Senior Architect - Data Centers
$115,000–$160,000 year
RemoteUnited States
Job Summary
Lead architectural design and planning for complex data center projects, from conceptual master planning through construction administration within an integrated design-build delivery framework. Provide technical leadership to internal teams, ensuring coordinated construction documents meet stringent client performance specifications and industry standards. Guide seamless integration of architectural design with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, security, and network systems while interpreting and applying relevant codes including IBC, NFPA, and ADA/ABA. Conduct peer reviews, quality assurance checks, and constructability analyses, and interpret code intent in specialized scenarios such as battery energy storage systems and high-density data halls. Mentor junior architects, present design concepts to clients and regulatory agencies, and maintain architectural standards and Revit templates. Travel to regional project sites for field observations and site visits.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program
- Active Registered Architect (RA) license in good standing within the U.S., with ability to obtain reciprocity as needed
- 10+ years of architectural experience, with a strong and demonstrated focus on data center, mission-critical, or technically complex industrial facilities, including hyperscale and/or colocation projects
- Proven leadership in managing and guiding internal design teams through all project phases, from conceptual master planning and programming through construction administration within a design-build delivery model
- Deep understanding of building systems, envelope design, structural coordination, and mission-critical MEP systems, with the ability to orchestrate complex technical requirements across all disciplines in close collaboration with engineering teams
- Expertise in interpreting and applying IBC, IFC, IMC, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 101, NFPA 110, and ADA/ABA codes and standards across data center occupancy types
- Proficiency with Revit and BIM workflows
- Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical and design concepts to diverse audiences including hyperscale clients, colocation operators, consultants, agency reviewers, and community stakeholders
- A portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, code-compliant, and technically rigorous design solutions for data center or mission-critical facilities
- Experience participating in activities such as, client interviews, proposal preparation, and relationship cultivation with hyperscale end-users, colocation providers, or data center developers
Desired Qualifications
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, and other industry-standard tools
- Working knowledge of sustainable design principles as they apply to data center environments; familiarity with LEED or Green Globes certification for data centers and understanding of power usage effectiveness and water usage effectiveness metrics
- Demonstrated experience with the design and detailing of high-performance building envelopes, vapor barriers, security-rated assemblies, and systems integration for technically demanding mission-critical environments
- Deep familiarity with hyperscale client design standards, typical project delivery structures, and speed-to-market philosophies
- Experience with master planning of data center campuses, including phased deployment strategies, site utility infrastructure coordination, and building typology standardization
- Understanding of physical security design principles for data centers, including crash-rated barriers, secure vestibules, access control integration, and CPTED strategies
- Knowledge of emerging technologies in data center environments, including liquid cooling, immersion cooling, fuel cells, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and modular data hall construction
- Demonstrated success working within an integrated design-build project delivery environment on large-scale, fast-track projects
- Experience navigating entitlement and permitting processes for mission-critical facilities across multiple jurisdictions
- NCARB certification and ability to pursue architectural registration in multiple states
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