Bryant Bannister Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, University of Arizona. Image © Liam Fredrick/Courtesy of Richärd Kennedy Architects.

Expertise in facade design has become a growing niche for firms and individuals who specialize in building envelopes, facade fabrication techniques, and performance-based design solutions. A facade specialist helps firms create unique building exteriors that blend architecture, engineering, and material innovation.

Our latest installment of Archinect's Guide to Job Titles explores the role of a façade/envelope specialist, the qualifications needed to pursue this as a career path, and what firms are looking for when hiring. 

The Role of the Building Façade/Envelope Specialists

The outer skin of a building, its exterior envelope, serves as a connection point between the specific functions of its interior and the conditions of its greater surrounding environment. The exterior envelope of a building is a vital building attribute. It functions as a container for the internal program space and a backdrop to the surrounding city context. 

Working between two fields of study, the role of a façade specialist involves the art and science of resolving the aesthetic, environmental, and structural conditions of a building to ensure an effective enclosure. This niche sector of design crosses between the architecture and engineering industries. 

A façade specialist works to reduce the total energy consumption of a building whilst producing a comfortable, healthy, secure, and safe interior environment. The role must also resolve any architectural or aesthetic requirements and standards of a building development proposal. Building façade/envelope specialists are involved in providing solutions to the building envelope, façade, roofing, waterproofing, and air barrier with close attention to aesthetic detail. 

Qualifications and Experience

One point of entry into the role of a façade or envelope designer is by working as an assistant or entry-level designer at a façade consulting firm. Assistant or entry-level positions allow for individuals to develop skills in understanding building envelopes, enclosure systems, and different façade types based on performance needs. 

For those looking to explore this niche specialty common qualifications and academic requirements include may include:

• Professional degree in Architecture and/or Engineering
• Excellent communication skills, time management, organizational skills
• Experience in façade design, architecture, or engineering
• Drafting technical façade details and problem-solving
• Detail-oriented to ensure that plans and sections coordinate, eliminating inaccuracies during production
• Experience and proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino, and Revit
• Excellent graphic presentation, verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with building & energy codes (a plus for many firms)

For individuals with previous experience in cladding construction occupation, for example, one might apply directly to a building envelope contractor in order to further pursue a building façade specialist role. 

What Are Firms Looking For?

Flad Architects seek an Exteriors Specialist for their Tampa, FL office. The candidate will specialize in exterior envelope design and focus on both the planning and execution of various projects. The firm shares responsibilities include:

Focusing on planning and execution of projects from inception through completion, developing design and technical solutions throughout all phases of a project with a focus on the exterior envelope. They will provide leadership and coordination of exterior details by offering guidance to design teams and consultants to ensure successful implementation on projects from inception through completion.

New York-based firm Engineering Group Associates, P.C shares that they seek a Facade Associate who will work in a "wide range of structural work and project types." The firm notes: 

The Facade Associate position is for someone in the Structural or Architectural field with at least 1-2 years of experience and knowledge, who possesses a well-organized and detail-oriented solid background in constructing and putting together complete sets of DOB filing and construction documents and coordinating with architectural and other consultants, clients and contractors. Additionally, the candidate should be able to produce reports containing photographs and text”.

LaufsED, an engineering design firm based in New York is currently seeking an Intermediate Technical Architect for Facades. The firm explains that their ideal candidate is someone who "loves solving spatial problems, can manage a small team, is resourceful, and has extensive experience in façades and waterproofing, including in-depth knowledge of products, assembly types, and structure." They also have an open position for a Facade Designer. The firm shares that this role is a great fit for a junior architect or designer who is familiar with output software and construction methods. The firm explains: 

This person would spend roughly half their time creating fabrication drawings, and half their time learning façade architecture and producing drawing sets in all phases: Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Shop Drawings.

Is This the Right Role for You?

Undertaking the role of a building façade/envelope specialist comes in many forms. Most commonly, one might work specifically for a façade specialist company. For individuals passionate about building envelopes and façade performance, some may wonder if a building façade specialist role is available only at a façade consulting studio? The answer is no. Firms like Urbahn Architects, an architecture and interior design practice in New York City, have fitting open positions, such as this Entry-Level Architectural Designer. The firm's projects include "healthcare, educational, justice, transit facilities, and exterior envelope renovations."

Arizona-based practice Richärd Kennedy Architects is currently seeking a Senior Project Architect who has experience with construction administration. According to the firm they are an architectural and interior design firm where "sustainable design permeates every level of work, from site to landscape, building envelope, building systems, interior spaces, and furnishings."

In New York, Handel Architects seek an experienced Architectural Designer who specializes in Façades. For this position, candidates should have 5-7 years of professional experience with strong Revit skills. Additional qualifications include an individual with experience in multi-family high-rise residential and mixed-use development. 

Searching for a job? Take a look at the current opportunities on Archinect Jobs for a Façades Specialist/Designer and Building Envelope Specialist ↗