Project Architect - General Construction
11 days ago
Fargo
Job DescriptionSalary: Position Summary Great States Construction, a leading commercial general contractor based in Fargo, ND, is seeking a licensed Project Architect to support the design of multifamily and commercial construction projects across North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana. Working in an integrated design-build environment, this individual will contribute to projects from schematic design through construction administration, partnering closely with senior leadership, in-house project management, and field teams to deliver buildings that are constructible, on budget, and on schedule. This is a regional role with project work spread across four states, making it ideal for a licensed architect ready to build deep multi-jurisdictional code experience and grow toward a senior design leadership position. This role will report to the VP of Construction. Compensation Structure • $90,000k/yr+ depending on experience, • Performance-based bonus opportunities Project Portfolio • Ground-up multifamily and commercial construction projects, • Opportunity to lead larger-scale, mixed-use developments across the Upper Midwest and Northern Rockies Key Responsibilities Site Selection and Preliminary Layout • Assist with evaluating potential development sites from an architectural, planning, code, and constructability perspective., • Develop, review, and refine preliminary layouts, test fits, access points, circulation, parking, building placement, and site efficiency., • Identify early constraints such as zoning, setbacks, easements, utilities, drainage, grading, access, code issues, and permitting challenges. Design Management and Brand Consistency • Work with outside architectural firms to maintain project uniformity, design standards, schedule, and conformance with brand expectations., • Review drawings, elevations, details, specifications, finish selections, and design decisions for quality, consistency, and constructability., • Help create, maintain, and improve company standards, prototype details, preferred materials, and lessons learned for future projects. Consultant and Entitlement Coordination • Manage and coordinate architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, MEP consultants, landscape consultants, surveyors, and specialty consultants., • Support the entitlement process through city, county, and state approvals, including planning, zoning, permitting, utilities, and agency reviews., • Track design deliverables, review comments, consultant responses, and approval milestones to keep projects moving forward. Bidding, Value Engineering, and Material Approvals • Assist with bidding by reviewing drawings and specifications for completeness, coordination, missing scope, and constructability concerns., • Support value engineering efforts that improve cost, availability, efficiency, durability, and long-term maintenance without sacrificing quality or brand standards., • Review proposed substitutions and material-as-equal requests for performance, appearance, compatibility, availability, and brand conformance. Construction-Phase Support and QA/QC • Serve as an owner-side design and quality resource throughout construction., • Work with contractors and consultants to verify that work conforms to approved plans, specifications, codes, and Great States standards., • Act as the QA/QC manager for Great States Construction by documenting observations, tracking issues, and confirming corrective action., • Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, field conditions, proposed changes, and coordination conflicts as needed. Closeout, Punch List, and Turnover • Assist with punch list development, quality verification, follow-up, and final completion., • Coordinate closeout documentation, as-builts, warranties, manuals, certificates, and owner/management company turnover materials., • Help turn completed projects over to the management company in an organized, complete, and operations-ready condition. Qualifications • 5-8 years of architectural experience with demonstrated exposure to multifamily and commercial projects., • Strong working knowledge of IBC, ADA, and multi-state building code amendments (ND, MN, SD, MT), • Demonstrated ability to lead projects with increasing design and coordination responsibility, • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, design-build environment, • Excellent communication, graphic, and problem-solving skills., • Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program., • Current architectural licensure required with active NCARB record; North Dakota licensure or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 90 days of hire; willingness and ability to pursue MN, SD, and MT licensure via reciprocity as project needs require., • Clean driving record and willingness to travel regionally to project sites. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required • Revit and AutoCAD proficiency required must be able to produce production-level documents independently., • Bluebeam Revu for markups, submittal review, and document control., • Procore experience for construction administration, RFIs, and submittals (preferred)., • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for presentations and client deliverables., • Familiarity with SketchUp, Enscape, or similar visualization tools is a plus., • Strong time management and multi-tasking abilities across concurrent project phases., • Team-oriented with a commitment to design quality, constructability, and professional growth. Benefits and Perks • Health, dental, and vision insurance with HSA, • Supplementary insurance, • 401k with a match of 4%, • Flexible time off and 9 paid holidays, • Paid volunteer hours, • Continuing education (HSW) and professional development support, • AIA membership dues, NCARB record fees, and multi-state licensure reimbursement (ND, MN, SD, MT), • Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to project success Physical Demands • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer., • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds., • Regular regional travel to active construction sites across ND, MN, SD, and MT, including standing/walking, climbing ladders, and navigating uneven terrain. Why Join Us • Rare opportunity to work across full project lifecycles in-house at a growing design-build GC, • Work side-by-side with construction teams see your drawings get built, • Build a uniquely broad multi-state portfolio across the Upper Midwest and Northern Rockies, • Exposure to both multifamily and commercial project types across diverse markets, • Clear path toward Senior Project Architect and Director-level design leadership, • Work on meaningful, visible projects in a high-growth regional market WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER