Senior Design Architect - job 1 of 4

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM's Virginia Beach, Virginia office is seeking a Senior Design Architect.  From our vibrant multidisciplinary studio set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we serve a strong network of clients locally, nationally, and internationally. Many of our team members enjoy the opportunity to invest their efforts in our local community as well as learn about and design for a variety of cultures and environments around the globe.  A future as part of AECOM’s Roanoke, Virginia team is an opportunity to grow your design career. 

You will work on, and should have some experience with, an interesting range of Higher Education, Healthcare, Science & Technology & Federal Government projects. Demonstrable design experience through awards, publications, and other industry recognition is desirable. The ability to travel is essential to this role. Qualified and interested candidates should submit a resume and work samples. 

The job responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborates with the Design Director and other team members in developing design concepts
• Meet directly with the owner/client and analyze project goals
• Conceives and develops architectural concepts/solutions for those goals
• Generates design ideas and solutions and communicates effectively to the project team
• Designs in accordance with project schedules, budgets, applicable codes, and ordinances
• Initiate and create designs with responsibility for the preparation of presentation drawings, models, and narratives
• Directs the production of schematic, design development, and construction documents
• Manages design responsibilities on several concurrent projects
• Oversees the review of design documents for compliance with program and design concepts
• Directs and coordinates design consultants in all phases
• Develop integrated design solutions balancing the needs of all design disciplines related to overall building design
• Generates and supervises design presentations
• Participates in and/or leads client presentations and interviews
• Promotes firm and project goals of excellence in design, execution, and environmental responsibility
• Takes an active role in a local professional association and represents the firm at national events and outside associations
• Demonstrates understanding of project management process including scope, budgets, and schedule
• Stays current with evolving building technology and systems applicable to the design process
• Performs tasks in congruence with AECOM standards of excellence
• Leads, organizes, and directs project design team members
• Demonstrates architectural judgment in anticipating and solving complexities and determining program objectives and requirements
• Supports AECOM’s business development team in marketing to prospective owners/clients
• Works with Design Director and Architecture Studio Manager to build and maintain the design culture of the studio
• Coaches and mentors skills that support the development of future design talent
• Responsible for providing architectural guidance, calculations, analysis, studies, and recommendations for a specialized segment of the Architectural Discipline within the schedules and budget of an assigned project
• May manage various size groups of architects, designers, and/or specialists

AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture. With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions. Our teams have worked on signature projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park and Legacy Framework, to the new plan for the LA2028 Olympics, to industrial facilities for GE and Rolls-Royce, to headquarters and workplaces for NASA, Unilever, Sony Music, DirecTV, Box, Inc., and many Fortune 500 companies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture plus six (6) years of relevant Architecture Design experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Due to the nature of work, U.S. Citizenship is required for this position
• Registered Architect is required for this position

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Architecture plus eight (8) years of Design experience is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of architecture and design concepts, practices, and methods
• High level of creativity, innovative thinking, and problem-solving
• Excellent sketching and/or computer skills and conceptual design skills
• Experience directing or coordinating work efforts of junior staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborative and professional work ethic
• Passion and commitment to environmentally responsible design
• LEED AP or within 6 months of hire
• Proficient use of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Rhino, Dynamo (or Grasshopper), Revit, 3-D Studio Max, and other appropriate modeling and graphics programs

• This role requires the ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position
• Relocation assistance (lump-sum) is available for this position

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.