Project Architect Jobs for OPT Students
Project Architect jobs on OPT require strong design portfolio work and demonstrated project management experience. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT, supporting STEM OPT extension eligibility for architecture graduates. Firms actively sponsor H-1B visas for licensed or license-track architects, making this one of the stronger visa pathways in the built environment.
See All Project Architect JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 464+ Project Architect jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 464+ Project Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsFull-Time
Location: Salt Lake City
Overview
NWL Architects is an innovative design firm with expertise in a variety of building types, including educational, government, religious, commercial, and industrial facilities. We are committed to a process of excellence in design and construction and believe the built environment should express the fundamental values and aspirations of the communities we serve. Our desire is to enrich and strengthen these values through thoughtful design.
NWL Architects is currently seeking to fill an immediate position for a full-time Project Architect with 3-5+ years of experience. We are seeking individuals with strong leadership skills to design and deliver exceptional projects for our clients. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to solve problems creatively. Works closely with other designers and team members to positively impact projects firm-wide. Supports the firm’s values by personally influencing client service, consultant interaction, innovation, and open communication.
Responsibilities
- Contribute as a designer on projects, developing conceptual design, presentations, and construction documents
- Guides and directs project teams to manage the development of design throughout the entire design and construction documents process
- Participates in design efforts and client presentations to develop and support client relationships
- Develop creative design concepts for projects and also work to implement designs by others
- Participate in the development of graphic presentations, 3D rendering, and construction documentation to convey design intent
- Delivery of complete project design presentations to client user groups or others
- Coordinates with consultants, contractors, fabricators, regulatory agencies, and others to meet overall project objectives. Responsible for the management of project details with consulting design or engineering firms
- Works with respective teams to manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination
- Conduct product research and make materials and systems evaluations to make proper selections
- Collaborate in team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues, and coordination with other disciplines
- Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
- Assist in delivering projects within defined budget requirements and maintaining accountability to project plans
Qualifications
- Accredited professional degree in Architecture
- Architectural licensure preferred
- Typically, 3-5+ years of experience
- Proficiency in Revit. Autodesk Construction Cloud experience preferred
- Proficiency in other software such as MS Office, AutoCAD, Photoshop, or other graphic software preferred
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Knowledge of architectural building systems, applicable codes and regulations
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner both verbally and in writing
To apply, please email your resume to: resumes@nwlarchitects.com
Full-Time
Location: Salt Lake City
Overview
NWL Architects is an innovative design firm with expertise in a variety of building types, including educational, government, religious, commercial, and industrial facilities. We are committed to a process of excellence in design and construction and believe the built environment should express the fundamental values and aspirations of the communities we serve. Our desire is to enrich and strengthen these values through thoughtful design.
NWL Architects is currently seeking to fill an immediate position for a full-time Project Architect with 3-5+ years of experience. We are seeking individuals with strong leadership skills to design and deliver exceptional projects for our clients. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to solve problems creatively. Works closely with other designers and team members to positively impact projects firm-wide. Supports the firm’s values by personally influencing client service, consultant interaction, innovation, and open communication.
Responsibilities
- Contribute as a designer on projects, developing conceptual design, presentations, and construction documents
- Guides and directs project teams to manage the development of design throughout the entire design and construction documents process
- Participates in design efforts and client presentations to develop and support client relationships
- Develop creative design concepts for projects and also work to implement designs by others
- Participate in the development of graphic presentations, 3D rendering, and construction documentation to convey design intent
- Delivery of complete project design presentations to client user groups or others
- Coordinates with consultants, contractors, fabricators, regulatory agencies, and others to meet overall project objectives. Responsible for the management of project details with consulting design or engineering firms
- Works with respective teams to manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination
- Conduct product research and make materials and systems evaluations to make proper selections
- Collaborate in team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues, and coordination with other disciplines
- Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
- Assist in delivering projects within defined budget requirements and maintaining accountability to project plans
Qualifications
- Accredited professional degree in Architecture
- Architectural licensure preferred
- Typically, 3-5+ years of experience
- Proficiency in Revit. Autodesk Construction Cloud experience preferred
- Proficiency in other software such as MS Office, AutoCAD, Photoshop, or other graphic software preferred
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Knowledge of architectural building systems, applicable codes and regulations
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner both verbally and in writing
To apply, please email your resume to: resumes@nwlarchitects.com
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Project Architect
Target firms with a history of H-1B sponsorship
Architecture firms that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to do it again. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify a firm's sponsorship history before investing time in their application process.
Get your ARE progress on your resume
Firms evaluating OPT candidates want to see a clear path to licensure. List the divisions you've passed and your target completion timeline. It signals long-term commitment and makes sponsorship feel like a lower-risk investment.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Project Architect roles involve long project cycles. Hiring managers need to know how much time you have on OPT and whether STEM extension applies. Addressing this early prevents late-stage surprises that kill offers.
Prioritize mid-size firms over large studios
Mid-size architecture firms often sponsor more readily than large corporate studios with rigid HR policies. They move faster, give OPT candidates real project ownership sooner, and are more willing to invest in retaining strong performers.
Lead with your software and delivery skills
Revit proficiency, BIM coordination experience, and construction documents expertise are the skills that make Project Architect candidates immediately billable. Firms weigh sponsorship costs against your ability to contribute from day one.
Project Architect jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Project Architect JobsSee all 464+ Project Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Project Architect on F-1 OPT without being a licensed architect?
Yes. The Project Architect title does not require an active license in most states during OPT. Firms commonly hire unlicensed candidates who are in the ARE process and supervise their work under a licensed principal. Your architecture degree is what establishes OPT eligibility, not your licensure status.
Does a Project Architect role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Architecture programs accredited by NAAB are classified under CIP code 04.0201, which is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree is from a qualifying program, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
What type of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Project Architects?
Mid-size and large architecture firms, multidisciplinary design studios, real estate developers with in-house design teams, and construction management firms with integrated architecture practices all sponsor H-1B visas for Project Architects. To find firms actively hiring OPT candidates in this role, browse Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on visa-sponsoring employers.
How does the Project Architect role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
A specialty occupation requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field as a minimum entry requirement for the role. Architecture clearly meets this standard, and USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for architecture positions. Your employer will need a certified Labor Condition Application and must demonstrate the role requires at minimum a bachelor's in architecture or a related field.
What happens to my OPT authorization if the firm delays my H-1B filing?
If your employer misses the April H-1B lottery registration window, you cannot be selected for that fiscal year. If your OPT expires before the following October 1 start date, you'll need to either have a valid STEM OPT extension bridging the gap or leave the country. Confirming the filing plan before accepting an offer is essential.
See which Project Architect employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Project Architect Jobs