Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architectural Designer

Job Description

This Architectural Designer role offers the opportunity to contribute to complex, large-scale architecture, interior design, and planning projects across international markets. You will join a design-driven, highly collaborative team and work on multi-phase, high-budget developments that demand strong technical coordination, attention to detail, and a passion for thoughtful design. The position is ideal for designers with 3-5 years of professional experience who are curious, adaptable, and motivated to learn new building typologies while working in fast-paced, highly coordinated project environments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the collaborative design process across all phases of a project, from early concept and schematic design through construction administration.
• Assist with space planning and layout development, including organizing individual program areas and developing full-building design solutions.
• Support the production of comprehensive construction documents, including plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules using Revit.
• Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals to help maintain design intent and technical accuracy.
• Coordinate regularly with internal design teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on design goals, technical requirements, and project deliverables.
• Address and incorporate feedback from clients, contractors, and project partners into design and documentation in a timely and professional manner.
• Conduct code research and analysis to help ensure that designs comply with applicable building codes and regulations.
• Perform product and material research, engaging with vendors and manufacturers to identify appropriate systems, finishes, and components for projects.
• Assist in preparing design presentations, reports, and visual materials to communicate design intent clearly to clients and project teams.
• Contribute to the development of construction drawings and documentation sets for commercial and other complex building types using Revit and related tools.
• Support project management and production efforts by helping to organize tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain high-quality documentation standards in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Approximately 3-5 years of professional architectural experience, with flexibility based on project exposure and responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Revit, including experience producing construction documents for commercial or similarly complex buildings.
• Demonstrated experience with architectural design, including schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
• Ability to contribute to construction administration tasks such as RFI responses and submittal reviews.
• Strong design orientation with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work.
• Self-motivated, proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently when needed.
• Analytical thinking skills and the ability to navigate complex project requirements and technical constraints.
• Strong organizational skills, including effective time management, prioritization, and follow-through on deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary, globally distributed project team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with commercial design projects and exposure to large, complex, or highly technical building environments.
• Familiarity with project management concepts, including coordinating tasks and supporting schedule and deliverable management.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for supplemental drafting and documentation.
• Experience with Navisworks for coordination and model review is a plus.
• Proficiency or familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Photoshop, for presentations and visual communication.
• Experience using Bluebeam for document review, markup, and coordination.
• Experience with Rhino and Grasshopper for advanced modeling and parametric design is a plus.
• Experience with SketchUp for quick visualization and conceptual modeling.
• Familiarity with Enscape and Dynamo for visualization and workflow automation is a plus.
• LEED Accreditation is a plus and reflects a commitment to sustainable design practices.
• Participation in professional organizations is a plus and demonstrates engagement with the broader architectural community.
• Interest in pursuing professional licensure, technical project architect paths, or project management roles, supported by mentoring opportunities.
• Interest in working on high-profile government and federal projects, including the potential to obtain a security clearance.
• Willingness to support varied international projects and, when needed, travel to project sites.

Work Environment

The work environment is inclusive, collaborative, and very casual, fostering open communication and teamwork across disciplines. The office emphasizes a supportive culture with regular social and professional development activities, including monthly team events and weekly lunch-and-learn sessions where the office provides lunch. The studio is currently very busy, so you can expect a fast-paced setting where you will work diligently and have opportunities for overtime during periods of high workload. You will work with advanced design and documentation technologies, including Revit and other industry-standard tools, in a highly coordinated, technically rigorous project environment. The role offers exposure to globally distributed project teams, high-profile government and federal work, and international projects with potential travel to project sites. An official mentoring program pairs new team members with mentors to support growth toward technical project architect or project management roles, including guidance related to professional registration and career development. Dress expectations align with the casual, professional studio atmosphere.

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.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.