Lead Project Architect

About SHP

At SHP, we design more than just buildings; we create experiences that inspire people to learn, work, and connect. With a legacy spanning over 120 years, SHP is a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm dedicated to shaping environments that positively impact communities and improve lives.

Our work is driven by purpose, fueled by curiosity, and built on collaboration. From visionary schools and innovative workplaces to civic and cultural spaces, we approach every project with creativity, technical excellence, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture that values individuals as much as processes. At SHP, you’ll find a supportive team that champions your growth, encourages innovative thinking, and celebrates your contributions. Whether you’re designing, engineering, managing, or supporting our projects, your work will matter, and so will you.

Join us in shaping what’s next.

The Opportunity

As a Lead Project Architect at SHP, you'll spearhead the architectural process from programming through construction, contributing your deep technical expertise and mentorship across multiple public and private sector projects, including libraries, civic spaces, and community-driven developments. This role provides an opportunity to develop a niche within the firm and become a go-to resource for complex systems, materials, or project types.

Your role will involve enhancing design precision, optimizing quality assurance practices, and ensuring that our construction documentation minimizes downstream challenges, leading to successful builds. You'll collaborate closely with project teams, consultants, and clients, bringing accuracy, clarity, and leadership to every phase of the work.

This position is ideal for an experienced architect who enjoys balancing multiple priorities, mentoring others, and engaging with the broader profession through community boards and AIA involvement. If you aim to deepen your impact and help shape SHP's architectural standards and future leaders, we would love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, typically 3-5, based on size and complexity. Oversee the complete architectural process from initial programming through construction administration. Mentor project architects and emerging professionals through technical coaching, delegation, and constructive feedback. Provide advanced technical knowledge in the development of construction documents for various building types and systems, including masonry and steel structures. Act as a technical leader in sectors such as libraries, public buildings, and institutional projects. Influence firmwide QA/QC standards and lead team sessions on specialized topics tied to your expertise. Manage and coordinate work across multidisciplinary consultant teams, ensuring design intent is upheld while resolving issues early. Stay active in the professional community through participation in boards, committees, or AIA chapters. Foster a collaborative design process from day one, ensuring clarity, consistency, and communication throughout every phase. Key Requirements

Education & Credentials

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture required. Architectural licensure required. LEED accreditation or familiarity with sustainable design practices is a plus. Experience

Proven experience managing architectural projects from schematic design to construction administration. Demonstrated depth in public and private markets, with strong knowledge of civic, cultural, or library work. Experience with diverse building systems and materials, including complex structural types. Strong history of delivering precise, buildable construction documents with minimal corrections. Active involvement in professional or civic boards (e.g., zoning, non-profits, AIA committees) preferred. Technical Expertise

Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam. Familiarity with AI-based design tools and emerging technologies is a plus. Understanding of code, permitting, and consultant coordination best practices. Leadership & Collaboration

Ability to lead and support diverse project teams and mentor junior staff. Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize strategically. Collaborative spirit, committed to solving problems and delivering high-quality work. Communication

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable leading client meetings, consultant coordination efforts, and internal technical reviews. Location & Travel Expectations

This role is based in one of our office locations—Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; or Greensboro, NC—and is ideal for candidates who thrive in a highly collaborative, in-person environment. Being onsite allows for deeper daily engagement with peers and project teams, faster decision-making, and organic moments of creativity and mentorship that arise from shared spaces.

Moreover, many of our significant opportunities—both client-facing and internal—occur outside the office. Travel is integral to how we build relationships, gather insights from the communities we design for, and bring our ideas to life alongside clients and partners. Whether it’s participating in discovery sessions, facilitating workshops, or understanding a project’s context on-site, travel enables us to show up where it matters.

Candidates for this role should be willing and able to travel as needed, often with short notice, to support firmwide priorities, strengthen client connections, and expand their impact across various markets. We see this flexibility as a path to increase visibility, build trust, and access hands-on experiences that fuel career growth.

SHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.