The posting
Our client is seeking a mid-to-senior level Architect specializing in public safety design to join their Milwaukee office and lead fire station and police station projects.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Our client is an established, multidisciplinary design firm with a strong national presence and a specialized practice in public safety facilities. Following a strategic merger that expanded their public safety capabilities, they now offer one of the most robust fire and police station design teams in the country. They work with municipalities and public safety agencies nationwide, serving as trusted advisors on facility planning, design, and delivery.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This role offers the chance to lead meaningful public safety projects—fire stations and police stations that serve communities for generations. You'll work in a collaborative, team-focused environment while mentoring emerging talent and growing into a senior leadership role with business development responsibilities. This position is based in Milwaukee, WI, with project work across the region and potential nationwide exposure.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Project Leadership & Design:
- Lead project development from concept through construction for fire and police station projects
- Work collaboratively with committed design professionals across disciplines
- Apply strong technical design and detailing skills to complex public safety facilities
- Produce construction documents and coordinate technical design elements
- Ensure designs meet architectural specifications, building codes, life safety codes, and ADA requirements
- Oversee construction administration and field observation
Mentorship & Team Development:
- Mentor entry-level architects in design, production, and technical coordination
- Provide direction and guidance on design processes and document preparation
- Support the professional growth of junior staff
- Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment
Client Relations & Business Development:
- Attend project and client meetings as primary design professional
- Become a trusted advisor to established public safety clients (fire chiefs, police chiefs, municipal leaders)
- Supplement the sales team in developing and securing new project work
- Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
- Participate in proposal development and interview presentations
- Manage client expectations throughout project lifecycle
Leadership & Growth:
- Grow into a senior leadership role within the public safety practice
- Contribute to strategic planning and practice development
- Build and maintain relationships with key public safety decision-makers
- Help shape the future direction of the public safety design team
WHAT YOU BRING
Required:
- 4- or 5-year degree in Architecture or related field
- 6-14 years of experience in a design firm
- 5+ years of specific experience designing Fire Stations and/or Police Stations
- Strong design, construction documentation, and construction administration background
- Proven record of technical design and detailing excellence
- Comprehensive understanding of architectural specifications, International Building Code, life safety codes, and ADA requirements
- Self-motivated with ability to solve problems independently
- Comfortable working remotely as needed
- Proficiency in Autodesk Revit, Bluebeam, Procore, SketchUp, and similar design/construction software
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, site visits, and industry events
Preferred:
- Active architectural license
- Established relationships with public safety agencies or municipalities
- Experience with both fire and police station design
- Track record of successful business development or client relationship management
- Involvement in professional organizations related to public safety facility design
WHAT THEY OFFER
Culture & Environment:
- Collaborative, team-focused culture where colleagues support each other
- Flexible, hybrid work policy
- Respect-based, transparent communication philosophy
- Fast-paced environment with meaningful, high-impact projects
- Team that genuinely has each other's backs
Career Development:
- Annual career development process for every employee
- Clear pathways for career mobility and advancement
- Potential for company ownership
- Professional development opportunities and support
- Growth into senior leadership and business development roles
Project Variety:
- Exciting variety of public safety projects across the country
- Nationwide project and office locations
- Diverse group of clients and communities served
- Opportunity to make lasting impact on communities through facility design
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
You're an experienced architect with deep expertise in fire and police station design. You understand the unique operational requirements, cultural considerations, and technical complexities of public safety facilities. You've built relationships with fire chiefs, police chiefs, and municipal leaders, and you know how to translate their needs into functional, resilient facilities. You're ready to take on increasing leadership responsibility—both in project delivery and business development—while mentoring the next generation of public safety designers. You thrive in collaborative environments and want to be part of a team that's truly committed to serving communities through exceptional design.
