Senior Architect

Senior Design Professional – Zoo & Aquarium Division

This is an exciting opportunity to join TESSERE at a pivotal moment of growth within our Zoo & Aquarium Division. TESSERE is an established, design-driven firm with a proven track record of delivering innovative, high-quality zoological and aquarium environments that thoughtfully integrate animal welfare, guest experience, and operational excellence. Our work goes beyond traditional architecture — we create immersive animal habitats and meaningful visitor experiences that inspire stewardship, learning, and connection.

TESSERE’s Zoo & Aquarium Division is powered by passion-driven thought leaders, including architects and planners with firsthand experience in AZA-accredited organizations, bringing deep understanding of animal care, operations, and conservation directly into the design process. This role offers a rare opportunity to help grow and shape a high-performing team, providing senior architectural leadership, mentorship, and design vision as the division continues to expand its project portfolio and industry presence.

At TESSERE, zoo and aquarium design is about far more than buildings alone. It is about creating thoughtful environments that serve animals, institutions, and communities — today and for generations to come. This position is ideal for a respected industry leader motivated by collaboration, mentorship, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both people and place.

Responsibilities

Lead conceptual, schematic, and design development phases for zoo and aquarium projects.Develop immersive, naturalistic, and educational environments integrating architecture, landscape, exhibits, and interpretive storytelling.Collaborate with animal care professionals, curators, veterinarians, and educators to translate animal and operational needs into design solutions.Serve as the design authority within the Zoo & Aquarium Division, ensuring consistency of design intent across all project phases.Provide design guidance and mentorship to remote/hybrid staff including Project Architects and designers within the division.Review design deliverables at key milestones to ensure alignment with division standards and project goals.Partner with Project Managers to coordinate design scope, deliverables, and schedules while not owning project billing or financial administration.Support coordination with engineering disciplines and specialty consultants including exhibit, life support, habitat, and landscape teams.Participate in client meetings, design presentations, and proposal efforts specific to the Zoo & Aquarium Division.Support construction administration activities as needed to clarify and protect design intent.Business development leadership including leading proposal development and management of client relationships. Examples of job responsibilities are not intended to be all inclusive. TESSERE reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of zoo, aquarium, and experiential design practices.Strong understanding of animal welfare, habitat planning, and visitor experience design.Knowledge of building materials, methods, constructability, and durability considerations for zoological environments.Working knowledge of applicable building, life safety, and accessibility codes.Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills.Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.Ability to manage multiple priorities and support multiple project teams within the division.Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb steps or ladders, and tolerate airborne environmental nuisances associated with construction sites.Ability to visually survey, measure, and assess project sites and work under construction.Ability to develop an Opinion of Probable Cost (OPC) at the Master Plan or concept phase for zoo and aquarium projects of different size, scale and complexities.Required Experience and Credentials

Licensed Architect in at least one U.S. state.15 or more years of professional architectural experience including design authority.Demonstrated senior-level experience with zoo, aquarium, or complex experiential environments.Strong design portfolio reflecting leadership in concept and design development.Proficiency with Revit and Microsoft Office tools.Experience with design visualization and presentation tools preferred.LEED credentials, NCARB certification, and multi-state experience preferred.Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.Experienced in remote/hybrid team leadership and mentorship.