Acela transforms physical spaces into purposeful places for human interaction and productivity. We achieve this with a team of experienced professionals thriving in a uniquely integrated work environment empowered by collaboration, passion, and advanced technology. Acela's people and operating structure combine to provide our clients with uncommon levels of responsive service, exemplary design and technical documentation, and measurable performance.

Acela is an emerging, single-source provider of architectural and engineering services including interior design; civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering; and performance-based design services. We maintain a studio-like atmosphere that encourages collaboration and process-driven design. Our multi-disciplinary team provides a diverse spectrum of design, consulting, and project management expertise to private, corporate, education, medical, civic, and governmental agencies throughout the United States.

Acela is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania but is currently in the process of opening a satellite office in or around Philadelphia. Other branch offices are located in New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. As an emerging practice, Acela seeks to further define and strengthen its brand and identity through organic growth and key strategic hires such as the one outlined below.

Position: Project Designer

Acela is seeking a Project Designer to be responsible for the development of conceptual design of all phases on one or more projects. As an integral member of the design team, the Project Designer works directly with the Director of Design to develop design and technical solutions and establish the design direction of the work. This position is for our future Philadelphia office but may require a short residency in the Allentown office depending on the date of hire. This is a highly visible role that demands exceptional design talent and awareness as well as a high level of responsiveness and collaboration with our clients, consulting team members, and contactors. This is an excellent opportunity to positively influence Acela's brand and identity and, for the right candidate, demonstrate their expertise as a key member of the firm.

The ideal candidate has:

·        A professional degree in architecture from an NAAB accredited university and professional licensure is preferred.

·        7-10 years of design experience.

·        Excellent communication, coordination, and management skills including graphic and visualization skills to effectively communicate design ideas and objectives.

·        Attention to detail.

·        Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

·        Superior design awareness and a working knowledge of the technical documentation process including means and methods and the ability to provide exceptional design solutions that align with the programmatic, technical, and financial parameters of the project(s).

·        Exceptional proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, Enscape, and/or other modeling software applications.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.

·        Quality control and coordination of construction administration services.

Position Responsibilities:

·        Simultaneously lead projects of various scale and complexity through the various stages of planning and design and develop design and technical solutions that translate into sound and durable buildings.

·        Ability to draw from previous experience and when necessary, independent research, to monitor the quality of the construction documents in parallel to the schedule, budget, and intention of the work.

·        Ability to negotiate critical issues with the project team, agencies having jurisdiction over the project, client representatives in collaboration with Principals and Department Heads.

·        Develop and monitor project plans for each project and monitor costs, completion schedules and deliverables for all work under your purview.

·        Advise on firm standards and prepare lessons learned summaries to improve process and production activities. Perform quality control reviews and provide technical guidance to team members with less experience.

·        Provide daily team management and oversight. Work and interface with consultants, contractors, product representatives, fabricators, and other disciplines.

·        Mentor team members and staff

·        Collaborate with Principals and Department Leaders as required to market projects, develop proposals, and participate in client interviews

This is an excellent opportunity for a team player seeking professional growth and additional leadership. Salary to be commensurate with your experience and skill. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and a focused portfolio of work in pdf format to [email protected].