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, plumbing, and fire protection engineering; and sustainable 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: Director of Construction Phase Services

Acela is seeking a Director of Construction Phase Services to develop, lead, and manage our team of Construction Administration Specialists. In this capacity you will perform as the lead point of contact between the design team, project owner, and the Contracting team to address and resolve project-related questions and concerns during the bidding, construction, and occupancy phases of the work. This position is for either our Allentown or future Philadelphia office but some travel between locations is expected. This is a highly visible role that demands direct collaboration with our clients, contractors, internal staff that includes interiors and engineering disciplines, and consulting team members and is an excellent opportunity to positively influence the firm and your career.

The ideal candidate has:

·        Registration as a Professional (Licensed) Architect or Engineer or the ability and determination to become licensed within a mutually agreeable timeframe.

·        A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management from a four-year college or university or an NAAB / ABET accredited university.

·        15-20 years of professional experience with a minimum of 7 years of relatable construction phase experience in healthcare, higher education, and/or government sector work.

·        CSI Certification(s) preferred.

·        Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required

·        Requires the ability to pass background checks, security screenings and/or drug tests as required by the firm, clients, and/or Federal contracts. 

·        Authorized to work in the United States.

·        Excellent communication, coordination, and management skills.

·        Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects / project teams simultaneously.

·        Superior design awareness and a working knowledge of the technical documentation process including means and methods, construction documentation, codes, costs, and specifications.

·        Familiarity with Revit and AutoCAD preferred.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications and Bluebeam required.

·        Proficiency with Newforma, Procore, Primavera and/or other project management software required.

·        Quality control and coordination of construction administration services.

Position Responsibilities:

·        Develop, manage, mentor, and lead a group of highly specialized Construction Administration Specialists during the bidding, construction, and occupancy phases of the work to ensure compliance with the design and technical intent of Acela's construction documents.

·        Act as the central internal point of contact to resolve constructability challenges throughout all phases of a project from concept through occupancy to address and resolve project-related questions or concerns

·        Contribute to the company's construction document approach and design details

·        Perform QA/QC and constructability reviews during the design and documentation phases of the work

·        Ability to draw from previous experience and when necessary, independent research, to monitor the quality of the construction 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 and completion schedules and deliverables.

·        Facilitate, contribute to, and review internal and external cost estimates and develop/maintain cost estimating data for future reference

·        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 the project team, consultants, contractors, product representatives, fabricators, and other disciplines

·        Mentor team members and staff

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

This is an excellent opportunity for a team player seeking professional growth and senior leadership opportunities. 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]