Senior Architect / Project Lead

About S9 Architecture

S9 Architecture is a 55+ person design practice grounded in modern contextualism—believing that architecture must engage its cultural, social, and environmental surroundings with intelligence and care. Our work spans a broad range of project types throughout New York City and across North America, including multifamily residential (100% affordable, market-rate rental, and luxury condominium), mixed-use developments, office and workplace design, adaptive reuse and repositioning, and cultural and institutional projects.

We are an open studio that encourages conversation, curiosity, and shared growth. Design direction is led collaboratively by our leadership but evolves through meaningful input and disciplined contributions from all levels. We value teaching, mentorship, and supportive critique, and we operate as a meritocracy where thoughtful ideas and strong performance are recognized.

At our core, we believe architecture carries a profound responsibility to improve neighborhoods and enhance the daily lives of the people who live in, work in, and use our buildings. Many of our projects have been recognized for design excellence and for enriching the human experience.

We work in person, side by side, because design is a dialogue—and the studio is our shared classroom, workshop, and laboratory.

SENIOR ARCHITECT / PROJECT LEAD

New York City (In-Studio)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Architect / Project Lead to guide large, complex projects from concept to completion. You will provide design leadership, steward the project narrative, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across all phases. You will mentor emerging designers, help shape technical decisions, and represent S9 with clients, agencies, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design development, documentation, and coordination for major mixed-use, residential, and commercial projects (50,000 SF–1M+ SF).
• Guide internal teams and ensure clarity and consistency in deliverables.
• Coordinate structural, MEP, façade, interiors, landscape, and specialty consultants.
• Represent the firm in client, stakeholder, and agency meetings.
• Mentor team members; foster learning, critique, and growth.
• Oversee zoning, coordination, and construction administration.
• Contribute to firm-wide learning and studio culture.

Qualifications

• 10+ years delivering complex urban or mixed-use projects.
• Strong Revit proficiency; Rhino/Enscape a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Licensure preferred or in progress.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. 

What We Offer

• Salary range $110K–$145K
• Comprehensive health, vision, dental
• 401(k) + employer match
• Licensure support and continuing education
• A collaborative in-studio culture with direct access to leadership
• Opportunities for meaningful growth

Why Join Us

• Lead projects with real community and urban impact
• Shape design direction while mentoring the next generation
• Work in an engaged open studio where dialogue fuels design
• Contribute to mission-driven, award-winning work

To Apply: Please submit a resume and portfolio of work demonstrating and documenting independent work.  Submissions without a work sample will not be reviewed.

S9 Architecture is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.