Staff Careers

The Architect will work with the Director, Planning, Design & Construction, Chief Facilities Officer (CFO), VPs, campus representatives, master plan architect, project architects, and engineers to plan, design, and develop programs, budgets, schedules, plans, and specifications. He/she obtains plan approvals for projects including new construction, renovation, remodeling, grant, minor capital outlay, special repair, and tenant improvements in accordance with all applicable codes and standards. He/she provides professional support throughout construction to ensure project continuity. He/she independently manages, schedules, and tracks contractors and consultants from project inception through construction bid and completion. He/she acts as the University Building Official, responsible for enforcement of all applicable building codes and standards. He/she provides advice and professional support to the Director, PDC, Chief Facilities Officer (CFO), campus representatives on matters related to physical facilities planning in support of the academic mission of UAH.

Additionally, this position is funded from construction program management fee revenue. The continuation of employment in future years depends on the funding availability of future program management fee revenue.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Architect Responsibilities:
• Manage the development of programs, budgets, schedules, and funding sources for capital projects under the direction of the Director, Planning, Design, & Construction (PDC) and Chief Facilities Officer (CFO).
• Establish and sustain strong partnerships with general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other facility support services.
• Consult, discuss, review, and advise University officers, department heads, faculty, and administrative staff on proposed architectural design plans, construction/renovation plans, cost estimates, codes, and regulations.
• Serve as building code and constructability expert for the campus.
• Gather data from end users to establish and clarify programming needs including: the identification of the responsible low bidder, design objectives, desired rooms or spaces, installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, room sizes, relationships between spaces, relationship to the site, and utilities shutdowns for construction tie-in; owner acceptance; final move-in and occupancy; and on-going warranty issues.
• Determine needs and justifications for changes required during construction of scope, schedule, methods, and/or costs.
• Write and/or supervise the development of specifications and cost estimates based on construction materials and methods of installation for all major construction and remodeling/renovation projects of UAH facilities. Prepare design, bid and budget documents; Delegate and supervise the planning and completion of tasks to staff and professional services.
• Direct selection of design consultants and assist in the negotiation of contracts with architects/ engineers for capital projects.
• Receive bids for University capital projects and evaluate validity of each bid, verify compliance with University requirements, and recommend action to be taken regarding the bid. Provide professional bid summary and recommendation report to Director PDC and CFO for each project.
• Protect the University's interests during each capital program's construction activities by directing project managers, outside consultants, contractors, and vendors in the detailed construction.
• Coordinate furniture purchases for each capital project utilizing space planner, interior designer, and/or furniture suppliers.
• Establish and maintain accurate and comprehensive campus facilities drawings, specifications, and project files including original construction, modifications, and upgrades.

Project Management Responsibilities:
• Manage the planning, design, construction and close out phases as well as coordinate activities of designated projects to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished on within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters.
• Independently lead and direct projects requiring high levels of planning.
• Manage project budgets from conception through final completion
• Effectively manage multiple projects concurrently in various stages of development, develop priorities, and negotiate solutions to meet designated project goals.
• Review and approve project invoices, pay applications, purchase orders, contracts, and change orders related to assigned projects.
• Inspect work in progress and at the completion of a construction/renovation project; ensure adherence to contracts, specifications, and all Federal, State, and local building codes and safety standards. Conduct final inspections and acceptance of the completed project and assure all deficiencies in construction are duly corrected.
• Review design documents and contracts of outside architectural/engineering construction firms and other construction documents for compliance with University standards, University initiatives, Board of Trustees' Board Rule 415 requirements, UAH Campus Master Plan, specific program goals, and local and State regulations.
• Develop and integrate graphics, wayfinding, and signage for the University.

Supervision and Strategic Leadership:
• Provide project-specific status reports, Board of Trustees submittals, and UAH Administration Executive Summaries containing budget, funding, schedules, and scope requirements. Provide information to Director, PDC and CFO to present capital projects to the UA System Board of Trustees/Physical Properties Committee.
• Develop immediate and long-range building/physical plant needs and requirements via facility conditions assessments and construction or modification in coordination with the Annual Capital Consolidated Projects and Facilities Report (ACCPFR).
• Provide strategic and technical guidance to the CFO, the senior administrative staff, and the UA System Board of Trustees to ensure appropriate development of the physical campus to support the academic mission of the University.
• Maintain correspondence, telephone, and personal contact with state and local officials for purposes of swift and orderly review of information submitted for approval. Advise staff on appropriate information for state review and direct preparation of correspondence and forms for state review/approval. Conduct final review of drawing, specifications, and estimates for all capital outlay project development.
• Develop capital program financial forecasts and budget assessments to support UA System Board of Trustees' ACCPFR, and approved project Resolutions.
• Provide regular and consistent project reports and updates (and tours as requested) during construction activity.
• Provides oversight and supervision to the professional project management staff in PDC ensuring effective execution of departmental responsibilities.
• Assists the Director of PDC on departmental staffing needs, including the recruitment and hiring qualified applicants, supervising staff, training personnel to meet department and University Standards and Procedures, assigning projects based on individual capabilities, setting performance goals, and evaluating performance.
• Direct project managers and represent the University relative to capital projects customer/client relations as assigned by Director of PDC and CFO.
• Lead a team that develops and updates the University's Campus Master Plan.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or similar construction-related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in planning, design, or project management of large capital projects.
• This employee will be a regular driver as defined in the UAH Vehicle Safety Management Program, which includes, but is not limited to, possessing a valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable MVR in the judgment of the University’s insurance company.
• Extensive working knowledge of PC-based computer systems including report writing and systems administration.
• Expertise in CAD, REVIT, BIM, and/or similar design, planning, and construction software tools.
• Ability to read and understand specifications, blueprints, and drawings relating to all types of construction and equipment.
• Ability to negotiate and influence others and to create & maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally. Ability to control, supervise, and monitor the performance of contractors and contracted engineers/ architects.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize own workload to meet conflicting demands, budgets, and deadlines.
• Ability to make public presentations on planning issues.

• Master’s degree in architecture, business, or public administration is preferred.
• University experience is desired.
• Member of the American Institute of Architects and other professional organizations is preferred.
• Evidence of regular continuing education is desired.
• Procore Project Management Software Certification is preferred.
• Space planning and management software experience is desired.
• Facilities asset and maintenance management software experience is preferred.
• Registered Architect by an approved State Board for Registration of Architects is desired.

$115,000 - $120,000