City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

City Architect

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and manages business activities related to architectural, urban and sustainability planning for the City of Austin Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

1. Manages and oversees architectural project management for CIP projects to ensure City architectural requirements, initiatives, and standards are incorporated into municipal project design and construction.
2. Creates, implements, and maintains design guidelines and space planning standards for municipal architectural projects to ensure adherence to defined industry best practices and standards as well as local and federal guidelines and regulations.
3. Provides expert technical advice and assistance to resolve design and design change issues to project engineers, project managers, City management, field personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.
4. Conducts architectural and sustainability review of CIP projects in accordance with established Public Works Quality Assurance policies and protocols.
5. Plans, oversees, and monitors budget preparation and adherence.
6. Oversees the review and selection of external contractors or consultants and may assign to City projects or programs based upon appropriate areas of expertise.
7. Oversees implementation of Council Resolutions for sustainability requirements for all City architectural projects.
8. Facilitates the incorporation of safety, health, sustainability, maintainability, the arts, local history and cultural identities in City projects.
9. Serves as liaison on behalf of the Public Works Department to community and neighborhood groups, public entities, professional organizations, boards, commissions, committees, City Council, and other City departments.
10. Affixes seal of approval onto construction documents to ensure readiness for regulatory approval, permiting, and construction.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.  

Knowledge of theoretical and practical architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design, construction, and construction management or imporvement of buildings.
Knowledge of building construction, building materials, and building trades.
Knowledge of construction project management methods, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of urban design, city planning principles, and landscape design.
Knowledge of capital improvement programs.
Knowledge of sustainable design strategies and LEED rating system. 
Skilled in supervising and planning the work of others.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Skilled in analyzing comprehensive architectural design specifications and documents.
Skilled in prioritizing multiple assignments, projects, and business needs.
Skilled in implementing Project Management Standards as developed by Project Management Institute.
Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, and drawings.
Ability to observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
Ability to communicate in both verbal and written formats to a variety of audiences.
Ability to develop cost estimates.

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university; plus (10) ten years of experience as a Registered Architect, (3) three years of which were in a supervisory or management capacity.

Must be a Registered Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.