Senior Associate, Architect

SS&L Architects is seeking a Senior Associate Architect to join our team in Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, Auburn, Dothan, or Pensacola. Named the #1 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in America in 2026, 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.

About the role

This position is more than a traditional Project Manager role. As a Senior Associate, you'll lead complex projects, mentor emerging professionals, help strengthen firm operations, contribute to business development efforts, and play an active role in shaping the future of SS&L Architects.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
• Direct project teams, consultants, and client stakeholders.
• Develop project schedules and fee management strategies.
• Maintain design quality while delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
• Guide construction administration efforts and support successful project outcomes.
• Provide day-to-day coaching and professional development for architects and designers.
• Share technical expertise, project management best practices, and firm standards.
• Help cultivate the next generation of project leaders.
• Participate in operational discussions involving technology, staffing, facilities, and process improvements.
• Support quality control initiatives and promote design excellence across project teams.
• Assist with recruiting efforts, candidate evaluations, and onboarding of new team members.
• Represent the firm at client meetings, industry events, interviews, and community functions.
• Help identify new opportunities and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Support marketing and business development initiatives that contribute to firm growth.
• Monitor project budgets, billing, and contract performance.
• Ensure projects remain financially successful while maintaining client satisfaction.
• Understand how project decisions impact overall firm performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
• Architectural licensure preferred.
• 8+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Proven experience leading projects through all phases of design and construction.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, scheduling, consultant coordination, and construction administration.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop less experienced team members.
• Desire to contribute beyond project work and help drive the success of the firm.

Benefits

• Highly Competitive Hourly Pay Structure
• 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 in 2025 & 2026. Consistently named one of Alabama's Best Companies to Work For.
• Diverse Project Portfolio: Work on meaningful projects across multiple markets:
  • Higher Education
  • Civic & Municipal
  • State Government Agencies
  • Military
  • Public Safety
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Commercial & Office
• Career Growth: 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 believe in investing in our employees, supporting professional growth, and creating an environment where talented architects can build long-term careers.