Associate, Architect
SS&L Architects combines the opportunities of a growing regional firm with the culture and accessibility of a close-knit team. With more than four dozen professionals across six offices, we design impactful projects throughout the Southeast, including public safety facilities, higher education campuses, military installations, parks and recreation complexes, civic buildings, and other developments.
About the role
This position is ideal for architects who have moved beyond production-focused responsibilities and are ready to take ownership of projects and contribute to the continued growth of the firm. As an Associate, you'll serve as a key leader within project teams while developing the skills necessary for future senior leadership opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Lead architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
- Coordinate project teams, consultants, and client stakeholders.
- Prepare and manage project schedules, staffing plans, and fee proposals.
- Oversee construction administration activities and support successful project outcomes.
- Maintain project quality, schedule performance, and budget objectives.
- Mentor and support team development by teaching and reinforcing SS&L's culture, standards, and operational processes.
- Create opportunities for less experienced staff to learn and grow.
- Share technical knowledge, project management skills, and lessons learned from project experience.
- Build client relationships by participating in project interviews, client meetings, industry events, and community engagement.
- Support business development efforts through relationship building and exceptional client service.
- Help identify opportunities for future work with existing and prospective clients.
- Participate in quality control reviews and uphold the firm's commitment to design excellence.
- Assist with recruiting efforts and candidate evaluations.
- Support ongoing improvements to firm processes and project delivery standards.
- Manage project financial performance, including invoicing, consultant payments, and contract administration.
- Work closely with Principals and Senior Associates to ensure projects remain financially successful.
- Understand the relationship between project performance, client satisfaction, and firm success.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
- Architectural licensure preferred.
- 5-8 years of professional architectural experience.
- Experience leading projects through multiple phases of design and construction.
- Strong understanding of project management, consultant coordination, construction administration, and client communication.
- Demonstrated leadership potential and a desire to mentor others.
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
Benefits
We are committed to rewarding our team’s hard work and talent. Our benefits package is designed to support and enhance our team’s well-being and work-life balance.
- Highly competitive hourly pay structure with overtime (beyond 40 hours) earned at 1.5x hourly rate.
- Generous bonuses.
- Medical & Dental Insurance.
- Disability & Gap Insurance.
- 5% Profit Sharing for 401k.
- Relocation reimbursement.
- Gym membership discount.
- 15 days paid time off per year, accrued annually.
- 8 paid holidays per year.
- Unused PTO rolls over annually.
Why SS&L Architects?
- Nationally Recognized Workplace: Ranked #1 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in America for two consecutive years (2025 & 2026). Consistently named one of Alabama's Best Companies to Work For.
- Diverse Project Portfolio: Work on meaningful projects across multiple markets, including:
- Higher Education
- Civic & Municipal
- State Government Agencies
- Military
- Public Safety
- Parks & Recreation
- Commercial & Office
- Career Growth: Clear path for advancement and leadership opportunities, firm-wide mentoring, and professional development. Opportunities to influence strategic decisions and company direction.
- Collaborative Culture: At SS&L, you'll know the people making decisions. We invest in our employees, support professional growth, and create an environment where talented architects can build long-term careers.