Location : Kansas City, Missouri (in studio with flexibility for working remote to meet life's demands)
Employment Type : Full-Time
Reports to : Principals / Directors
About KEM STUDIO
KEM STUDIO is a design-driven architecture + industrial design firm committed to creating innovative, user-focused, and beautifully crafted spaces. Our mission is to make life better through design. We believe in collaboration, attention to detail, and pushing design boundaries while delivering quality, buildable solutions. Our architectural work spans mixed-use / residential / commercial / hospitality / institutional / office tenant improvements.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced, creative, and technically adept Senior Architect to lead design-focused projects from concept through construction with an emphasis on design detailing and delivery. The ideal candidate will combine strong design vision with hands-on technical knowledge, mentor junior staff, work with consultants, manage project workflows, and ensure that all deliverables meet excellence in aesthetics, function, and constructability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design phases alongside the Design Principal and Project Leaders (concept, schematic, design development) and translate vision into high-quality construction documents, specifications, and construction administration.
- Oversee technical resolution : detailing, material / product selection, coordination with structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, landscape, and other consultants.
- Strive toward a clear, intuitive, and visually clean design and construction set.
- Prepare and review code / zoning / planning analyses; ensure all designs comply with applicable regulations & standards and permitting requirements.
- Manage project schedule, budgets, and workflow; ensure deliverables are on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Serve as a primary client interface for client meetings, presentations, feedback, and revisions.
- Conduct design and document quality control reviews; supervise junior architects, designers, and technical staff; mentor and guide their professional development.
- Participate in construction administration : site visits, responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, coordination during construction, and ensuring design intent is maintained.
- Contribute to internal standards : workflows, documentation, model management, design guidelines, detailing, best practices.
Required Qualifications
Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch / M.Arch or equivalent) from an accredited program.Licensed Architect in Missouri.Roughly 8–15 years of professional architectural experience.Strong portfolio demonstrating creative design work with emphasis on technical / documentation strength.Strong leadership, communication, presentation skills; ability to articulate design benefits that are both subjective and objective to clients, consultants, and internal teams.Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines, mentor staff, and resolve design / technical issues proactively.Excellent understanding of building codes, zoning, ADA / accessibility, life safety, and sustainable practices.Understanding of best practices and experience writing specifications.Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and design visualization tools.Preferred Skills
Experience with mixed-use multi-family, hospitality, municipal, adaptive reuse.Experience in the practice of sustainable design, LEED accreditation, or similar credentials is a bonus.Experience with advanced visualization tools (Rhino, Sketchup, Enscape, VRay).Experience in construction administration.Strong graphic, rendering, or hand sketching skills to support design development and design detailing.What We Offer
Competitive salary based on experience.Health, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits.Simple IRA savings plan with up to 3% company match.Paid time off + 10 holidays.Extra time off between Christmas and New Year's Day.Opportunities for professional development / continuing education with financial support.Ability to take ownership of projects and significant input in decision-making.How to Apply
Please send your resume, portfolio (digital), and a cover letter to archjobs@kemstudio.com explaining why you are excited about the prospect of working at KEM STUDIO, what you think you bring to the role, and examples of relevant work.
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