New Frameworks, a worker-owned cooperative design and construction company based in northern Vermont, is hiring a Lead Architect to add to our team. We are a busy, fun, egalitarian-yet-structured, creative, kind, and mission-driven group of people working together towards the goal of developing ecological and social climate justice and regeneration practices in the building and design trades. Our ideal candidate has at least 5 years in design/architecture with direct experience in guiding the clients through the design process to realize their visions, as well as setting up and managing the project internally with the team. An interest in building science, life-cycle analysis, low-energy design, and climate justice is a must. If you’ve been looking for a way to use your architectural skills to advance climate change response through the built environment; advance the use of natural, local, and plant-based materials through your work; and be an integral part of an equitable, intersectional feminist workplace with a strong team culture, we welcome you! This position is based out of our design office in Montpelier, Vermont. $60,500-$65,000 annually for full time, dependent on experience; plus paid time off, benefits, education, and profit sharing. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, portfolio samples and 3 references via Indeed. People of color, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people from poor and working-class backgrounds, queer people, and women are encouraged to apply. Language proficiency in languages other than English valued, and Spanish-speakers especially welcome.

We are a worker-owned cooperative so everyone who works here is also an owner. If you have a passion for:

climate change response through the built environment;
natural, local, and plant-based materials used in creative high-performance designs
an equitable, intersectional feminist workplace with a strong team culture & commitment to language justice
Strong communication, organization, and team skills to support our company running smoothly
… you are the right person to apply for this position!

People of color, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people from poor and working-class backgrounds, queer people, and women are encouraged to apply. Language proficiency in languages other than English valued, and Spanish-speakers especially welcome.

Details below, we look forward to meeting you!

the New Frameworks Team

Position responsibilities include: Lead Architect

• Lead design process with clients, including development of Owner's Project Requirements and management of client decision-making content and process in coordination with the Design Project Manager (DPM)
• Ensure that projects develop and meet clear sustainability goals
• Manage the production of all design deliverables including Pre-Design, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Drawings, and Construction Administration
• Manage all permitting and code compliance
• Manage all work flow, hours tracking, and deadlines for project design production
• Hold or oversee all design disciplines for each project including mechanical and structural designs, whether in-house or through consultants
• Work with the DPM to ensure the design is on time, on budget, and in line with the client’s design goals
• Oversee training and adherence to all State, Federal, and Local codes and any design standards specified by project
• Produce plans using Layout, SketchUp, Revit in coordination with Architectural Technicians
• Stay on top of emerging technologies, materials and systems through research and development with projects and networking
• Create Design Action Reports for projects, cataloguing outstanding decisions and decisions made
• Advance appropriate materials, technologies, and systems into design production
• Project Management during Design & Planning
• Maintains and adheres to project schedule
• Development and maintenance of Project Plans for each project, including synchronization between project schedule, contract fees, and staff work plans; analyze cost tracking reports to ensure proper execution of Project Plan and keep accountable to schedule and fee basis to ensure profitability of projects
• Participate in client meetings discussing project budget, design fee, and schedule, and to manage DAR, as required by project size
• Manage project budget development and tracking through use of Project Plan
• Facilitate estimating process with Project Manager and Estimating Team

We are looking for:

• Architectural Licensure
• 5+ yrs work experience in a design or architecture office
• Experience in leading commercial projects
• Knowledge of and experience in building & energy codes and ensuring design compliance
• 2 years experience as Design Lead working directly with clients
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Skilled with information management - documentation, organization & transparent team & client communications
• Demonstrated successful production management in regards to a budget: creating and maintaining project plans within a diverse team environment
• Familiarity with managing design certifications such as Living Building Challenge, Passive House, etc.
• High Proficiency with designing in Revit, as well as competency in Formit or Sketchup; Familiarity with Google Business Suite
• Preferred experience in the following: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, BlueBeam, Dynamo, energy modeling software (PHPP, Ladybug suite, eQuest)
• Experience in high performance and regenerative design such as Passive House and International Living Futures Institute programs
• Eager to work with NFW design philosophy in support of our company’s mission
• Fluent in detailing and strategy for air-tight super-insulated assemblies
• Fluent in structural and mechanical design and able to work with engineers to facilitate integration
• Familiar with bio based materials and non toxic finishes; able to incorporate into detailing
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Skilled with information management - documentation, organization & transparent team & client communications
• Experience with managing an integrated design process
• Has demonstrated successful production management in regards to a budget; creating and maintaining project plans within a diverse team environment
• Positive and inclusive attitude to build strong relationships both within and outside the company
• Familiarity with managing for design certifications such as Living Building Challenge, Passive House, etc.
• Prior knowledge and understanding of building element specifications (e.g. windows & doors, air-tight detailing, sustainable product selection)
• Reliable transportation for necessary site visits
• A strong commitment to ecological design principles such as biophilic design, climate justice, and building science
• Interest in supporting the realization of designs that utilize natural and plant-based materials
• Language proficiency in languages other than English a plus; Spanish proficiency preferred

Please provide: write to info@newframeworks.com

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Portfolio samples
• 3 references

Compensation:

• $60,500-$65,000 annually full time, depending on experience, plus paid time off, benefits, education, and profit sharing.
• Position has a 3 month trial period with review to ensure a good mutual fit.
• After the 3 month trial, vision and dental insurance provided, 100% paid by company.
• Profit sharing at the end of the fiscal year. Amount is based on ownership percentage.
• Workers Compensation coverage (standard).
• 80 hrs paid time off plus 32 hours holiday pay.
• $200/year pp for personal tool or tech allowance.
• Reduced cost cell phone plans available on company AT&T plan, deducted from member’s paycheck.
• Paid trainings, conferences & classes - min value $200 pp/per year; actual value determined on as-needed basis. Full coverage based on first come first serve basis until budget line is tapped for the year.
• Paid membership to professional associations with conference, networking, and professional development opportunities: NESEA, BEBL, others.
• Subscriptions to Fine Homebuilding, BuildingGreen online suite, and other trade publications.
• Internal paid company trainings.
• Shared company meals at All Company Meetings and gatherings.
• New Frameworks swag.
• Bragging rights that you are a co-owner of the coolest and dorkiest company in the Northeast!