SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?
The Detroit office of SmithGroup is looking for a Sustainability Strategist to join our team. SmithGroup has been named one of Southeast Michigan's Top Workplaces by the Detroit Free Press for 10 consecutive years!
The Sustainability Strategist is a senior member of SmithGroup’s regional sustainability team. The Strategist provides sustainability leadership to clients and project teams, establishing goals and priorities, and working with multi-disciplinary teams to create innovative solutions. The Sustainability Strategist works with a team of sustainability specialists to administer and coordinate the certification processes for sustainable rating systems, including LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard.
Working with us, you will:
- Initiate sustainable design concepts and provide guidance to project teams to meet sustainability goals.
- Provide sustainable design input to ensure consistent and high-quality execution of sustainability goals.
- Serve as a client liaison for the SmithGroup project team in an active and contributing role throughout the life of the project.
- Assist in the preparation and delivery of sustainable design presentations to clients and drive consultant work to achieve design goals.
- With the sustainability specialist team, coordinate the certification process across multiple projects.
- Coordinate information between architects, building owners, contractors, and other consultants.
- Write sustainability specifications, design standards, and healthy materials performance requirements in close collaboration with design teams.
- Serve as Project Sustainable Design Leader on selected projects.
An ideal candidate has:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Building or Environmental Engineering or Sciences, or related equivalent is required.
- LEED Accredited Professional certification.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in an architecture or engineering firm, with a minimum of 6 years guiding the sustainable design on projects.
- Expertise in zero carbon, biophilic design, healthy materials and Red List Free materials, and high-performance design a plus.
- Knowledge of healthcare projects is desirable but not required.
- Knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD and Sketchup preferred.
- Significant expertise in a broad range of sustainability topics, integrated design, the design process, and project leadership for large-scale projects.
- Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer-supplier relationships.
- Advanced knowledge in certification standards (LEED, LBC, etc.)
- Proven ability to prioritize oneself and the work of others to meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients.
- Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Proficiency in the basic technical skills of the following computer skills:
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and required.
- Understanding of and ability to interpret and apply results from early modeling software
SmithGroup's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed to meet the needs of a diverse staff. It includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 401(k), parental leave, wellbeing resources, PTO immediately available to new hires, plus 15 extra Fridays off - on top of holidays. Join us and see first-hand how these and other programs - like one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities - build culture, enhance collaboration and yield richer, more inclusive solutions.
If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don't leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we're looking for - and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact careers@smithgroup.com