Project Architect Jobs in South Carolina

About the job

At GBA Architecture, we believe great design has the power to transform communities and improve people's lives. Our vision is to create environmentally sustainable designs that elevate the human spirit, and our core values center on community service and adding value beyond standard architectural services.

Founded in 1981, GBA has grown from its roots in resort and residential work on Kiawah Island into an eleven-person, full-service firm offering master planning, architectural design, interior design, and building envelope services across K-12 and higher education, hospitality, municipal, government, commercial retail, restaurants, automotive, and mixed-use work. Our studio sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, a city where the built environment matters to everyone who lives here. That raises the bar on every drawing we produce, and it is exactly why our people stay.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Project Architect / Project Manager who wants to own projects end to end: shaping the design, standing behind the technical decisions, leading the team, and carrying the client relationship from first sketch through final punch list. If you want to run the job rather than a slice of it, this is that seat — leading multiple concurrent projects, mentoring emerging professionals, and having a direct hand in how this firm grows over the next decade.

What You'll Do

Lead the Project

• Manage all phases of multiple small-to-large projects — programming and schematic design through construction administration and closeout.

• Serve as the primary client liaison, bringing scope, schedule, and budget to completion and to the client's satisfaction.

• Coordinate the full project effort — administrative and technical — including consultant coordination, project communications, documentation, and team assignments.

• Own project cost control and monitor fee-versus-effort against the approved scope, tracking phase-level time in Monograph, our practice management platform.

Own the Design and the Details

• Make the major design decisions — spatial organization, aesthetic direction, and material detailing.

• Supervise the preparation of contract documents and check them for accuracy, coordination, and constructability, incorporating applicable codes, construction techniques, and sequencing across all disciplines.

• Perform building code and zoning reviews, prepare permit applications, and carry projects through BAR and design review approvals.

• Provide high-level production supervision on complex work, and write feasibility studies, existing-condition reports, and recommendations.

Stand Behind It in the Field

• Perform and supervise site observations, recording and reporting existing conditions and construction progress.

• Resolve issues and RFIs during construction and support review of submittals, pay applications, and change orders, in coordination with our Construction Administrator and the A/E team.

Grow the Practice

• Estimate fees, define scope, and prepare proposals under principal review.

• Communicate with clients, officials, and contractors; make public presentations when the project calls for it; and exercise professional judgment in matters carrying contractual and professional liability.

• Mentor architectural designers and emerging professionals pursuing AXP hours and ARE 5.0.

What You Bring

Required

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch, M.Arch, or BS Arch with a path to licensure).

• Seven or more years in architectural practice, including full-cycle project delivery and substantial construction-phase experience.

• Current registration as an Architect in South Carolina, or eligibility for reciprocal registration (NCARB certificate preferred) within one year of hire.

• Advanced Revit proficiency, Bluebeam Revu, and the Microsoft suite.

• Working command of building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility standards, and construction materials and assemblies — with a real understanding of how materials come together. Your work samples should show it.

• Excellent written and verbal communication; the presence to lead a client meeting and an OAC call. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally to project sites — two hours is our furthest drive.

Preferred

• Experience in two or more of our sectors, and with historic properties, BAR submittals, or public procurement.

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and visualization tools (Twinmotion).

• Specification writing

Not Licensed Yet?

We still want to talk. Strong candidates actively testing under ARE 5.0 will be considered for a Project Manager title, with a defined path and firm support to the Project Architect role upon South Carolina registration.

Why GBA

A studio where a project architect actually leads the project — no layers between you and the client. Full-time employees are eligible for the following:

• Half-day Fridays. 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m.–noon on Friday, with flexible start times between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m.

• Medical, dental, and vision — GBA pays 90% of the employee-only premium on all three plans, effective the first of the month following 30 days.

• 401k — GBA contributes at least 3% of eligible compensation whether or not you contribute

• Paid time off, paid holidays, and a separate 5-day annual sick leave bank. PTO accrues per pay period, steps up with tenure, and is paid out at separation. Paid parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, with GBA continuing its share of health premiums throughout.

• Licensure and exam support — 100% of your biennial South Carolina registration renewal, 50% of AIA dues and NCARB record renewal, one paid exam day per scheduled ARE attempt, and reimbursement of one attempt per ARE division upon completing all divisions and SC registration.

• Continuing education — 8 paid work hours annually, plus firm-hosted AIA CES lunch-and-learns carrying HSW credit at no cost to you.

• Free Parking with access to King Street

How to Apply

Send your resume and a portfolio (PDF, 10 MB maximum) showing work you personally led — including at least one set of construction details and one built project — to office@gba-arch.com with “Project Architect” in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; portfolio links to a personal site are welcome. Employment is subject to a 90-day introductory period, and any offer is contingent on E-Verify work authorization and a background check including employment, education, and license verification.

Join our team and help us create a better, more beautiful world through the power of design.

GBA Architecture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including the South Carolina Human Affairs Law. Employment with GBA Architecture is at will.