills in managing multiple teams and projects. In this role, you will have opportunities to develop your existing strengths in design and technical coordination while also beginning to directly manage client relationships.

Our Critical Facilities practice is uniquely equipped to deliver high-performance data centers by drawing on expertise from across Gensler’s diverse practice areas. We assemble specialized teams within our Critical Facilities group to design and execute data center projects that meet the complex needs of today’s technology-driven organizations. This work sits at the intersection of architecture, infrastructure, and innovation - making it an exciting space for professionals who want to shape the future of digital environments.

In addition to data centers, our team brings deep experience in mission-critical environments such as research and supercomputing facilities, command and control centers, and SCIFs. The complexity and impact of these projects offer rich opportunities for learning, advancement, and long-term career growth.

What You Will Do

Collaborate on design projects in the critical facilities including programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, designdevelopmentand documentation

Work with contractors, fabricators, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives

Manage client,teamand project coordination, including full documentation coordination with engineering and specialty consultants

Support communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building andpermittingofficials

Provide design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts

Lead coordination with building and planning departments tofacilitatepermitsubmissions, respond to plan check comments, and secure approvals

Oversee the bid process, including issuing bid sets, responding to RFIs, and evaluating contractor proposals in collaboration with clients

Manage construction administration activities, including site visits, submittal reviews, RFI responses, and coordination with contractors to ensure design intent is maintained

Drive project progress through punch list walkthroughs, final inspections, and closeout documentation to support successful project delivery

Mentor junior staff through project work, technical guidance, and day-to-day support

Your Qualifications

Professional degree in Architecture,demonstrated with a rigorous portfolio

At least 10 years of relevant architectural experience, with a strong background designing multiple building typologies of varying scale. Experience with Data Centers a plus

Licensed Architect (US) required

Arizonalicensurepreferred

LEED accreditation and experience preferred

Outstanding knowledge of building codes, standards and building structures

Proficient and confident in public speaking, and in moderating large teams of consultants, contractors, and clients

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to develop collaborative…