Director of Architecture
11 days ago
Cincinnati
Job Description Company Description Founded in 1956, KZF Design is a multidisciplinary firm that specializes in thoughtful and award-winning designs. Our team includes architects, engineers, interior designers, and urban planners proficient in both public and private sectors. We have specific expertise in commercial, workplace, education, health and wellness, industrial, government, and justice projects. Based in downtown Cincinnati, KZF Design has a staff of over 75 professionals — including architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and planners — works collaboratively to deliver landmark projects across the country and around the world. We truly are a one-stop shop for architectural and design needs. We’ve built our reputation on thoughtful, award-winning designs and unparalleled technical proficiency in both the public and private sectors. Our expertise spans commercial, workplace, education, community infrastructure, healthcare, industrial, government, and public safety projects. As one of the Midwest’s premier design firms, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and reinvention. This translates to our clients through strong relationships, creativity, and independent thinking — values that have made us a leader in value-based design for 65 years. For more information, visit . Our Culture at KZF Design At KZF Design, our culture is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth. We believe that great design starts with great people — and we’re proud to foster an environment where every team member is empowered to think independently, challenge convention, and contribute meaningfully. We prioritize strong relationships, both internally and with our clients, and we’re committed to maintaining a workplace that values open communication, mutual respect, and shared success. Our culture of continuous improvement and reinvention drives us to stay at the forefront of the industry, while our 65+ year legacy reminds us of the importance of thoughtful, value-based design. Whether you're an architect, engineer, designer, or planner, you'll find a supportive, forward-thinking community here — one that celebrates innovation, encourages professional development, and takes pride in shaping the built environment in impactful ways. KZF Design offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and support for professional development. Director of Architecture QUALIFICATIONS • Experience managing projects and personnel in an A/E or Engineering Consulting firm, • Experience supervising and mentoring Architects, designers, and other technical personnel, • Experience producing Architectural design and construction documents in an A/E consulting firm, including plans, specifications, details, architectural cost estimates, and design analysis documents, • Capable and experienced in all areas of Architectural design with an emphasis on buildings and building site design, • Knowledgeable in related areas of building design, • Understanding and experience with design and office related computer software and operating systems, • Proficiency in REVIT, • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, • Comfortable with a broad range of project types; experience managing parallel assignments, • Familiarity and experience working with Building Codes and related technical criteria, • Capable and competent in all areas of building design, • Proactive and assertive in problem solving, • Staff management and client relationship skills, • Comfortable working in teams and making group presentations, • Experience providing marketing and project interview support, • Familiarity with A/E industry BIM standards, • Experience working with Federal Government Agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice and the US Army Corps of Engineers, a plus, • Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation a plus, • LEED certification (desired), • Good written and oral communications skills; good client skills; fluent in speaking, reading and writing in English RESPONSIBILITIES • Help our clients achieve their goals, • Work with Division Managers and Project Managers to meet KZF goals and objectives, • Assume the “day-to-day” responsibility for all Architectural Design, Production & Management, • Respond to estimated budget hour requests from Division Managers and Project Managers, • Assist project managers with development of project schedules and budgets, • Provide technical support, education & project assignments to staff, • Assist in mentoring and technical development of Architectural staff, • Provide project management and client management support to projects, • Work with Division Managers, Project Managers to establish design parameters consistent with the project scope, schedule and budget, • Coordinate with Division Managers and Project Managers regarding schedule and construction costs for each project scope of work, • Monitor PM and DM interaction with Architectural team members assigned to projects, • Remain current with marketing activities, upcoming projects and staffing needs, • Coach staff on interactions with clients and project managers, • Prepare Architectural project schedules and budgets; attend weekly project scheduling meetings, • Document and manage earned value reports on projects, • Provide technical support to projects, • Review documents prepared by team members for conformance with KZF standards and quality control requirements, • Review projects for technical accuracy, constructability, code conformance, and appropriate level of detail for project scopes, • Senior Architect on selected projects, • Prepare Architectural design studies, written design narratives, calculations, and analysis, and direct Architectural staff as required, • Research building materials and systems and select appropriate items for incorporation into the building design, • Conduct field investigations as required to understand project requirements, • Coordinate Architectural work with other discipline work, • Provide input to cost estimators regarding construction costs, • Maintain a working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, fire protection and telecom building systems; coordinate these systems with the architectural design, • Prepare design documents as required for all phases of design (concept, schematic, design development, construction documents) and direct Architectural support staff as required, • Prepare Architectural design and construction documents in REVIT, • Prepare outline and final construction document specifications, • Research and prepare building code analysis for Architectural work, • Participate in value engineering; attend project team meetings, • Maintain a technical expertise in your profession and area of work, • Remain current with new products and tools that will assist you in better meeting our client’s needs, • Assist with internal quality assurance reviews and risk management, • Maintain Architectural design standards including master specifications, Architectural standards, drawing standard procedures, CADD standards and project documentation standards, • Be in responsible charge of and seal Architectural documents in accordance with KZF policies and procedures, • Assist with construction administration, provide bidding assistance, review shop drawings, prepare construction submittals, participate in construction site observation, prepare Request for Information (RFI) responses and work with the Construction Administration Department and other team members to resolve construction issues in a timely manner