Project Architect

Otak is looking for a creative, motivated, and highly collaborative Project Architect to join our Architecture Studio in our Denver, CO or Portland, OR office.

Join our dynamic Architecture studio and play a leading role in shaping projects that strengthen communities and elevate the built environment. As a key member of our team, you will guide the design and delivery of multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, commercial spaces, and community-focused projects through every phase of design and construction. Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals, clients, consultants, and agency partners to transform ideas into thoughtful, enduring places that balance design excellence, sustainability, and technical rigor.

You will contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose by bringing leadership, creativity, and mentorship to project teams. In this role, you will lead project documentation, coordinate across disciplines, navigate design and jurisdictional review processes, and support the growth of emerging professionals. Your expertise will help ensure projects are delivered on schedule, aligned with client goals, and responsive to the communities they serve.

At Otak, we create places that strengthen communities and enrich everyday life. Our architects, urban designers, planners, engineers, and construction management professionals work together to deliver thoughtful, sustainable solutions. Our design philosophy is grounded in today's needs while anticipating the opportunities of tomorrow. For more than 40 years, our multidisciplinary approach has helped clients transform ideas into projects that create lasting value for the people and communities they serve.

How You'll Contribute:

• Lead the planning, design, technical development, and delivery of a wide range of project types, including multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, commercial buildings, and community-focused facilities.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop thoughtful, high-performing design solutions that balance client goals, budget, schedule, constructability, and long-term value.
• Support the development of project work plans, staffing strategies, and team assignments in collaboration with Project Managers and Studio Leadership.
• Lead the development, coordination, and quality control of BIM models, construction documents, specifications, and technical details. Coordinate architectural systems with structural, civil, and MEP consultants, and manage jurisdictional review, permitting, and agency coordination throughout project development.
• Apply strong building code knowledge and technical expertise to resolve complex design and construction challenges.
• Develop architectural details with a particular focus on building envelope performance, constructability, durability, and sustainability.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews to ensure document quality, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
• Communicate project status, design intent, and technical solutions clearly and effectively to clients, consultants, contractors, and agency reviewers.
• Conduct site observations and field verification, and support construction administration by reviewing submittals, shop drawings, RFIs, and material samples.
• Mentor and support architects, designers, and technical staff, fostering a collaborative environment focused on professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in client presentations, project interviews, proposal development, and other business development activities that contribute to the growth of the practice.
• Champion sustainable and performance-based design strategies that enhance the human experience and create lasting value for communities.

The Strengths You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible architectural experience. Public-sector, multifamily housing, mixed-use, or renovation project experience is preferred.
• Professional Architectural Registration required.
• Experience leading projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction administration, including managing project teams, coordinating consultant efforts, developing work plans, managing team workloads, and supporting schedule and budget objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and apply building, accessibility, life safety, and zoning codes throughout project development.
• Experience with specification coordination, construction detailing, and building envelope design.
• Strong understanding of building materials, assemblies, and construction systems.
• Working knowledge of structural and MEP systems sufficient to effectively coordinate interdisciplinary design efforts.
• Advanced proficiency with Revit and BIM workflows, and proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Deltek.
• Self-motivated professional with the ability to independently manage priorities, take initiative, and drive projects forward with limited direction.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and client-facing communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, or other visualization and modeling tools is a plus.
• LEED accreditation, CDT certification, or demonstrated experience integrating sustainable design strategies is a plus.
• Experience working with jurisdictions in Oregon, Washington, California, and Colorado is desirable.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000 per year

Benefits

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firm — you’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding — and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

All employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak’s People Services Department at

GRPHumanResources@otak.com

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!