Lead Professional, Architecture

WSP is seeking a Lead Professional, Architecture to join our growing Transportation Architecture team in Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC. This hybrid role requires 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

About the Role

This role provides high-level technical expertise and leadership for architectural planning, design, restoration, and construction projects across the public and private sectors. The successful candidate is a technically strong architect who thrives in dynamic environments, adapts quickly to evolving project needs, and approaches challenges with a collaborative and solutions-focused mindset. You will partner closely with leadership, multidisciplinary teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver innovative, functional, and sustainable design solutions while helping shape project outcomes through thoughtful execution, sound judgment, and practical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the delivery of architectural projects from planning and concept development through design, construction, and project closeout.
• Prepare and oversee detailed design drawings, specifications, construction documents, schedules, cost estimates, renderings, and project presentations for complex building and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with owners, clients, consultants, regulatory agencies, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement design solutions.
• Navigate complex project challenges and changing priorities while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and project momentum.
• Conduct site investigations, field reviews, assessments, research, and inspections to evaluate existing conditions and ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Develop innovative and sustainable architectural solutions that support safety, functionality, resiliency, and long-term project performance.
• Manage design development efforts, project budgets, schedules, resource planning, and technical documentation across multiple concurrent projects.
• Coordinate and review project deliverables, ensuring QA/QC standards are maintained and work products meet WSP and industry requirements.
• Identify project risks early and proactively develop practical solutions and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, studies, presentations, visualizations, and other documentation to communicate recommendations, findings, and project outcomes.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, architects, and other technical professionals to resolve design and delivery challenges.
• Support proposal development, client engagement, and business development activities.
• Remain current on industry trends, emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and architectural design methodologies.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making and maintain adherence to WSP's Code of Conduct and safety culture.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education architectural experience.
• Professional architectural licensure required.
• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to complex architectural projects through planning, design, and construction phases.
• Highly proficient in architectural principles, practices, building systems, design processes, and construction administration.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, regulations, permitting requirements, and industry standards.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing project deliverables, schedules, and budgets.
• Strong creative, visualization, design, and technical drawing skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and other industry-standard design software.
• Well-developed analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing leadership and guidance to junior team members.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety, quality, and professional excellence.
• Ability to travel occasionally as project needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Architecture.
• NCARB certification.
• Experience with transportation, public infrastructure, transit, aviation, or civic architecture projects.
• PMP certification or project management experience.
• Experience with sustainable design and green building principles.

Work Environment

This is a high-ownership, collaborative environment where initiative, accountability, and partnership are highly valued. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence project direction and design outcomes.
• Lead complex architectural efforts while collaborating across disciplines.
• Solve challenging technical and project delivery issues.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and project teams.
• Grow professionally through meaningful responsibility and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive, forward-looking team culture grounded in accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Employees are afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors, and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.