Senior Project Coordinator, Retail

About GFF:
GFF is a dynamic, award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm based in Dallas, with a legacy of excellence since 1982. Our team of over 110 design professionals in Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth delivers innovative Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning across the United States. We have garnered national recognition and numerous accolades, including receiving The Texas Society of Architect’s prestigious ‘Firm Award’ and receiving over 125 awards for design excellence. Our collaborative, design-focused approach thrives on tackling complex projects with creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring sustainability and client service excellence.

About The Role:

We are seeking a skilled Senior Project Coordinator to join our Retail Studio in Dallas. This position will lead retail projects from concept through project closeout, collaborating with our integrated teams of architects, interior designers, and planners.

What You'Ll Do:

• Significantly contribute to architectural design phases for retail projects, ensuring innovative solutions that respond to client goals, firm design standards, site context, and market demands.
• Establish strong client relationships and serve as primary technical point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Create successful design solutions for new and urban infill sites and mixed-use developments.
• Contribute to the development and oversight of project-specific sustainability strategies, including energy efficiency measures, materials selection, and healthy building standards.
• Coordinate full project teams including design architects, interior designers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and other specialty consultants, fostering a cohesive collaboration across all design phases.
• Assist with technical execution of the project, including exterior envelope design, waterproofing, life-safety systems, vertical transportation, and code compliance.
• Assist with developing and editing project specifications to meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Contribute to managing project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.
• Mentor junior staff and cultivate a collaborative work environment that values each team member’s contributions.
• Participate in business development efforts, contributing to proposals, interviews, and presentations.
• Collaborate with Technical Directors and Technical Principals to identify areas of improvement in project delivery standards, project management standards, and staff training programs.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license in Texas preferred but not required
• Minimum of 6-8 years of professional experience with at least 6 years focused on commercial and/or retail projects.
• Working knowledge of typical commercial building types (retail/restaurant/hospitality preferred), materials, systems and technical detailing, experience in all design/construction phases, experience in coordination of consultant engineering work required (civil, structural, MEP, Landscape)
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop (ADT) and visualization tools (Rhino, etc.).
• Experience with sustainable design practices and LEED or other green building certification programs.
• Experience implementing sustainable building strategies such as building site orientation, appropriate glazing, high-performance building envelope design, efficient equipment selection, and solar energy systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management abilities, including team leadership, consultant coordination, and budget/schedule management.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills for multiple project assignments and considerable autonomy
• Working knowledge of standard business software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) required. MS Project proficiency a plus
• Thorough understanding of commercial building types (retail, restaurant, and hospitality preferred), regional construction methods, materials, and detailing specific to retail construction

What Sets You Apart:

• Previous experience with award-winning retail and commercial projects.
• Understanding of financing structures for commercial development.
• Experience with modular construction or other innovative building technologies.
• Active involvement in ULI, AIA, or other professional organizations.
• Knowledge of universal design strategies.
• Previous experience developing practice standards and training programs