Project Architect

Otak is looking for a creative motivated and highly collaborative Project Architect to join our Architecture Studio in our Denver CO or Portland OR office.

Join our dynamic Architecture studio and play a leading role in shaping projects that strengthen communities and elevate the built environment. As a key member of our team you will guide the design and delivery of multifamily housing mixed-use developments commercial spaces and community-focused projects through every phase of design and construction. Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals clients consultants and agency partners to transform ideas into thoughtful enduring places that balance design excellence sustainability and technical rigor.

You will contribute to a culture of collaboration innovation and shared purpose by bringing leadership creativity and mentorship to project this role you will lead project documentation coordinate across disciplines navigate design and jurisdictional review processes and support the growth of emerging professionals. Your expertise will help ensure projects are delivered on schedule aligned with client goals and responsive to the communities they serve.

At Otak we create places that strengthen communities and enrich everyday life. Our architects urban designers planners engineers and construction management professionals work together to deliver thoughtful sustainable solutions. Our design philosophy is grounded in todays needs while anticipating the opportunities of tomorrow. For more than 40 years our multidisciplinary approach has helped clients transform ideas into projects that create lasting value for the people and communities they serve.

How Youll Contribute:

• Lead the planning design technical development and delivery of a wide range of project types including multifamily housing mixed-use developments commercial buildings and community-focused facilities.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop thoughtful high-performing design solutions that balance client goals budget schedule constructability and long-term value.
• Support the development of project work plans staffing strategies and team assignments in collaboration with Project Managers and Studio Leadership.
• Lead the development coordination and quality control of BIM models construction documents specifications and technical details. Coordinate architectural systems with structural civil and MEP consultants and manage jurisdictional review permitting and agency coordination throughout project development.
• Apply strong building code knowledge and technical expertise to resolve complex design and construction challenges.
• Develop architectural details with a particular focus on building envelope performance constructability durability and sustainability.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews to ensure document quality consistency and compliance with project requirements.
• Communicate project status design intent and technical solutions clearly and effectively to clients consultants contractors and agency reviewers.
• Conduct site observations and field verification and support construction administration by reviewing submittals shop drawings RFIs and material samples.
• Mentor and support architects designers and technical staff fostering a collaborative environment focused on professional growth innovation and continuous improvement.
• Participate in client presentations project interviews proposal development and other business development activities that contribute to the growth of the practice.
• Champion sustainable and performance-based design strategies that enhance the human experience and create lasting value for communities.

The Strengths You Bring:

• Bachelors degree in Architecture required; Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible architectural experience. Public-sector multifamily housing mixed-use or renovation project experience is preferred.
• Professional Architectural Registration required.
• Experience leading projects through all phases of design documentation and construction administration including managing project teams coordinating consultant efforts developing work plans managing team workloads and supporting schedule and budget objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and apply building accessibility life safety and zoning codes throughout project development.
• Experience with specification coordination construction detailing and building envelope design.
• Strong understanding of building materials assemblies and construction systems.
• Working knowledge of structural and MEP systems sufficient to effectively coordinate interdisciplinary design efforts.
• Advanced proficiency with Revit and BIM workflows and proficiency with Bluebeam Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Creative Suite and Deltek.
• Self-motivated professional with the ability to independently manage priorities take initiative and drive projects forward with limited direction.
• Strong verbal written organizational and client-facing communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AutoCAD SketchUp Enscape or other visualization and modeling tools is a plus.
• LEED accreditation CDT certification or demonstrated experience integrating sustainable design strategies is a plus.
• Experience working with jurisdictions in Oregon Washington California and Colorado is desirable.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience qualifications and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $85000 - $115000 per year

Benefits

At our core we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage youre at in your career we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life help support your family and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical dental vision life and disability insurance HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak

Were not just looking for skills and experience having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak you arent just joining a firm youre joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However we dont just believe in cultivating our own community; were also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us so were committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus were expanding and were dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

At Otak we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive equitable and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment fuel innovation and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination harassment and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued included and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local laws.

All employment decisions including those related to recruitment hiring training promotion compensation benefits and termination are based on business needs job requirements and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust dignity and respect forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities including pregnant employees to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace please contact Otaks People Services Department at .

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!