Architectural staff technical architect / construction specialist

Do you love Construction Administration?

Are you interested in working with a design firm dedicated to social justice?

ABOUT JOY SQUARED DESIGN

Website:

Joy Squared Design is a different type of architecture firm. Created through the merger of Joy Street Design and The Narrow Gate; we are a growing, dynamic, 18-person firm based in Boston’s South End neighborhood. We are a mission-driven firm and care deeply about the impact our work has in our communities—as represented by our tagline: Architecture for the Common Good. We are a WBE, and our workplace promotes a supportive, small-firm culture that values creativity and mentorship. Our clients include non-profits and other community-based organizations serving the marginalized in our communities, small businesses, homeowners, and neighborhood-based developers. Our projects include multi-family housing, mixed-use developments, and commercial interiors. We are committed to delivering high-quality design and maximizing sustainability and social justice in our office and for our projects.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We seek an architect with 15+ years experience, excited about working in a supportive environment, and who values thoughtful collaboration in pursuit of Architecture for the Common Good . Our ideal candidate would have strong design, technical, and project management skills, including substantial construction administration experience.

We are looking for a qualified candidate who is ready to lead a variety of multi-family and mixed-use projects within our open and collaborative office. A desire to learn from and mentor others is a must. A positive, can-do attitude and a great sense of humor will help you succeed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overall leadership in project design, guiding the development of planning and creative design concepts across a wide range of complex project types.
• Apply extensive knowledge of building construction and systems to develop details, oversee technical excellence, and ensure the highest quality in design development and construction documents.
• Lead and oversee all aspects of construction administration, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, leading site visits, and ensuring that design intent is fully realized during construction.
• Direct, mentor, and inspire project teams; foster professional growth and uphold office standards of quality and collaboration.
• Partner with Principals to structure project agreements, establish scopes of work, prepare accurate fee proposals, manage consultant coordination, and oversee project staffing strategies.
• Serve as the trusted primary client contact, cultivating long-term relationships while ensuring the delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to the highest professional standard.
• Strategically manage client budgets, schedules, and programs, while overseeing clear, consistent project communications and documentation across all phases.
• Exercise seasoned professional judgment, creativity, and foresight in resolving complex architectural and construction challenges.
• Represent the firm as a senior leader in client meetings, public presentations, and with regulatory agencies, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for design excellence and technical rigor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• NAAB Accredited Architecture Degree (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• Licensure is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in professional architectural office environments.
• Expertise with building codes, specifications, building and engineering systems.
• Versatile computer skills: Revit, AutoCAD, and/or ArchiCAD experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills.

BENEFITS

We offer a competitive benefits package to all employees.

• Hybrid office environment after 3 months of employment
• Stipend to offset costs of individual health insurance premiums for medical, dental, and vision (ICHRA)
• 11 paid holidays
• 14 days of PTO; increasing annually at work anniversaries
• Support for professional development and licensure fees
• 401(k) + Matching

Location:

The office is located in Boston’s South End neighborhood. Most staff work in the office, and a hybrid work schedule is an option after 90 days of employment.

Hours:

Full time, 40 hours per week

To apply:

We are looking to hire immediately. Interested applicants please send a portfolio in pdf format, resume and letter of interest to the attention of Trea LaRaia at [email protected] and reference “Joy Squared CA Staff.” The total file size of submitted materials should not exceed 10mb.

Joy Squared is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position and we afford equal opportunity to all applicants and employees for all positions without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.

No phone calls, please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02118