Architect

Under direction, performs responsible, professional architectural and/or engineering project control on a variety of construction, modification or maintenance projects and studies for City buildings; reviews and analyzes architectural and engineering work of consulting firms; provides architectural and/or engineering design and related services; performs related work as assigned.

Assistant Architect is the entry-level class of this professional series, capable of performing administrative and technical work in the field but not licensed and, therefore, unable to perform the full range of professional duties. This class is alternately staffed with Architect, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after successfully passing a one-year probationary period, gaining an additional one-year of experience and the appropriate registration and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher class. Architect is the professional-level class of the series, registered as an Architect in the State of California and fully qualified to perform the full range of architectural functions. Assignments are normally carried out with a minimum of supervision and require the development of projects from schematic drawings through final acceptance of construction and the warranty period. It is distinguished from the civil engineering classes by the architectural nature of the assigned projects

1. Manages and administers building modification or maintenance contracts for City buildings from project definition and requests for proposal through construction phase and warranty period. 
2.  Confers with City departments in developing project requirements, schematic drawings and preliminary cost estimates on projects to be used in establishing guidelines for contract architects and engineers.
3. Provides advice and technical assistance to City management, staff, private consultants and contractors, and others as necessary for design, renovation, alteration and repair of varied facilities.
4. Implements design programs; prepares plans, details, structural calculations, cost estimates and specifications for building construction and alterations.
5. Consults with structural, mechanical and electrical engineers as required during the preparation of plans and specifications.
6. Determines project space and program requirements; develops architectural solutions to these requirements for review by supervisors, the using department, and outside contractors.
7. Prepares detailed design drawings and specifications of alterations, new buildings and miscellaneous construction projects for construction and bidding purposes; prepares general layout and perspective drawings to illustrate proposed projects.
8. Reviews, checks and reports on proposals, drawings and specifications prepared by contract architects; reviews bids and recommends award of contracts.
9. Reviews and recommends change orders and progress payments on construction projects; maintains project administration files.
10. Inspects or reviews work under construction to ensure that new construction and alteration work complies with plans, specifications and codes; reviews and checks for accuracy the progress reports submitted by contractors. 
11. Prepares a variety of written correspondence, including cost estimates, dies and comprehensive reports related to City building facilities. 
12. Represents the City in meetings with elected officials, governmental or private sector organizations and citizens groups.

Knowledge of: •

• Principles and practices of architecture, including architectural details and standards;
• Principles and practices of mechanical, electrical and structural engineering as applied to architectural design and construction; 
• Applicable federal, state and local codes, ordinances and regulations; 
• Principles and practices of contract administration and project management;
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration

• Planning and organizing building design programs; Analyzing complex architectural design and construction problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations; • Defining projects, preparing requests for proposal, evaluating proposals and negotiating terms, and managing and administering contracts after award; • Preparing renderings, architectural designs and specifications; • Preparing complete, concise and accurate correspondence and reports; • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work; • Representing the City in meetings with individuals and groups. Other Requirements: Must possess a valid California driver’s license. Registration as a professional architect is required for the Architect class. A typical way of gaining the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Assistant Architect: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in architect or architectural engineering. Architect: In addition to the above, two additional years of professional-level experience in an architectural design capacity.
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