Senior Architect

Senior Architect — Data Center DevelopmentLocation: Austin TX / San Francisco CA / New York NY / Seattle WASalary: $200,000 – $250,000 per year, plus equityThe roleAn owner/developer position, not a traditional architectural practice role. You will own the architectural workstream across a multi-site, multi-state hyperscale campus portfolio — from early concept through permitting and construction completion — for one of the fastest-moving data center developers in the US.We include some of the most recognisable names in AI. The pipeline is measured in gigawatts, the timelines are aggressive, and the quality bar is high. If you have been managing external architects and navigating complex permitting across jurisdictions, this is a significant step up in scope and compensation.What you'll be doingOwn building design and architectural standards across a multi-building campus portfolio — basis of design, prototype drawing packages, master specifications, and reference designsLead masterplan and campus layout: building positioning, setbacks, service access, security zoning, and phasing logicOwn building envelope design — cladding systems, roofing assemblies, curtainwall, louvers, and penetration detailing — to FM Global requirementsDevelop space planning, door and hardware schedules, access control zoning, and security tier separations aligned to operational SLA requirementsManage external architects and engineers of record from schematic through IFC — review deliverables, enforce standards, track quality and schedule across concurrent projectsAuthor and negotiate AOR scope of work, design contracts, and owner design standardsLead permitting strategy across jurisdictions: building permits, zoning, variances, and AHJ coordinationEnsure compliance with IBC, IFC, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 855, state codes, and ADAReview submittals, RFIs, mock-ups, and material samples during construction; conduct site visits at key quality milestonesManage architectural change order scope and participate in commissioning reviewsCoordinate closeout, punchlist, and as-built documentationWhat we need from youB.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited programme7+ years of architectural experience, with at least 3 in data center or mission-critical facility designLicensed Architect — or actively pursuing licensure within 12 monthsExperience managing external architects and consultants as an owner's representative or developerSolid working knowledge of IBC, IFC, occupancy classifications, egress, and fire-rated assembly designRevit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, ProcoreAround 25% travel across US project sitesGood to haveHyperscale data center or large-scale industrial development backgroundFM Global envelope and roofing requirements and submittal processIndustrial cladding and roofing systems — attachment details, thermal movement, joint continuity, air/vapour barrier integrationExperience authoring owner-side design standards, prototype specs, or basis of design documentsACC for design issue tracking; Oracle P6 or equivalentLEED AP or sustainable envelope and energy compliance experienceCompensation and benefits$200,000 – $250,000 per year DOE, plus equityHealth, dental, and vision insuranceRetirement planGenerous PTOWorth knowingMost architectural roles in the data center space sit inside engineering consultancies or A/E firms. This one is on the owner/developer side — you set the standards rather than respond to them, you manage the AORs rather than act as one, and you have direct influence over how some of the largest data center campuses in the country get built. The scope is unusually broad for a single role and the compensation reflects that.I place across the full range of data center design, development, and construction roles. If this one isn't quite right but you work in this space, message me directly.DataCenter #Architect #HyperscaleDesign #MissionCritical #AIInfrastructure