Senior Advisor for Architectural Design - Making Architecture Beautiful Again

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commissioner (AC), Office of Engineering, who is the Chief Architect and technical expert for the Administrator, GSA, and Commissioner, PBS, on all matters concerning Federal architecture and design.

This is a term position not to exceed three years. This position is located within the Office of Engineering, Public Building Service (PBS), General Services Administration (GSA).

For each job on your resume, provide: the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year) number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

The SL salary range starts at $151,661- 228,000 per year for 2026 salary rates.

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications.

If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTS: A Degree in architecture or related field; OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience.

For specifics on qualifying education, training, and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Architect Positions.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, all candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience.

Specialized experience is defined as professional architecture experience in classically and traditionally designed architecture for construction or alteration projects involving large and complex buildings as well as coordinating the activities of multidisciplinary teams on such projects.

Experience must include specialized knowledge in classical architecture, to assist in developing organizational procedures, advise on architectural standards, and provide guidance during design evaluations and/or design juries.

This experience should also include planning, prioritizing, and evaluating work to be accomplished by diverse teams; and providing advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on issues related to the execution of design(s).

All applicants must meet the Mandatory Technical Competency requirements listed below to be eligible for consideration.

Eligibility will be based on a clear demonstration that the applicant's training and experience are of the scope, quality and level of responsibility sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this executive position.

Note: Your 2-page resume must show possession of the Mandatory Technical Competencies (MTCs) listed below; please do not address the MTCs through submission of separate narrative responses- written narratives will not be reviewed for consideration.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES: 1.

Demonstrated experience managing complex architectural design in excess of $300 million dollars, in applying state-of-the-art principles and practices of classical and traditional design as well as construction project management, to deliver large and small capital construction projects through all stages of project development, including: Pre-Design and Design Management - selection of a design team, program/scope development, budgeting and cost estimating, constructability reviews, and value engineering with emphasis and understanding of classical and traditional design principles and practices; Project Delivery Method Selection - design/bid/build, design/build, construction manager, construction manager as constructor, etc.; Project Management - budget and financial management, schedule management with competing stakeholder priorities, scope management, team management, and industry-standard software/systems/business processes on complex, high-visibility, multi-million dollar projects; Client/Customer Relationship Management - managing competing interests of a project's owner/developer, corporate/headquarters, real estate facilities groups, anchor tenants, end-users, industry, government/regulatory stakeholders; and Industry Relationship Management - knowledge of industry best practices and companies including a focus on small businesses that provide the government the greatest value for design and construction projects.

2. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in applying theories, innovative concepts of classical and traditional professional architecture during portfolio requirements and design evaluations.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF): In addition to the qualification requirements listed above, you must also meet the following SPF, which has been identified as: Registration as a professional architect is required.

Please note: A copy of your professional registration must be included in your application. Major Duties:

The incumbent serves as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commissioner (AC), Office of Engineering, who is the Chief Architect and technical expert for the Administrator, GSA, and Commissioner, PBS, on all matters concerning Federal architecture and design.

The Senior Advisor, Office of Engineering provides specialized experience on a term basis, in classical and traditional architecture to assist in technical procedures, advise on architectural standards, structural technologies, and provide guidance during design evaluations or juries, pursuant to the Executive Order, Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again.

As a Senior Advisor, the incumbent provides authoritative, visionary, and technical guidance and support to assist the Assistant Commissioner - Office of Engineering, in driving and influencing the direction of complex Federal functions associated with establishing and maintaining efficient, classical or traditional architecture in all federal GSA mandated structures.

Performs technical advisory work to ensure the establishment and management of effective building programs, specialized experience, and technical innovations to shape the nation's commitment to ensure that major Federal priorities and mandates are carried out in an effective manner while emphasizing cost-cutting, efficiency, and federal procurement reform.

This position is a term Senior Leader (SL) position that is limited to three years. This position cannot be extended.

Provides support and facilitates high level work to promote a design program which aims to produce federal buildings that reflect the best in civic architectural thought with an emphasis on traditional and classical architecture, while remaining cost-effective and sensitive to local context.

Uses architecture and related disciplines and concepts to serve as a technical expert to support major projects and initiatives surrounding building design, construction, and facilitates related high level technical projects.

Develops and advises on documents for the vision competition process, including announcements, rules, instructions, project program information, and reports for review and approval by the contracting officer.

Appoints Evaluation Boards and makes informed selections for the lead design and designer, planning the selection process through policies and procedures.

Communicates with various stakeholders and interested parties internal and external to the Agency regarding complex project requirements.

Works closely with key officials and professionals of client agencies.