Sustainability Strategist
Location: Kansas City, MO
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer:
Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + On-Site Gym (Dallas/KC) + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For:
The Sustainability Strategist will support the development and technical implementation of sustainability strategies across projects, programs and Populous initiatives. They will work to integrate environmental performance, energy efficiency, carbon reduction and regenerative design principles into planning and design processes while supporting clients and internal teams in achieving measurable sustainability goals.
Our preferred candidate will have at least 3 years’ experience in architectural practice, including involvement in all phases of project delivery. They have a strong interest in building systems, project management and consultant coordination with demonstrated ability to rapidly develop technical expertise.
The ideal candidate also has experience working on large-scale projects such as sports stadiums, arenas, convention centers, hospitality or aviation facilities as well as design-level building performance modeling.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
- Collaborating with project teams, clients, and consultants to integrate sustainability strategies throughout all phases of project delivery, from marketing and pursuit through post-occupancy.
- Providing technical support in integrating sustainable design across project teams, assisting projects in achieving environmental performance goals and certifications.
- Facilitating sustainability workshops and design charrettes to establish project sustainability strategies and priorities.
- Assisting with sustainability certification programs (e.g., LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge), including scorecards, documentation, action items, and final certification submissions.
- Providing technical guidance and coordinate analyses related to energy modeling, daylighting, materials selection, and lifecycle assessments to inform design decisions.
- Ensuring quality control and consistency across projects, maintaining effective collaboration and clear communication with project managers and project leaders, adhering to schedules and budgets.
- Monitoring emerging technologies, methods, tools, regulations, and incentives related to sustainable design and building performance.
- Providing thought leadership and support for internal education, mentorship, and innovation by advancing sustainability strategies, design and professional development within the firm.
Requirements For Success:
- Solid understanding of architectural building systems and integrated sustainable design strategies.
- Advanced knowledge of sustainability frameworks and certification programs (LEED, LBC, Fitwel, etc.). regulations, incentives and green building standards.
- Outstanding communication skills and team-oriented mindset that encourages effective collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets.
- Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Newforma preferred.
- Proficiency in sustainability assessment tools and software (e.g., energy modelling, embodied carbon assessment, life cycle assessment).
- Passionate about environmental stewardship and sustainable design.
- Analytical mindset with a strategic approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, build networks and establish credibility to effectively drive projects forward.
- Highly self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Essential Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, sustainability, environmental design, or a related field from an accredited program.
- 3+ years of experience in architectural practice, including involvement in all phases of project delivery.
- Strong interest in building systems, project management, and consultant coordination, with demonstrated ability to develop technical expertise quickly.
Preferred:
- Experience on large-scale projects such as sports stadiums, arenas, convention centers, hospitality, or aviation facilities.
- Strong project management mindset developed through relevant project experience.
- Experience with design-level building performance modeling (non-engineering).
Additional Details:
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C
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