Job Description
Job Description
Project Architect – Healthcare Specialist
Locations: Des Moines, IA (preferred) | Cedar Rapids, IA | Madison, WI
Healthcare Practice Team | Licensed Architect
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Project Architect with deep healthcare expertise to join a growing, highly collaborative healthcare practice. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful healthcare projects, mentor a close-knit team, and play a visible role in shaping client relationships and long-term growth.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a Project Architect who wants real ownership—from planning and design through construction—and the freedom to chart their own course while being supported by a strong mentor and healthcare-focused team.
What You’ll Do
As a Healthcare Project Architect, you will have full responsibility for managing multiple projects of varying size and complexity, serving as the primary client contact while leading internal and consultant teams.
Project & Client Leadership
- Lead healthcare projects from planning and design through construction administration
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from smaller ambulatory facilities to complex institutional healthcare environments
- Serve as the primary client liaison, owning scope, schedule, budget, and communication
- Prepare strategic “plans of attack” to set projects up for success from day one
- Estimate fees, define scopes of work, and support proposal and contract development
Healthcare Design Expertise
- Lead the design and execution of hospitals, medical office buildings, outpatient facilities, and specialized care environments
- Collaborate with clients, clinicians, and stakeholders to understand workflows and user needs
- Ensure full compliance with healthcare codes and regulations, including FGI Guidelines, ADA, and applicable building codes
- Develop patient-centered, efficient, and compliant design solutions
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and mentor a healthcare-focused team of approximately six professionals
- Foster a culture where every team member is valued and supported
- Work closely with engineers, consultants, and contractors to integrate building systems
- Participate in client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings
- Support the growth and development of junior staff through hands-on mentorship
What Success Looks Like
- Confidently stepping into active healthcare projects and building immediate client trust
- Delivering projects on time, on budget, and with high technical quality
- Establishing yourself as a go-to healthcare leader and mentor within the firm
- Building strong client relationships that lead to repeat work and long-term partnerships
- Expanding your influence in planning, business development, and client strategy over time
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
- Active Architectural License
- 10+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years leading healthcare projects
- Proven experience with hospitals, medical office buildings, surgical centers, or similar healthcare facilities
- Strong proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and related design tools
- Deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, including FGI, ADA, and LEED
- Excellent client leadership, communication, and presentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple complex projects
Preferred Traits
- Collaborative, humble leadership style with strong mentoring instincts
- Organized, decisive, and confident in client-facing situations
- Passion for healthcare design and improving patient outcomes
- Interest in expanding influence into planning, client development, and long-term practice growth
- Experience with sustainable and evidence-based design strategies
Why This Role
- Highly respected healthcare practice with a strong regional presence
- Close-knit team where each person’s contribution matters
- Supportive leadership focused on mentorship and professional growth
- Flexibility and autonomy—not a corporate environment
- Opportunity to shape your career path, client relationships, and future business development
- Work on impactful healthcare projects that truly serve communities
If you’re a Healthcare Project Architect looking for meaningful work, strong mentorship, and the freedom to lead—this is a rare opportunity to step into a role with both stability and upside.