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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as project Architect, carrying out professional responsibility for creating architectural and sustainable designs embodied in construction and rehabilitation projects of the Office of Capital Programs.

All activities must support the District of Columbia Housing Authority's (“DCHA” or “Authority’s”) strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Capital Programs (OCP).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepares detailed plans, drawings, specifications and cost estimates as required; provides professional expertise and responsibility for the outcome of architectural designs embodied in all rehabilitation and new construction work for the Office of Capital Programs; while ensuring  integrity, quality, economy and reliability Articulates information through various venues such as discussions, meetings, reports, design documentation, briefings, and presentations;
• Conducts site surveys and verifies various dimensions; interprets preliminary design drawings and data from site visit into plans and designs;
• Provides technical analysis and feasibility recommendations on rehabilitation projects and new construction projects;  inspects completed construction projects to ensure architectural components are built and installed in compliance with contract provisions, specifications, and approved shop drawings;
• Reviews and evaluates plans and specifications submitted by consultants to determine adequacy and scope of work;
• Determines and executes architect selection process; prepares contracts for architectural services and administers contracts upon their execution;
• Reviews plans and specifications by consultants for conformance with design and planning requirements of the District of Columbia Building Codes and/or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rehabilitation Standards; 
• Develops necessary HUD reports regarding sustainability plans; ensures timely approval of required reports by the Director of the Office of Capital Programs;
• Represents the Office of Capital Programs/ in agency meetings as well as in meetings with District of Columbia Government departments/agencies and HUD  on ADA, sustainability and architectural projects and related matters;
• Assures accuracy and completeness of bid documents;
• Provides technical assistance and professional guidance to other staff members on appropriateness of work and the accuracy of cost estimates;
• Produces architectural plans and specifications for projects developed by OCP;
• Provides the Director and/or Deputy Director with  sustainability architectural advice;
• Meets with consultants to inform them of the Office of Capital Programs’ policies, operating methods, equipment performance requirements, maintenance requirements, fabrication requirements, and purchasing source requirements (i.e., Made in America requirements);
• Prepares and processes technical reports and papers relative to architectural matters;
• Coordinates with, and integrates the work with professional engineers and other architects in design concepts and plans;
• Provides information to the other organizational entities explaining specific architectural issues and clarifying plans;
• Meets with top management officials to present findings, explain the significance of conclusions, justify recommendations; and answer questions on Architecture and Sustainable Design Program;
• Analyzes and resolves complex, precedent-setting problems, keeping supervisor informed of the disposition of each situation; participates in and performs a variety of technical processes, including bid document preparation, bid phase consultation and coordination, bid evaluation, award of contracts, change order processing and consultation monitoring and closeout
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and implements special projects designed to inform interested parties of architectural and sustainable policies and procedures, but not limited to seminars, conferences, workshops, short courses, public events and other programs related to sustainability;
• Assists DCHA in defining goals, performance metrics and long range plans for sustainability; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness, documents performance and recommends and implements modifications to improve program effectiveness;
• Encourages and facilitates sustainable programs initiated by residents, commissioners and staff;
• Conducts reviews and evaluations of assigned topics of a technical, administrative or program nature; drafts statistical or narrative reports for use as reference material by higher level staff members at meetings and conferences;
• Prepares correspondence, technical and status reports, etc., to keep management informed of the progress of the Architectural Projects;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in architecture; and a minimum of five (5) years of experience working in multifamily housing or construction management, including preparing detailed drawings, specifications and cost estimates; or other equivalent combination of education and experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted.

 Incumbent must be a Licensed/Registered Architect.

Due to field responsibility, incumbent must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit; and be insurable in accordance with the Authority’s Fleet Management and Procedures Manual.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, drug and alcohol testing, verification of academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, and/or verification of work history. 

This position has been designated by the department to require a drug and alcohol screening and background check.  Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and will be required to consent to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment.

Vaccination Requirement: The District of Columbia Housing Authority values the safety of our employees, our residents, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for a position, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to the HR representative you have been connecting with. All new employees must provide proof of vaccination before starting work with the District of Columbia Housing Authority.