Architect

Job Title: Architect Design and Production (Public Sector Focus) Job Description
This role is ideal for a talented, enthusiastic, and technically proficient architect who enjoys both design and production work in a collaborative, dynamic environment. You will lead and deliver projects across a diverse portfolio that includes housing, K-12 schools, higher education facilities, public and governmental buildings, community buildings, athletic facilities, and interior projects. The position combines hands-on design and documentation with project management responsibilities, offering strong opportunities for growth into senior leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design process for assigned projects, serving as the primary design contact for the project team.
- Coordinate and guide all project team members to meet project goals, design objectives, and schedules.
- Supervise the production of design and contract documents, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.
- Apply effective project management techniques to ensure successful outcomes for both the firm and its clients.
- Establish, manage, and monitor project budgets to support profitability and efficient use of resources.
- Oversee and review the performance of the design team, providing feedback, mentorship, and support as needed.
- Interface with and manage relationships with design consultants, owner representatives, public officials, and review authorities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Assist with and participate in quality assurance reviews of project documents to maintain high standards of design and technical quality.
- Use Revit and other design tools to produce, coordinate, and manage construction document packages, with a strong focus on production work.
- Take projects from initial concept through completion, demonstrating a thorough understanding of how buildings are assembled and detailed.
- Prepare and deliver effective presentations and lead project meetings with clients and stakeholders.
- Communicate clearly and consistently in a small office environment, contributing to a positive, team-oriented culture.
- Collaborate on public sector, K-12, commercial, healthcare, public works, educational, retail, and ground-up architectural projects as needed.
- Provide architectural drawings and full construction document (CD) sets and present samples of work when requested.
Essential Skills
- 57 years of architectural experience, with a strong background in public sector projects.
- Proficiency in Revit Architecture, with the ability to use it extensively for production work.
- Experience with AutoCAD Architecture for design and documentation.
- Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree, with a Bachelor of Architecture highly preferred.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe software, and other CAD and office administration programs.
- Demonstrated ability to produce and coordinate comprehensive construction document packages.
- Strong understanding of building systems and construction methods, with the ability to put a building together from concept through completion.
- High level of attention to detail and a strong work ethic, with a commitment to design quality, client service, and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate effectively, convey critical information clearly, and work within a small, collaborative office environment.
- Capability to deliver effective presentations and run project meetings with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills, team orientation, and a self-driven work ethic with the ability to meet fast-paced project demands.
- Ability and willingness to provide samples of work, including full construction document sets.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Architecture license or registration is highly desirable but not required.
- Full proficiency in AutoCAD beyond basic usage is a plus.
- LEED accreditation is a plus.
- Experience with K-12, commercial, healthcare, public works, educational, retail, and ground-up projects is highly valued.
- Experience with interior projects and athletic facilities is beneficial.
- Ability to take direction and work independently as a self-starter who takes initiative.
- Demonstrated success working within a team dynamic and contributing positively to team outcomes.
- Inventive, creative thinking with a strong design sensibility and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in a small office setting, both verbally and in writing.
- Comfort working in a rapidly growing firm with clear pathways for advancement to senior and principal-level roles.
Work Environment
The firm operates as a mid-sized architectural practice with approximately 5060 employees overall and an architectural department of about 2325 professionals. The main office is located in Mountainside, NJ, with additional offices in New York City and Boca Raton, FL. The work environment is relaxed, collegial, and highly focused on employee well-being. The standard expectation is an in-office presence five days per week and a 40-hour workweek, with remote flexibility considered and earned over time based on performance and trust. The culture emphasizes maintaining a healthy work-life balance; employees rarely work late, and work is not expected to be taken home. The firm offers flexible start times (typically between 8:009:00 a.m. with corresponding end times between 5:006:00 p.m.), regular 'Lunch & Learn' sessions every Wednesday, and a supportive environment for professional growth. Benefits include approximately 1012 days of paid time off, 810 paid holidays, annual performance reviews that support advancement, and a performance-based holiday bonus. The firm is in a phase of rapid expansion, providing significant opportunities for career progression, including potential advancement to director or principal-level roles. Dress expectations align with a professional yet relaxed office setting appropriate for client-facing architectural practice.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Union, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Union, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Union,NJ. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.