Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architectural DesignerJob Description

This role offers an opportunity to join an internationally engaged architecture, interior design, and planning practice focused on complex, large-scale projects across global markets. As a Staff Architectural Designer with 35 years of professional experience, you will contribute to impactful, design-driven work spanning diverse building typologies and highly coordinated project environments. The position is ideal for curious, adaptable, and motivated designers who enjoy tackling new challenges, engaging with sophisticated project teams, and taking pride in delivering high-quality, technically rigorous work.

Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the collaborative design process across all phases of a project, from concept through construction.

• Assist in space planning and layout development, including programming individual areas and organizing full-building designs.

• Support the production of construction documents, including plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules in Revit.

• Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals to maintain design intent.

• Coordinate with internal design teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with project goals.

• Address and incorporate feedback from clients, contractors, and project partners into design and documentation.

• Conduct code research and analysis to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and regulations.

• Perform product and material research, including engagement with vendors and manufacturers to evaluate options and support specifications.

• Assist in preparing design presentations, reports, and visual materials for client meetings and internal reviews.

• Collaborate with globally distributed project teams on multi-phase, high-budget developments and highly technical building environments.

• Manage time and tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, design-forward project delivery environment.

• Demonstrate accountability and follow-through on assigned deliverables, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Architecture (required).

• Approximately 35 years of professional architectural experience, preferably on commercial or complex building projects.

• Proficiency in Revit, including experience producing construction documents for commercial buildings.

• Experience with architectural design across schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases.

• Demonstrated experience in construction documentation, including construction drawings and construction administration support.

• Strong design orientation with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to design quality.

• Self-motivated and proactive approach to problem-solving and task ownership.

• Analytical thinking skills to navigate complex project requirements and constraints.

• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with consultants.

• Strong organizational skills, including time management and prioritization in a deadline-driven environment.

• Clear, concise, and confident communication skills when working with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Accountability and follow-through on deliverables, with pride in the quality of work produced.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional experience level may be flexible based on the breadth and depth of project exposure.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.

• Working knowledge of Navisworks.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop.

• Experience using Bluebeam for document review and markup.

• Familiarity with Rhino and Grasshopper for advanced modeling and design exploration.

• Experience with SketchUp for conceptual and design development modeling.

• Exposure to Enscape and Dynamo for visualization and computational workflows.

• LEED Accreditation is a plus.

• Participation in professional organizations is a plus.

• Interest in pursuing technical or project management career paths, supported by formal mentoring.

• Interest in working on international projects and exposure to globally distributed project teams.

• Eligibility and interest in obtaining a security clearance to support high-profile government and federal work (where applicable).

Work Environment

The work environment is inclusive, collaborative, and casual, with a focus on both high performance and team cohesion. The studio promotes a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and diligence, especially given a heavy backlog of work and a fast-paced project pipeline. Team members regularly participate in monthly social events, such as recreational activities and informal gatherings, which help build strong working relationships. The office hosts weekly lunch-and-learn sessions, where lunches are provided and staff engage in continuous learning on technical topics, design approaches, and emerging tools. The practice supports large, multi-phase, and high-budget developments, often involving globally distributed teams and highly technical building environments, offering exposure to international projects and potential travel to project sites. There is a formal mentoring program in place, pairing new team members with mentors to support development in technical, project architect, or project management tracks, including guidance toward professional registration. The workload can be intensive at times, and team members are expected to work diligently and manage their time effectively, with opportunities for overtime during peak periods. The environment emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and the use of advanced digital tools, including Revit and other design and coordination technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $38.46/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.