Senior Project Architect: Science + Technology

Position Description and Responsibilities

Sr. Project Architect: Science + Technology

Primary Purpose

The Senior Project Architect: Science + Technology (S+T) is responsible for leading the design, planning, and technical execution of complex laboratory, research, and advanced manufacturing environments from concept through construction. This role serves as a technical design authority, ensuring highly coordinated, compliant, and performance-driven solutions aligned with client scientific workflows, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.

This individual partners closely with the Science + Technology Practice Leader, clients, project managers, engineers, and specialty consultants to translate scientific needs into built environments to deliver facilities that enable discovery, safety, and scalability.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
Licensed Architect (RA) required
10+ years of experience, with a significant focus on Science + Technology, laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotech, maker spaces, or biomanufacturing environments
Demonstrated experience delivering complex, infrastructure-heavy projects (e.g., labs, cleanrooms, cGMP facilities, vivaria, CLIA labs)
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., FDA, cGMP, CLIA, BSL, ISO) preferred

Skills / Qualities

Deep expertise in laboratory planning, programming, and technical design integration
Advanced understanding of MEP system coordination, including HVAC, pressurization, vibration control, and utility distribution for lab environments
Ability to translate scientific workflows and equipment needs into functional, flexible design solutions
Proven experience producing and leading highly detailed, coordinated construction document sets for complex facilities
Strong working knowledge of industry guidelines and specs (e.g.,
NIH Design Requirements Manual, ISPE Baseline Guides, BMBL Guidelines, cGMP Guidelines, BSL standards, ADA requirements)
LEED accreditation or familiarity with high-performance and sustainable lab design preferred

Responsibilities

Develop conceptual designs for new construction and renovation projects in the Science + Technology market
Collaborate with project managers to balance scope, schedule, budget, and technical complexity throughout the design process
Direct and mentor architects, designers, and consultants in the development of coordinated design solutions
Work with the Practice Leader to engage directly with clients, including researchers, lab managers, and operations teams, to validate design intent and functionality
Oversee production of high-quality construction documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational requirement
Coordinate closely with MEP engineers and specialty consultants to resolve complex system interfaces and constraints
Participate in construction administration, including submittal review, site visits, and issue resolution for technically complex systems
Facilitate coordination within a multidisciplinary project team to achieve design excellence

Professional Development, Technical Education & Training

Stay current with evolving standards in laboratory design, cGMP environments, and research infrastructure
Participate in industry organizations (e.g., ISPE, I2SL, SLAS, SEFA) and contribute to knowledge sharing
Pursue continuing education related to advanced building systems and scientific facility design

Evaluation Metrics

Demonstrates proactive problem-solving in complex technical environments
Delivers highly coordinated, error-free documentation
Effectively translates client scientific needs into successful built outcomes
Maintains strong client relationships and earns trusted advisor status
Leads through listening, collaboration, and technical mentorship
Follows through on commitments with accountability and precision
Contributes to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing across projects

Guidon Behaviors:
Guidon has established four Core Behaviors that all Team Members are expected to uphold. These expectations are clearly define and encompass the following areas:

Wash the Dishes:

Do the small stuff. This mantra has guided our behaviors since our inception when literal dishes were the responsibility of everyone in the office. Helping one another permeates all areas of our culture.

Follow-Up on Commitments

Do what you say. Keeping our word is not only important externally, but internally as well. Commitments are made to ourselves, each other, and our clients. Whether it be in professional development goals, annual firm updates, or project kick-off meetings, following through is all about maintaining a culture of accountability.

Solve Problems Proactively

Come with solutions. Identifying a problem is crucial but engaging the problem with potential solutions is even better. We tackle issues head on and take ownership – leading the charge toward a resolution.

Lead Through Listening

Listen first, talk second. This is a guiding principle in how we interact with each other and our clients. It prioritizes empathy and assumes nothing.

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