Lerch Bates Inc. is hiring: Design Studio Architect in Baltimore

Job Title

Design Studio Architect

Department

Building Science

Job Summary

The Design Studio Architect candidate is a licensed Architect with strong technical skills and experience who is interested in specializing in building envelope and enclosure design and building science consulting. Areas of design specialization include restoration and repair of existing buildings, consulting on new construction, high‑performance building enclosures, enclosure commissioning, and other enclosure‑related and building‑science‑related technical topics.

Lerch Bates is a global multidisciplinary technical consultancy that simplifies the path to dedicated technical expertise for the built environment anywhere in the world. We offer integrated specialties, including vertical transportation, logistics, enclosures & structures, forensics, and multidisciplinary building lifecycle services that optimize performance from design, construction, and management to forensic investigation, repair, and modernization.

What You’ll Do

• Meet with internal Consultants at the commencement of each internal design project to set design scope, schedule, and budget, and provide guidance on project design decisions.
• Independently schedule, coordinate, manage, complete, and deliver each assigned design project.
• For Design‑Studio‑lead projects, independently manage and deliver entire projects from initiation to completion, including engaging and collaborating with other internal team members.
• Plan, develop, and deliver biddable, constructable, Building‑Code‑compliant Drawing and Specifications packages for every design project, at the appropriate level of detail and within the defined schedule and budget.
• Conduct Building Code research for individual project jurisdictions using web‑based building code libraries.
• Complete product research and selection in connection with design work and communicate with product representatives and manufacturers to obtain technical details and answers to design questions.
• Independently interact directly with Clients to present design work, solicit decisions, guide discussions, resolve project challenges, and coordinate schedules and scopes.
• Provide quality control reviews of design work at every design deliverable milestone.
• Independently apply advanced architectural concepts in the development of design work.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced Design Studio staff and to internal Consultants.
• Pursue additional technical certifications and training relevant to enclosure design and building science, and apply this additional knowledge.
• Assist with post‑project performance analysis and the development of workflow and process improvements.
• Assist with the development and refinement of the firm’s technical detail library and specifications library.
• Assist with the development of proposals and project fees.
• Assist with the management, coordination, and completion of all day‑to‑day services of the Design Studio and be responsible for producing and delivering high‑quality, timely services and deliverables.
• Assist with developing budget goals, defining design scopes, scheduling and managing work, completing drawing reviews, developing and delivering design project deliverables, and providing various other architectural service tasks.
• Assist with revenue‑driving goals such as project priming opportunities; new construction design review requirements; developing various architectural planning and feasibility studies; code consulting; building science consulting; property conditions assessments; and various other architectural services as the Design Studio continues to grow our knowledge base and service lines.
• Approximately 80% of the time will be spent performing billable tasks in coordination with the project assignments, while the remaining 20% will be focused on representing the company’s best interests in relation to ongoing and proposed projects and business development efforts.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering.
• 5 to 8 years of professional experience in architectural design, technical detailing, and design project management. Must have direct working experience with the development of construction documents and a solid understanding of the design process – Schematic Design through Construction Administration. Additional experience in construction or building enclosure investigations is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
• Licensed Architect strongly preferred. Professional candidates actively on the path to licensure and enrolled in NCARB’s AXP program will be considered.
• Additional industry‑specific certifications (RRO, AABA, AAMA, IIBEC, AWS, ACI, ICRI, SWRI, AIA, etc.) are a plus.
• Intermediate or better skills using accounting software; Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, SharePoint, etc.), MS Outlook, and web‑based applications and databases.
• Be a self‑starter and have the ability to build relationships.
• Professional writing skills to complete proposals, reports, send e‑mails, and other correspondence.
• Ability to coordinate one’s own and others’ actions.
• To accomplish work activities, must be able to coordinate or lead employees and subcontractors among different levels of the organization.
• Assume responsibility for work outcomes and results of other workers.
• Must be able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must be detail‑oriented and organized.
• Must be able to work on many different projects at one time.
• Must be fluent in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge and experience in field inspection is a plus.
• LEED, Passive House, Green Globes, WELL, or other sustainable design accreditations directly related to building enclosure are a plus.
• Must be comfortable visiting active construction sites, including limited ladder and scaffolding climbing.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership program!
• Generous PTO
• Incentive compensation bonus
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match!
• FSA and HSA
• Charitable paid time off
• Birthday Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Learning and Development
  • An entire internal department dedicated to your learning and career development!
• Exceptional company culture
  • Employee resource groups
  • Team building and networking activities
• And more!

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment

This role involves both physical and mental demands and may be performed in various settings, including offices, construction sites, and confined spaces like elevator pits. Tasks often require frequent movement in multiple directions. Lerch Bates will provide reasonable accommodations upon request through Human Resources.

Physical Demands

This role requires regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Employees must navigate tight spaces, climb ladders, move around construction sites, take measurements, and travel by car, air, or rail. Duties may involve working at heights and in confined spaces, using hands for tasks like typing and operating elevator components, and applying up to 30 lbs. of force. Close visual attention is also required.

Mental Demands

This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected.

Employment Eligibility

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.