Job Details

Reporting to the Development Manager, the Architect prepares, reviews and measures the accuracy of construction documents and Request for Proposals (RFP) against design intent and code compliance; ensures the integrity of design, as envisioned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), through the administration of construction management resources and contractors. In addition, the Architect assists in PHA's goal of achieving excellence in property management and development of affordable housing that supports balanced communities and to maximize the use of technology to improve efficiency.

The ideal candidate will be able to construct clear diagrams using AutoCAD. This candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of all steps related to project completion and diligently communicate with necessary people to ensure timely execution. This candidate should also be able to conduct quality assurance checks on a frequent basis in order to ensure regulations are being followed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides preliminary designs, (hand drawn or computer aided) for in-house executed renovations and modifications to existing or new structures and spaces.
• Reviews existing housing portfolio and provides detailed analysis of structures, to include viability, construction modification costs and neighborhood block studies.
• Reviews schematic and construction drawings and documents for compliance with the scope of work, building codes, accessibility, HUD, PHA, FHA, and other governmental agency requirements.
• Prepares punch-list of items that are not in compliance with RFP and code requirements; ensures punch-list items are corrected by the construction management contractor.
• Attends job meetings to provide quality assurance and administration of construction problems to eliminate contractual and construction management errors.
• Corresponds with code officials to verify, clarify or confirm code compliance issues and permit approvals. Researches and provides solutions for code compliance deficiencies.
• Provides reports to assist the development department in assessing new existing and saleable housing units.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of architecture and construction management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree with major course work in Architecture, Engineering or a related field; AND two (2) or more years construction experience; Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred

Possession of a Master's degree inArchitecture, Engineering or a related field and experience in public housing or another State or Federal agency is preferred.

Required Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of architectural engineering.
• Federal, State and City code regulations governing commercial and residential construction/rehabilitation and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act accessibility requirements.
• Preparation, and understanding of architectural drawings, construction techniques and processes including detail as it relates to housing, light commercial and senior housing.
• Methods, procedures, and standards for maintaining architectural and construction management records.
• Principles and practices of management, organization and administration.
• General office practices and equipment.
• Standard computer software applications.

Required Skill in:

• Overseeing and coordinating work flow of multiple sites and construction contractors
• Ensuring compliance with regulations governing construction engineering and rehabilitation operations.
• Reading writing and understanding architectural drawings.
• Design to incorporate OSHA regulations as pertaining to construction and public housing sites.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, PHA departments, employee groups, management, and the general public.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires possession of a valid Drivers License.
• NCARB Certified Licensure or Licensure in the Commonwealth.