Job Description

Senior Architect – Quick Quack Car Wash

Salary Range: $150,000 – $170,000

The Senior Architect will lead the development, standardization, and execution of Quick Quack’s architectural, structural, and MEP design platform. This role is responsible for building a scalable prototype, assembling and managing a high-performing internal design team, and driving efficiency across permitting, construction, and cost optimization. The position plays a critical role in aligning design with company growth, operational excellence, and strategic expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Prototype Development

• Create and maintain the Quick Quack architectural prototype, including architectural, structural, and MEP plans

• Develop a complete, scalable set of standardized plans within 180 days of start date

• Continuously refine design standards through iteration and real-world application

• Redline and reconcile existing plans against prior versions to improve consistency and efficiency

Project Execution & Delivery

• Oversee design development including construction documents, blueprints, and 3D renderings using CAD/BIM tools

• Ensure rapid turnaround timelines:

  • Internal test fits completed within defined turnaround timelines

  • 1–2 business day turnaround on building comments

  • Same-day responses to city and civil inquiries

• Measure and reduce permitting comments, review cycles, and approval timelines

• Pull forward and accelerate projects from the existing pipeline

Team Building & Leadership

• Build and lead a best-in-class internal design team, including:

  • MEP engineers

  • Drafters

  • Structural engineers (as needed following MEP integration)

• Evaluate and determine optimal team structure and staffing needs

• Supervise and manage third-party architects through project completion

• Establish clear communication expectations and workflows across all contributors

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, real estate, installation, and construction teams to align design with operational needs

• Work closely with construction teams (Lonestar and Quick Quack) to improve constructability, reduce costs, and shorten timelines

• Collaborate with leadership (Todd and Chris) to define and refine quarterly and annual production targets

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Implement and operate under the QQ Advantage framework:

  • Practice and teach the 4 Disciplines, 5 Behaviors, and 6 Questions

  • Lead daily stand-ups (DSUs), weekly tactical meetings, and quarterly strategic sessions

• Drive a culture that is smart, kind, and driven while achieving KPIs

• Establish, track, and continuously improve key performance metrics including:

  • Production targets

  • Permit cycle times

  • Comment reduction

  • Change order reduction year-over-year

Construction Oversight & Cost Optimization

• Conduct site visits and oversee construction to ensure alignment with design intent and quality standards

• Implement ongoing constructability improvements to reduce costs and build timelines

• Partner with construction teams to minimize change orders and improve execution efficiency

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, ADA requirements, and safety standards

• Obtain and maintain required architectural and engineering licenses across relevant states

• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for design operations

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct site evaluations and feasibility studies for new locations and renovations

• Lead an annual design summit with internal teams, civil engineers, and construction partners to implement best practices

• Continuously refine systems, templates, folder structures, and program standards to improve scalability and efficiency

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program

• Licensure: Active architectural license required; multi-state licensure preferred

• Experience: 5+ years in architecture and construction management, with demonstrated leadership experience

• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in CAD and BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit)

Core Competencies

• Project management across multiple concurrent developments

• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination

• Problem-solving in design and construction environments

• Deep understanding of integrated building systems (MEP, structural, civil)

• Analytical and strategic thinking with a focus on scalability and efficiency