Architect Job Description: Qualifications and Responsibilities

How to Write an Architect Job Description

Hiring a visionary designer with practical know-how starts with a strong Architect Job Description. Architects shape not only buildings but the environments we live and work in—so clarity around creative expectations, regulatory responsibilities, and technical skill sets is essential. Whether you’re staffing for a residential project, commercial development, or urban design team, your job description needs to attract professionals who combine artistic innovation with code compliance and construction expertise.

What is an Architect / What does an Architect do?

An Architect plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings and other physical structures. From conceptual sketches to detailed blueprints and final site inspections, architects ensure that projects are both visually compelling and structurally sound. They collaborate with engineers, contractors, clients, and local authorities to ensure that designs meet aesthetic goals, budget constraints, and zoning laws.

The Importance of a Good Architect Job Description

A strong Architect Job Description provides your recruitment process with several key advantages:

• Attracts candidates with the right balance of creativity and technical skill
• Clarifies licensing requirements and project types
• Improves applicant quality by outlining exact responsibilities and expectations
• Aligns stakeholders across HR, leadership, and project management

Given the competitive nature of architecture roles, clarity and precision in your job description help your firm stand out to top-tier design professionals.

Architect Job Description Template

Overview of the Role and the Team

As an Architect, you’ll lead the planning and design of structures that balance aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance. You’ll work across design phases—from conceptual development through construction documentation—and collaborate with clients, engineers, and local authorities. This role plays a vital part in shaping built environments that are innovative, sustainable, and responsive to human needs.

Education & Training

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; completion of an accredited architecture program

Preferred

• : Master’s degree in Architecture; state licensure as a Registered Architect (RA) or eligibility for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE); certifications in LEED, Revit, or sustainable design

Responsibilities and Duties

In this role, you’ll take on a mix of design, planning, and coordination tasks. On any given project, your work might involve:

• Creating sketches, plans, or detailed blueprints depending on the phase of development
• Visiting sites to assess feasibility and gather measurements or regulatory info
• Supporting projects from early concept through construction and final inspections
• Working closely with engineers, consultants, and builders to keep plans on track
• Making sure your designs follow local codes, zoning rules, and sustainability goals

Skills Requirements

Technical Skills

• Comfortable using design software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, or SketchUp
• Solid understanding of building materials, construction methods, and code compliance
• Some hands-on experience with BIM models or producing technical drawing sets

People & Process Skills

• Clear communicator who’s confident presenting design ideas to teams or clients
• Creative thinker with a good eye for both aesthetics and practical design
• Able to juggle multiple tasks and collaborate across teams without losing track of details

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Familiarity with LEED or WELL standards is a plus
• Worked on sustainable projects or adaptive reuse designs
• Been involved in community engagement, public meetings, or permit processes

Architect Salary & Benefits

Architect pay can vary a lot depending on your location, experience, and whether you’re licensed. That said, most salaries tend to land between $80,000 and $105,000 per year. If you’re based in a larger city or work in commercial development, the number could be higher.

As for benefits, here’s what many firms offer:

• Health, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with matching or other retirement support
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Reimbursement for licensing exams, renewals, or classes
• Flexibility to work remotely during the design or documentation phases

Tailoring Your Architect Job Description

Depending on your firm's focus, you can tailor your Architect Job Description to attract specialists in areas such as:

• Residential Architect – Designs custom homes and multi-family housing projects
• Commercial Architect – Focuses on office, retail, and industrial developments
• Urban Designer – Plans neighborhoods, public spaces, and city infrastructure
• Sustainable Architect – Specializes in green building and energy-efficient design
• Project Architect – Oversees technical drawing production and construction coordination

Seniority levels to consider:

• Junior Architect: 0–2 years, supports drafting and design documentation
• Intermediate Architect: 2–5 years, independently leads design packages and coordinates with consultants
• Senior Architect / Design Lead: 5+ years, manages client relationships, design teams, and overall project strategy

Using Litespace for Your Resume Screening

Litespace’s AI Resume Screener helps you efficiently identify the best Architect candidates by customizing filters for design software, licensure status, portfolio experience, and sustainability credentials. Instead of spending hours on manual reviews, you get a ranked shortlist of top-tier candidates based on transparent, data-driven metrics.

Litespace also minimizes unconscious bias and streamlines collaboration between hiring teams—making your recruiting process faster, fairer, and more focused.