Lead Architect/ Architectural Designer

About the Role

WSP, an award-winning and innovative multi-disciplinary firm, is currently looking for an Lead Architect / Architectural Designer to join our Buildings AE team at our Portland, Maine office location. As part of our growing organization committed to solving complex challenges and exceeding client expectations, you will provide technical expertise and guidance throughout all phases of project development. This includes due diligence, planning, concept design, and the implementation of functional and sustainable building solutions for both public and private sector projects.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with project visualization and contributing to the preparation of design proposals, drawings, specifications, budgets, and construction documents.
• Producing clear and accurate documentation—such as blueprints, renderings, and technical specifications—related to materials, installation methods, feasibility, and construction technologies.
• Leading in developing and scoping medium- to large-sized building projects, including preparing architectural drawings and visualizations.
• Collecting and analyzing site data, surveys, maps, and environmental information to support design and construction planning.
• Conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions to ensure compliance with design standards and permitting requirements.
• Contributing to concept development and design strategies that prioritize safety, functionality, and future-ready solutions.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support construction layout, material selection, cost estimation, and project scheduling.
• Preparing technical documentation, including reports, renderings, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations for design interpretation and presentation.
• Maintaining quality control standards for measurements, documentation, and design accuracy.
• Supporting feasibility studies and risk assessments related to design and construction challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, or closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience in the learned discipline.
• Licensed or licensure in progress in ME.
• Knowledge of architectural principles, practices, process, and the application to project work-related issues.
• Familiarity with building planning, drawing standards, design, and construction management; including restorative and new design.
• Competent creative, visualization, and technical drawing skills.
• Familiarity with process and concepts for sustainability, green building design, and reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances/greenhouse gas.
• Highly familiar with relevant building and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, technology, math principles, graphics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e. AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior design experience.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected Salary (all locations): $102,000 - $151,800.