POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION (POE) SPECIALIST
Job Description
Job Description
POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION (POE) SPECIALIST
Building Performance & Design Research | Architecture & Construction
Position Title:
Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Specialist / Building Performance Analyst
Department:
Design Research / Building Performance & Sustainability
Reports To:
Director of Building Performance & Design Research
Employment Type & Location:
Full-Time | Hybrid (Office / On-Site Field Evaluations)
Strategic Impact: This position bridges architectural design, building diagnostics, and human-centered research. By systematically evaluating buildings post-occupancy, the POE Specialist closes the feedback loop between design intent and real-world operational performance.
1. Role Summary
The Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Specialist leads systematic evaluations of completed architectural, interior design, and construction projects. Operating at the intersection of architecture, building science, and environmental psychology, this role measures how built environments perform in real-world conditions relative to original design intent, sustainability targets, and occupant needs.
The POE Specialist gathers and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data—spanning occupant satisfaction, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), operational energy usage, and spatial utilization—to optimize building performance, resolve operational bottlenecks, and directly inform future design standards across the firm.
2. Key Responsibilities
Research Design & Evaluation Frameworks
· Methodology Development: Design and standardize POE protocols, measurement toolkits, and survey instruments for commercial, educational, healthcare, residential, and civic project types.
· Baseline & KPI Alignment: Collaborate with project leads during pre-design to establish clear performance baselines and measurable KPIs for post-occupancy benchmarking (typically conducted 6 to 24 months post-handover).
· Certification Integration: Align POE evaluation frameworks with leading industry building standards, including LEED, WELL, FITWEL, BREEAM, and CIBSE TM62.
Data Collection & On-Site Diagnostics
· Occupant Feedback: Develop and deploy structured surveys, focus groups, behavioral mapping studies, and end-user interviews to evaluate satisfaction, acoustic/thermal comfort, and productivity.
· Physical IEQ Monitoring: Conduct physical field measurements using calibrated equipment to test indoor air quality (CO2, VOCs, PM2.5/PM10), thermal comfort, illuminance/glare, and acoustic performance.
· Spatial Utilization Tracking: Utilize spatial analytics tools, occupancy sensor networks, badge log trends, and heat-mapping to analyze space efficiency and actual occupancy behaviors.
Data Analysis & Performance Synthesis
· Performance Gap Analysis: Cross-reference predicted design models (e.g., energy simulations, daylight studies) with actual operational performance data extracted from Building Management Systems (BMS).
· Statistical & Spatial Modeling: Perform multivariate statistical analysis to uncover correlations between physical space attributes, occupant well-being, and operational energy consumption.
· Actionable Insights: Synthesize quantitative diagnostic measurements with qualitative occupant feedback into clear, evidence-based findings.
Reporting & Design Feedback Loop
· Comprehensive Reporting: Author detailed POE reports, executive dashboards, and case studies tailored for internal design studios, client leadership, and facility managers.
· Continuous Improvement: Translate evaluation findings into updated firm-wide design guidelines, detailing lessons learned and corrective action recommendations for active projects.
· Post-Occupancy Debriefs: Lead structured debrief sessions with architects, engineers, general contractors, and client stakeholders to share outcomes and refine future design workflows.
Client Engagement & Advisory
· Advisory Services: Serve as a primary subject matter expert during client workshops on workplace strategy, health & wellness optimization, and change management.
· Facility Optimization: Partner with client facility operations teams to troubleshoot comfort complaints and recommend low-cost operational adjustments or retrofit strategies.
3. Qualifications & Technical Requirements
Education & Experience
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Building Science, Environmental Psychology, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, or a closely related field.
· 3 to 5+ years of professional experience in architecture, building performance analysis, workplace strategy, or design research.
· Demonstrated track record of designing, executing, and reporting on formal post-occupancy evaluations or building diagnostic studies.
Technical & Field Skills
· Diagnostics & Equipment: Hands-on experience with environmental testing tools (air quality sensors, thermal anemometers, sound meters, lux meters).
· Survey & Statistics: Proficiency with survey platforms (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) and data analysis tools (Python, R, SPSS, or advanced Excel).
· Data Visualization: Proven ability to build visual performance dashboards using Power BI, Tableau, or Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator).
· BIM & Design Software: Working knowledge of Revit, Rhino, or AutoCAD to navigate project models and map spatial diagnostic data.
Core Competencies
· Interdisciplinary Communication: Ability to translate complex building science data into clear, compelling design strategies for non-technical stakeholders.
· Research Rigor: Deep expertise in human-centered design research, quantitative data collection, and statistical sampling methods.
· Project Management: Exceptional organizational skills to manage multi-site evaluation schedules, client deliverables, and field studies concurrently.
4. Preferred Credentials & Certifications
· Professional Certifications: LEED AP (BD+C or O+M), WELL AP, RESET Air Accredited Professional, or Fitwel Ambassador.
· BMS & Energy Tools: Experience extracting and analyzing data from Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) and energy benchmarking platforms (e.g., ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager).
· Ergonomics & Human Factors: Specialized knowledge in ergonomics, acoustic engineering, daylighting design, or universal design standards.
5. Performance Evaluation & Success Metrics
Key Performance Area
Target Deliverable / Success Metric
POE Execution & Timeliness
Completion of post-occupancy evaluations on 100% of target projects within 12 months post-occupancy.
Design Feedback Loop
Quarterly publication and internal workshop delivery of 'Lessons Learned' guidelines for design studios.
Client & Occupant Impact
Measurable increase in occupant satisfaction scores and delivery of actionable retrofit advice to clients.
Research Innovation
Standardization and continuous upgrade of field diagnostic toolkits and automated survey dashboards.
6. Work Environment & Travel
• Environment: Hybrid position blending collaborative design studio work, office-based data analysis, and active field testing.
• Travel Requirements: Regional travel (15% – 25%) required to conduct physical site inspections, deploy sensor hardware, and facilitate client workshops.
• Physical Demands: Transporting and setting up field equipment (up to 20 lbs) and walking multi-story construction and occupied facility sites.
7. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
1. Comprehensive Resume / CV highlighting relevant project evaluation experience.
2. Cover Letter explaining your research methodology approach and passion for building performance.
3. Work Portfolio or Sample POE Report (sanitized/redacted sample reports or research publications welcome).
\nCompany Description
S. Davis & Associates, P.A. (SDA), in business for over 25 years, is a full service certified public accounting, consulting and staff augmentation firm. We pride ourselves in employee longevity.
Company Description
S. Davis & Associates, P.A. (SDA), in business for over 25 years, is a full service certified public accounting, consulting and staff augmentation firm. We pride ourselves in employee longevity.