Architect or Design Technician

About the role

A Project Architect or Lead brings bold ideas to life, transforming concepts into spaces that people rely on every day. At Cushing Terrell, this role is about designing with imagination, empathy, and purpose. You’ll help lead projects from early design vision through construction, collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure every detail aligns with performance, sustainability, and long-term value. With a focus on grocery and retail architecture, you’ll shape highly populated environments that balance efficiency, customer experience, technology, and brand storytelling—from unforgettable storefronts and thriving departments to operational back-of-house systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with strong time management skills
• Consult with clients to determine functional and spatial requirements, including design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, and construction time; prepare information for client review and approval
• Collaborate with design leaders and other disciplines to produce preliminary design concepts
• Perform research for complete project design and inspect work to ensure compliance with specifications
• Approve quality of materials and work, and advise client and construction teams
• Prepare contract documents for building contractors and complete construction cost estimates
• Provide code and jurisdictional research on projects
• Check drawings and prepare feedback for the project team
• Administer construction contracts, including addenda, substitutions, change orders, and submittal reviews
• Conduct on-site observation during construction to monitor compliance and perform final inspections
• Direct activities of architectural team members and may have supervisory responsibilities, including training, assigning work, reviewing performance, and addressing team concerns
• Seal and sign permit documents if licensed
• Develop and maintain external and internal client relationships

Requirements

• NAAB-accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree
• 5 to 10+ years of job-related work experience with demonstrated competence leading projects, teams, and clients
• Experience and passion for grocery and retail architecture
• Current architect license/registration is a plus but not required

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000 annually, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, licensure status, location, proficiency, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

Cushing Terrell offers a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. For details, view the Employee Benefits Guide.

About the company

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and over 500 team members delivering holistic built environments. The firm focuses on creating sustainable systems and spaces that enhance daily life, placing people at the center of its practice under the tagline, “design meets you.”