ARCHITECT - PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES

Our client is seeking a mid-to-senior level Architect specializing in public safety design to join their Milwaukee office and lead fire station and police station projects.

ABOUT THE FIRM

Our client is an established, multidisciplinary design firm with a strong national presence and a specialized practice in public safety facilities. Following a strategic merger that expanded their public safety capabilities, they now offer one of the most robust fire and police station design teams in the country. They work with municipalities and public safety agencies nationwide, serving as trusted advisors on facility planning, design, and delivery.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This role offers the chance to lead meaningful public safety projects—fire stations and police stations that serve communities for generations. You'll work in a collaborative, team-focused environment while mentoring emerging talent and growing into a senior leadership role with business development responsibilities. This position is based in Milwaukee, WI, with project work across the region and potential nationwide exposure.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Project Leadership & Design:

Lead project development from concept through construction for fire and police station projects
Work collaboratively with committed design professionals across disciplines
Apply strong technical design and detailing skills to complex public safety facilities
Produce construction documents and coordinate technical design elements
Ensure designs meet architectural specifications, building codes, life safety codes, and ADA requirements
Oversee construction administration and field observation

Mentorship & Team Development:

Mentor entry-level architects in design, production, and technical coordination
Provide direction and guidance on design processes and document preparation
Support the professional growth of junior staff
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment

Client Relations & Business Development:

Attend project and client meetings as primary design professional
Become a trusted advisor to established public safety clients (fire chiefs, police chiefs, municipal leaders)
Supplement the sales team in developing and securing new project work
Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
Participate in proposal development and interview presentations
Manage client expectations throughout project lifecycle

Leadership & Growth:

Grow into a senior leadership role within the public safety practice
Contribute to strategic planning and practice development
Build and maintain relationships with key public safety decision-makers
Help shape the future direction of the public safety design team

WHAT YOU BRING

Required:

- 4- or 5-year degree in Architecture or related field

6-14 years of experience in a design firm
5+ years of specific experience designing Fire Stations and/or Police Stations
Strong design, construction documentation, and construction administration background
Proven record of technical design and detailing excellence
Comprehensive understanding of architectural specifications, International Building Code, life safety codes, and ADA requirements
Self-motivated with ability to solve problems independently
Comfortable working remotely as needed
Proficiency in Autodesk Revit, Bluebeam, Procore, SketchUp, and similar design/construction software
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Willingness to travel for client meetings, site visits, and industry events

Preferred:

Active architectural license
Established relationships with public safety agencies or municipalities
Experience with both fire and police station design
Track record of successful business development or client relationship management
Involvement in professional organizations related to public safety facility design

WHAT THEY OFFER

Culture & Environment:

Collaborative, team-focused culture where colleagues support each other
Flexible, hybrid work policy
Respect-based, transparent communication philosophy
Fast-paced environment with meaningful, high-impact projects
Team that genuinely has each other's backs

Career Development:

Annual career development process for every employee
Clear pathways for career mobility and advancement
Potential for company ownership
Professional development opportunities and support
Growth into senior leadership and business development roles

Project Variety:

Exciting variety of public safety projects across the country
Nationwide project and office locations
Diverse group of clients and communities served
Opportunity to make lasting impact on communities through facility design

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

You're an experienced architect with deep expertise in fire and police station design. You understand the unique operational requirements, cultural considerations, and technical complexities of public safety facilities. You've built relationships with fire chiefs, police chiefs, and municipal leaders, and you know how to translate their needs into functional, resilient facilities. You're ready to take on increasing leadership responsibility—both in project delivery and business development—while mentoring the next generation of public safety designers. You thrive in collaborative environments and want to be part of a team that's truly committed to serving communities through exceptional design.