Construction Administration Director

Job Title: Construction Administration Director

Accountable To: Managing Principal / Operations Director

FLSA Classification: Regular Full Time Exempt (Salary)

Who We Are

SHM Architects, PLLC is a Dallas-based architecture, landscape, and interior design firm with extensive experience in master planning, single-family residential, retail, commercial, and healthcare architecture. A review of our portfolio will show no singular “style,” reflecting our design philosophy that unites the client’s programmatic requirements, budget, and a healthy respect for the site. We are ordinary people that are extraordinarily good at our work. Through the collaborative process and strong working relationships, we believe our portfolio reflects a more thoughtful and engaging work than that achieved by a single individual. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.shmarchitects.com

What We Believe

Our passion is enriching lives by enhancing the beauty of our environment. We believe creating beautiful designs with purpose requires two things: passion and time. Our clients understand that, while our process may be uncompromising, it results in personalized, luxurious designs that are never flashy, and are always aspirational.  

SHM Core Values:

• Embraces Imperfect Beauty
• Engaged to Make a Difference
• Displays Humility and Compassion
• Individually Driven
• Honest and Truthful

Are You a Fit?

Are you individually driven and engaged to make a difference at work and in the community? Would others describe you as a lifelong learner dedicated to taking a relaxed approach to finding new ways of solving complex design problems? Does the idea of crafting projects that last for generations excite you? Are you comfortable embracing imperfect beauty? 

If you answered yes, then read on!

A Day in the Office Looks Like This:

The Construction Administration Director is relationship-driven and leads the firm’s field execution of construction administration services. This key leadership role ensures that our projects are built as designed and that our high standards for quality, communication, and design integrity are upheld from pre-construction through to the punch list phase. The incumbent is responsible for managing and elevating the construction administration process firmwide, including field observations, submittal reviews, RFI responses, and contractor communication, across SHM Architects’ residential and specialty projects.

• Serves as firmwide lead for all construction administration services
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures aligned with the firm’s “CA @ SHM” framework
• Represents the firm as a trusted owner’s representative and design advocate on active job sites
• Leads or delegates site visits, progress meetings, and field observations across multiple projects
• Confirms that construction aligns with design intent and contract documents
• Identifies and communicates deviations, deficiencies, and unexpected field conditions with clarity and urgency
• Facilitates proactive communication among the firm, owners, and general contractors
• Oversees RFI responses and submittal reviews, ensuring turnaround within firm-established timeframes
• Utilizes internal tools (OneNote logs, checklists, templates, etc.) to ensure clear documentation and team continuity
• Conducts field observations at critical milestones (pre-pour, framing, envelope, finishes, etc.)
• Ensures adherence to Division 01 protocols, AIA A201 general conditions, and TBAE regulations
• Promotions “observation” over “inspection” mindset while providing practical and valuable field feedback
• Trains and mentors team members in field observation techniques, communication best practices, and construction administration workflows
• Builds internal confidence and consistency around the firm’s construction administration standards
• Reports substantial deviations that may affect the intended use or occupancy of the building
• Supports issuance of architectural revisions with clarity on impact and documentation protocol
• Complies with any statutory requirements for construction administration in differing jurisdictions

Do You Have the Skills and Experience? Here’s What We’re Looking For:

• Can think creatively – big thinker
• Able to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented and organized with excellent time management skills
• Capable of maintaining focus in an open office environment
• Strong customer service skills for interface with clients, vendors, and contractors
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills along with interpersonal skills

And Here’s Our End of the Bargain:

• Competitive salary with additional bonus opportunities
• Medical insurance 100% paid for employee only, based on coverage selected
• 100% paid short- and long-term disability and group life & AD&D insurance for employees
• Other voluntary benefits like dental, vision, additional life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and Legal Shield/ID Shield
• Annual healthy living benefit
• Free use of Energy Square Fitness Center for employees
• HSA quarterly employer contributions
• Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions whether you contribute or not
• Personalized PTO
• Five (5) paid holidays plus a winter break typically 12/24 through 1/1
• Paid parental leave for new parents (birth, adoption, placement / maternal and paternal) to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid covered parking for all employees
• Other perks like weekly breakfasts, monthly happy hours, office lunches, our Spring/Summer event, Texas State Fair Day and team building event, Halloween contests, Thanksgiving Family Luncheon, Winter Holiday Party, and the list goes on!

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may in the future.

Work Environment

We work in a collaborative, indoor office environment at the top of the historic Meadows Building at Energy Square. This is a great location with quick access to US-75 and the Lovers Lane DART Station practically on site.

Normal work hours are 8:30 AM – 5:30 AM Central Monday through Friday with one hour for lunch, but we are flexible if our business and customers’ needs remain priority #1.  

Occasionally, there may be a need to work outside of normal work hours or weekends to meet project deadlines. Travel as required to visit construction sites, which may involve both driving short and long distances or flying.  

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to do the following:

• Must physically maneuver by foot minor obstacles at construction projects
• Must be able to exchange accurate information in communications with team members, owners, contractors, and consultants regarding project information.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Must be able to operate a keyboard and mouse to use a laptop computer.  
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office.
• Must reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must have close vision, distance vision, and the ability to focus to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer monitor, and extensive reading at distances close to the eyes.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Work Authorization Requirement

Must be authorized to work in the US when an offer of employment is accepted. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification form (Form I-9) upon hire.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of SHM Architects, PLLC to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Licensed architect or construction professional with a minimum of ten years of experience in high-end residential or boutique commercial construction
• Professionally accredited degree required, BArch or MArch degree preferred
• Licensure preferred but not required
• PMP certification preferred but not required
• Deep knowledge of AIA contract documents, particularly A201, Division 01 specifications, and local codes
• Proven leadership in managing site relationships with owners, builders, and consultants
• Strong organizational and communication skills; must be able to “overcommunicate” and remain solution-oriented
• Experience with OneNote, Bluebeam, and other construction administration tools is a plus
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, and/or Sketch-Up preferred
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required