Project Architect - Higher Education

Company: Smith
Location: Charlotte
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

McMillan Pazdan Smith is an award-winning architecture, interior design, and advisory services firm with eleven studios located in the southeast. We pride ourselves on strong client relationships and community partnerships. Our projects represent the work of a collaborative group of dedicated design professionals driven by a solitary goal: to deliver a functional solution that inspire collaboration, function, imagination, constructability, and attributes of a well-constructed environmental design. We are seeking a creative, innovative and talented Project Architect to join our Higher Education Team! Responsibilities: Provide production support Review shop drawings, submittals, and respond to RFIs Produce construction documents, revisions, and addenda Take responsibility for finished plans, specifications, and approval of materials and construction Assist with budget management Prepare design presentation materials Work directly with client and/or user group to develop schematic design concepts and programming studies Provide professional architectural consultation in the planning, design, and coordination of large, complex projects Write specifications as assigned Conduct code research and analysis and review with various agencies for approval Collaborate with engineers, consultants, contractors and/or clients Assume project manager role as necessary Prepare project proposals, design team budget, schedule, and workforce projections Supervise and provide guidance regarding overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters Ensure that the project meets environmental, safety, structural, zoning, and aesthetic standards Manage and nurture the client relationship Supervise design team members as necessary Perform construction administration to include facilitation of project communications, maintenance of project records, review and certification of amounts due to contractors, and preparation of change orders Support business development activities as necessary. Perform other duties as directed Requirements About You: The qualifications of a Project Architect are multi-faceted. The ability to effectively and confidently prioritize and execute tasks with many competing priorities and absorb new ideas and concepts quickly is a key skill for the Project Designer. Here is a list of other required skills: Bachelor of Architecture or equivalent Registered as a licensed architect preferred, but not required Minimum five (5) years combined experience as an intern architect and/or architect Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite software Proficiency in Revit Experience with Newforma Project Center Experience with Newforma Project Analyzer (Planifi) Experience with Bluebeam PDF Revu Firm grasp of building technology fundamentals Thorough knowledge of relevant codes, operations, processes, and trends Excellent time management skills Ability to effectively and confidently prioritize and execute tasks with many competing priorities Clear verbal and written communication skills Strong attention to detail Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team Ability to provide clear direction Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; balance, stop, kneel, or crouch; speak or listen. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Workplace Environment Work Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to hazardous working conditions in conjunction with construction site visits. The noise level in the construction zone may be loud. While performing the duties of this job in the office work environment, the employee will not be exposed to hazardous working conditions. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Applicants also have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Keywords: Smith, Spartanburg , Project Architect - Higher Education, Construction , Charlotte, South Carolina