Colorado Architects: An Opportunity to Work on the State’s Public Facilities
In Colorado, architecture is often defined by landscape — mountain towns, fast-growing cities and communities spread across vast terrain. Designing for that environment requires a deep understanding of local conditions, regulations and infrastructure. Now, a new opportunity is opening specifically for architects who already call the state home.
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is seeking a licensed architect based in Colorado to join its facilities team. The role focuses on planning, design coordination and capital project oversight across a network of institutional buildings. For architects interested in working on civic infrastructure at scale, the position offers a chance to influence how critical facilities are planned, upgraded and delivered.
Unlike many architectural roles that focus on a single project or building typology, this position operates across multiple initiatives — from capital construction and facility upgrades to long-term planning and compliance with regulatory standards. This position will perform professional services to include project management, master planning, facility programming, regulatory agency approvals, design guidelines, construction standards, construction budgeting, contractor/consultant selection, code compliance reviews, design reviews, ensures compliance with legislative intent, as well as a leading role in coordination with private sector design consultants and coordination of engineering disciplines for “in-house” projects.
Candidates must hold a current architecture license from the Colorado State Board of Licensure. The role requires strong familiarity with project delivery, construction documentation and coordination with consultants and engineering disciplines. Experience with facility assessments, ADA compliance and construction budgeting is beneficial.
In practice, the position functions as both a design leader and a systems thinker. Responsibilities include reviewing schematic design, design development and contract documents prepared by private-sector design teams, ensuring that projects align with departmental standards, budgets and legislative intent.
The architect will also play a role in facility programming, master planning and strategic planning, helping guide how buildings across the department evolve over time. That work includes evaluating new project proposals, coordinating with internal stakeholders and supporting the development of facility master plans for various sites.
More About the Role
Architects in this position serve as a bridge between public-sector goals and private-sector design consultants. By advising project managers, resolving technical challenges and ensuring compliance with codes and standards, the role helps ensure that projects move smoothly from planning to construction.
While the work focuses on institutional facilities, the broader impact is civic: maintaining and improving the physical infrastructure that supports essential public systems throughout Colorado.
For architects interested in applying their expertise beyond traditional private practice — while remaining rooted in the state — the role offers a rare opportunity to influence projects at a statewide scale.
Experience Required: Licensed Architect (Colorado)
Location: Colorado (Colorado residents only)
Employer: Colorado Department of Corrections
Interested candidates can learn more and apply at CDOC.Jobs, where additional application guidance and hiring resources are available.
In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, CDOC offers:
- Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
- Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates.
- Medical and dental health plans
- Short and long-term disability coverage
- Paid life insurance
- 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave
- Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more
- Visit the State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.
Top image of Brown Mountain in Colorado by Joetography via Pexels
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