Architecture - Designer II

About the role

The Architectural Designer II is an intermediate-level design professional responsible for supporting the planning, design, and technical development of architectural projects under the direction of project architects, project managers, and senior design staff. This position applies developing knowledge of building systems, code requirements, and construction documentation while contributing to project delivery from concept through construction administration.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building code reviews (IBC, NFPA, local zoning, ADA accessibility standards) for assigned projects.
• Research local planning ordinances and coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding project and design compliance requirements.
• Aid in internal quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews to minimize errors and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Prepare 2D and 3D design studies, renderings, diagrams, and visualizations using Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Contribute to the design process from concept through the Construction Documentation phase.
• Participate in project meetings with clients, consultants, and end users.
• Produce project-related meeting minutes and assist with consultant correspondence and project coordination.
• Apply design principles specific to applicable project types.
• Ensure design solutions align with client program requirements, project goals, and firm standards.
• Mentor junior staff as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible architectural design experience.
• Experience with rollout, urban, healthcare, commercial, retail, mixed-use, higher education, or multi-family projects.
• Proficiency in Revit (BIM), AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA accessibility requirements, energy codes, and zoning ordinances.
• Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills for working with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Takes initiative, manages workload effectively, communicates needs proactively, and follows through on commitments.
• Developing understanding of building systems, construction methods, and architectural detailing.
• Strong design, graphic presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and provide high-quality service to clients.

Qualifications

• Actively pursuing architectural license preferred.

Skills

• Skilled in translating client needs and project goals into creative, functional, and contextually responsive design solutions.
• Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills for working with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Takes initiative, manages workload effectively, communicates needs proactively, and follows through on commitments.
• Developing understanding of building systems, construction methods, and architectural detailing.
• Strong design, graphic presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and provide high-quality service to clients.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Support: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs include voluntary short- and long-term disability, voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits, monthly wellness reimbursements, telehealth benefits, mental health counseling, employee assistance programs, Medicare transition services, and financial wellness benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement program, mentorship opportunities, and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.

Ownership and Prosperity: As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements.

Work-Life Integration: Flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allow our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.