Architectural Design Reviewer

Supervision Received

Receives direction from the Senior Program Officer or a position of a higher grade.

None.

• After completion of construction, review CPA certified construction cost information to determine the amount of construction costs that will be recognized by CHFA in the Contractor's Cost Certification Process.
• Review construction documents and compare proposed hard costs against industry cost data and comparable developments in CHFA's portfolio. Conduct division line item and per square foot construction cost analysis on all development proposals. Pre‑screen development cost proposals prior to and during the loan application process.
• Review and evaluate applications and construction documents related to Sustainable Design Measures as outlined in the CHFA Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and conduct analysis and provide feedback on the proposed design and energy efficiency measures. Review hard and soft costs related to these energy efficient measures and oversight including measurement, verification, commissioning, and certification, and evaluate these costs for adequacy and reasonableness given the measures proposed.
• Review contract and other legal documents related to the design and construction for both initial and final Closings. Review Capital Needs Assessments to determine if the scope of proposed work is reasonable for adaptive reuse and rehabilitation projects, and that the proposed budget is adequate to cover the proposed items of work. Confer with asset managers, underwriters, Legal, and other assigned CHFA staff.
• Responsible for performing environmental in‑house reviews and review the deficiency reports of Phase I, II and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), and Hazardous Materials Building Surveys from third‑party environmental consultants. Participate in the reviews related to HUD Risk Share program 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Process.
• Oversee contact with consultants for formal Third‑Party Environmental Review per CHFA Procedures. Provide consultants with necessary documents from developer, request proposal, review and approve fee proposal, and submit invoices for payment.
• Review and evaluate monthly construction payment requisitions, change order requests, and review field observation reports and all associated invoices for all assigned projects.
• Consult with CHFA's field observer, external architect, and owner regarding any discrepancies that may arise.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Bachelor of Architecture degree and an Architect's license issued by the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection Architectural Licensing Board is preferred; a minimum of five years' experience in Multifamily housing architectural design and construction, or similar housing or design experience is preferred. Continuing education/professional development with a minimum of twelve CEUs annually is required.

Requires the ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications, and respond in writing with the design and construction professionals. Must be able to evaluate undeveloped land and/or inspect an existing structure. Must be able to interpret Construction Documents to evaluate estimated construction costs. Must have strong analytical skills and broad experience in architecture, engineering, construction, and accounting to determine accuracy and completeness of cost certifications and support information.

Requires decision‑making abilities when reviewing and accepting construction methods and practices, and solving various design and construction problems. Must be able to prioritize and multi‑task in a timely and correct manner, and integrate multi‑discipline input from other departments within CHFA.

Professional knowledge of issues such as, but not limited to federal, state, and local building and fire codes, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), building and site design, environmental requirements including Phase I, II, and III ESA's and hazardous materials reports, roadway access, drainage, sewer, water, parking, and landscaping, structural…