Project Architect - Healthcare

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Project Architect with a deep understanding of healthcare facility design and operations. This position offers the opportunity to work on both traditional and transformative healthcare projects, striving to push the boundaries of design, efficiency, and functionality.

As a Project Architect/Designer, you will play a key role in creating healthcare spaces that support optimal patient care, effective hospital operations, and staff efficiency. You will bring your expertise in healthcare design to all stages of the project lifecycle-from conceptualization to construction-ensuring that every detail aligns with the latest industry trends, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of hospital operations, the unique features and requirements of healthcare facility design, and a commitment to achieving workflow and project management efficiency. You will be responsible for leading design initiatives, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and exceeding client expectations while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Design & Development:

• Lead and manage the design of healthcare projects, ensuring alignment with client needs, project goals, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare architectural plans, specifications, and details for healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and long-term care facilities.
• Create innovative, functional, and efficient design solutions for complex healthcare environments, considering patient care, staff workflows, and accessibility.

Client Liaison & Collaboration:

• Serve as the project's primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and contractors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Understand and incorporate client requirements and expectations into the design, maintaining clear communication on project progress, timelines, and budgets.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure designs comply with all applicable healthcare regulations, codes (e.g., HIPAA, ADA), and industry best practices, including life safety, infection control, and environmental sustainability.
• Stay current on healthcare-specific building standards, local and national healthcare regulations, and evolving healthcare trends.

Project Management:

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, overseeing all phases from concept through to construction completion.
• Coordinate and direct internal teams and external consultants, including structural, MEP, and other specialty consultants.
• Monitor project progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure the timely and successful delivery of high-quality healthcare environments.

Technical Expertise:

• Oversee technical documentation, including construction drawings, specifications, and other essential project materials.
• Review and approve submittals, RFIs, and change orders during the construction phase to ensure design intent is met and quality standards are upheld.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Integrate sustainable design principles and innovative technologies into healthcare projects to improve energy efficiency, patient experience, and environmental impact.
• Incorporate evidence-based design practices to enhance healthcare outcomes and contribute to a healing environment.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Required
• Professional Architect licensure in WI required, IL preferred (LEED AP, AIA, or equivalent preferred).
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in architectural design with a focus on healthcare facilities.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare design standards, building codes, and regulations (e.g., NFPA, FGI Guidelines, ASHE).
• Strong proficiency with architectural design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp; experience with 3D modeling and BIM is preferred.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex, multi-phase projects.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with clients, contractors, and project teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a focus on innovative and sustainable design solutions.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with healthcare renovation and expansion projects.
• Familiarity with Lean Design and Construction practices.
• Understanding the unique challenges involved in designing spaces that balance patient care, safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Physical Demands:

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb, balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Berners Schober is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.