Architecture Intermediate Designer - Oakland

About the role

The Intermediate Designer plays a critical role in supporting the design direction of projects from the earliest stages through project execution, focusing on the front-end design process. This role works closely with the Senior Design Lead and Design Directors, or Principal, to translate client goals into thoughtful, compelling designs. While the primary emphasis is on early-phase design, the Intermediate Designer remains engaged throughout the project lifecycle to ensure design intent is maintained.

Responsibilities

• Translate client goals into thoughtful, compelling designs
• Lead and support design efforts during capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlements
• Collaborate with the technical team to provide design direction and assist in developing design-informed technical details

Requirements

• Experience: 5–8 years of professional experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and schematic design in both built and unbuilt work
• Planning Knowledge: Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes, particularly in urban and mixed-use contexts
• Communication: Strong communication and graphic presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey design intent to internal teams, clients, and consultants
• Education: Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch)
• Licensure: Architectural licensure not required but encouraged
• Self-Directed: Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment
• Design Expertise: Strong knowledge of design and planning principles, with the ability to contribute to early-phase design work on complex projects
• Design Software: Proficient in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (e.g., Enscape) with a strong eye for graphic communication and presentation
• Mentorship: Ability to guide and support Junior Designers and Designers in design development and visual communication
• Code Knowledge: Familiarity with zoning, planning, accessibility, and other applicable codes relevant to the design and entitlement process
• Design Integration: Understanding of how design intent aligns with building systems and construction methods
• Project Phases: Ability to work across all design phases, with a focus on capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlement packages
• Quality Contribution: Assist in internal quality checks of design documents and presentations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to design standards
• Accountability: Maintain awareness of project scope, deadlines, and deliverables; communicate proactively with project leads about design priorities
• Productivity: Maintain a high level of productivity and engagement, contributing meaningfully to multiple active projects and a utilization rate above 95%
• Client Interaction: Support and participate in client presentations; help develop presentation materials and communicate design concepts clearly and effectively
• Design Communication: Convey design intent through high-quality graphics, diagrams, and narratives for internal and external audiences
• Written Communication: Draft clear, concise correspondence and documentation related to design development
• Graphic Standards: Make informed decisions on visual communication to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the firm’s design standards
• Professionalism: Represent the firm with professionalism and integrity in both verbal and visual communication

Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch)

Licensure: Architectural licensure not required but encouraged

Experience: 5–8 years of professional experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and schematic design in both built and unbuilt work

Planning Knowledge: Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes, particularly in urban and mixed-use contexts

Communication: Strong communication and graphic presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey design intent to internal teams, clients, and consultants

Self-Directed: Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment

Design Expertise: Strong knowledge of design and planning principles, with the ability to contribute to early-phase design work on complex projects

Design Software: Proficient in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (e.g., Enscape) with a strong eye for graphic communication and presentation

Mentorship: Ability to guide and support Junior Designers and Designers in design development and visual communication

Code Knowledge: Familiarity with zoning, planning, accessibility, and other applicable codes relevant to the design and entitlement process

Design Integration: Understanding of how design intent aligns with building systems and construction methods

Project Phases: Ability to work across all design phases, with a focus on capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlement packages

Quality Contribution: Assist in internal quality checks of design documents and presentations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to design standards

Accountability: Maintain awareness of project scope, deadlines, and deliverables; communicate proactively with project leads about design priorities

Productivity: Maintain a high level of productivity and engagement, contributing meaningfully to multiple active projects and a utilization rate above 95%

Client Interaction: Support and participate in client presentations; help develop presentation materials and communicate design concepts clearly and effectively

Design Communication: Convey design intent through high-quality graphics, diagrams, and narratives for internal and external audiences

Written Communication: Draft clear, concise correspondence and documentation related to design development

Graphic Standards: Make informed decisions on visual communication to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the firm’s design standards

Professionalism: Represent the firm with professionalism and integrity in both verbal and visual communication