Architect

You must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this position as described below.

Individual Occupational Requirement: Degree: architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.

OR Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A.

The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities.

The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials.

Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations.

Experience

An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had l year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.

Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. For the GS-13, the next lowest grade is the GS-12.

Qualifying specialized experience for this position include meeting 4 of 5 of the following: Experience developing design intent, project goals, and strategies to guide architectural planning and design projects. Experience supporting the planning and design of federal facilities. Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams throughout all phases of planning, design, and construction, from project development through completion and occupancy.

Experience developing architectural design documents using drafting software, including site plans, floor plans, sections, details, schedules, and specifications. Experience evaluating architectural designs to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulatory requirements, and design standards. For the GS-14, the next lowest grade is the GS-13.

Qualifying specialized experience for this position include meeting all of the following: Experience developing design intent, project goals, and strategies to guide architectural planning and design projects. Experience managing the planning and design of intricate federal facilities. Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams throughout all phases of planning, design, and construction, from project development through completion and occupancy.

Experience developing architectural design documents, including site plans, floor plans, sections, details, schedules, and specifications. Experience evaluating architectural designs to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulatory requirements, and design standards.

This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM), Business Operations Center (BOC), Office of Real and Personal Property (ORPP). The employee will serve as a senior technical specialist and plan, organize, coordinate, and advise on work activities related to architectural design and function.

Major duties for this position include but are not limited to: Analyze design needs and prepares comprehensive reports of findings across the complete spectrum of design performed by contractors. Prepare new or revises design criteria and/or scopes of work that integrate design and construction activities and the implementation and oversight of engineering, architecture, and/or scientific requirements. Review architectural aspects of design in detail ensuring applicable codes, standards and criteria are met.

Prepare summary architecture assessments or independent evaluation of the design and recommends corrective action regarding technical deficiencies. Design a wide variety of structures and complexes through computer aided design and drafting technology or rendering sketches and drawings. Serve as Contracting Officer's Representative responsible for managing new and existing multi-year construction projects, renovations, and modernization projects with unusual or unprecedented architectural challenges.

Lead the concept development phase and collaborates with others to address accessibility, security, building codes, mechanical systems, and design standards.