TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The Technical Director position is a senior, supervisor role for leaders with a proven track record of effective communication, innovation, and high-level design problem solving. In addition to communicating a company’s creative vision to design teams and stakeholders, a Technical Director supervises the entire design documentation process and important design and constructability decisions. As expert communicators, they keep in touch with all internal team members, consultants, and clients to ensure that everyone has the resources and knowledge needed to succeed.

Part of studio leadership, this position provides input toward for firm direction and management. The Technical Director is responsible for managing production staff regarding design intent and quality control through direct supervision:

1. ensuring design documentation is of high quality to assuage litigation

2. ensuring design documentation is thorough and complete to minimize redundant effort through construction documentation and administration

3. leading intermittent project meetings with your project teams and production staff

4. assisting project staff with design, detailing, and code related items

5. provide leadership and mentorship to train and grow studio production staff with their careers into future leadership positions

TECHICAL DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Management [implementation & mentorship]

As Director, you will be responsible for providing high-level guidance for Project Managers under your supervision. On other projects, you will be expected to serve as Project Manager.

• Specialty Detail Design

Complex design often requires non-standard details. The development of some of the details for numerous projects is a responsibility of the Technical Director, as is mentoring junior staff in development of these standard details.

• Drawing Set Review [PDR / CDR]

You will be responsible to perform / coordinate PDR [preliminary design review] / CDR [critical design review] for projects.

• Specifications [standards & project specific]

As senior leadership, this position requires the development and coordination of specs [on drawings and project manuals] for various projects.

• Design Charette Leadership & Participation

You will be asked to coordinate and participate in design charettes.

• Firm Development Strategy

You will participate in regular [Director’s Meetings] senior leadership strategy meetings in which we discuss firm performance and direction, business development and project acquisition, and project performance and staffing.

• Staff Performance Reviews

You will be responsible for writing staff performance reviews for members of the staff under your direct supervision. These happen annually around April of each year.

SENIOR ARCHITECT / STUDIO DIRECTOR

MKC Architects is seeking a highly experienced Senior Architect and Studio Director. This role involves leading the planning, design, and execution of MKC projects from concept to completion. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in K-12 school design, strong leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of building codes, accessibility requirements, and learning environment best practices. The Senior Architect/Studio Director oversees all aspects of studio operations, including team leadership, project management, and creative direction, ensuring successful project delivery and maintaining high quality standards. 

SENIOR ARCHITECT / STUDIO DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design & Project Leadership:

• Lead the design and development of MKC projects.

• Develop and present conceptual designs, detailed architectural drawings, and 3D models for review by stakeholders.

• Collaborate with all stakeholders, both internal (MKC) and external (customer and partners).

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, ADA requirements, and industry design standards.

Project Management & Coordination:

• Oversee all phases of project development, from feasibility studies and programming to construction administration.

• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.

• Manage project budgets and schedules, balancing design excellence with cost efficiency.

• Review and approve construction documents, specifications, and material selections.

• Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure design intent is met during construction.

Client & Team Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships.

• Lead design charrettes and stakeholder meetings, incorporating feedback into project development.

• Mentor junior architects and designers, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.

• Licensed Architect: (RA) required. LEED AP or WELL Accreditation is a plus.

• Experience: Minimum 8+ years of architectural experience, with a strong portfolio in K-12 school design.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and other industry-standard software.

• Knowledge: Strong understanding of educational facility planning, safety and security requirements, and sustainable design practices.

• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

The ideal candidate will be a problem-solver who has excellent communication skills and attention to detail.  This person should have experience working in an office environment, performing administrative tasks, and providing support to coworkers.

INCUMBENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily administrative operations contributing to the smooth functioning of the office.

• Manage the front desk and reception areas, serving as the first point of contact for guests, employees, job candidates, and vendors.

• Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering and directing phone calls: handling emails, and mailings, and coordinating meeting-room calendars, create social media posts.

• Keep the office clean, stocked, and organized, especially the kitchen, conference rooms, storage rooms, and communal areas.

• Order office supplies, stock supplies, and ensure equipment is operable.

• Provide support for staff members as needed.

PRoject Manager

This position is for a licensed registered architect with 7+ years professional experience with a design & technical focus responsible for significant project activities. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate comprehensive thinking and management skills for delivering public and private architectural projects. We seek a Project Manager with a Master’s or professional degree in Architecture, who is organized, can provide project delivery direction, and manage multiple projects from conception to completion. He/she is responsible to ensure the program, design, and implementation meet governing codes, regulations, and company standards.

Incumbent Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the development of design teams, both internal and external

• Team with architects and engineers delivering on all phases of architectural projects

• Confidently interact with clients

• Use current software platforms (Revit) to develop contract documents

• Creativity desired - passion a must.

PRoject designer

This is a position for a designer who will be exposed to a variety of projects including institutional [university, library, museum, K-12], student housing, and other commercial projects. The successful candidate will be a thinker/doer/manager, charged with thinking creatively, while undertaking tasks associated with the full range of architectural project delivery, from conceptual design through construction. He/she will assist to in the production of programming documents, concept design presentations, and construction documents.

PROJECT DESIGNER Responsibilities:

• Confidently interact with other team members

• Team with architects and engineers contributing to all phases of architectural projects

• Manage multiple project tasks at any given time

• Develop concept design presentations for a variety of projects

• Use current software platforms (Revit) to develop contract documents

• Undertake more complex project delivery tasks as project requires

MKC Architects is based in Columbus, Ohio

We believe in practiced-based research, which enforces our core values that date back to Greek thinking: diálogos // poiesis // alētheia. Diálogos is manifesting reason through conversation // poiesis is the activity in making that which does not exist // alētheia is revealing truth. We achieve these goals through direct interaction with clients, which affords an altogether new approach derivative of the interaction itself. Architecture deserves a detailed study not only as an object, but also as a component participant of an exceedingly diverse place through time. Architecture, along with the humans who cohabitate it, form a larger environment distinct from mere world. Buildings are the object, the stone, brick, mortar: architecture is the place of experience within the larger social context of the environment. This is practice-based research.

WHY JOIN US?

• Opportunity to design and impact the future of where we live, learn and think.

• Collaborative, casual and dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.