Graduate of Architecture

About the Role

Whether you are launching your career or have a few years’ experience under your belt, HDJ offers a unique opportunity to grow your technical expertise, gain hands-on project experience, and advance your path towards architectural licensure. At Hooker DeJong, Inc. (HDJ), we are not just hiring a Graduate of Architecture—we are investing in the next generation of architectural leaders. HDJ is an award-winning architectural and engineering firm with a national client base and a mission of Improving Lives Through Design. We are looking for emerging architectural talent to join our team and grow through our Graduate of Architecture Program.

Position Location: Grand Rapids or Muskegon, Michigan

Why This Role Is Different

Many firms hire graduates. At HDJ, we develop them. Our Graduate of Architecture Program helps emerging professionals transition into practice while building technical skill, project confidence, client awareness, and momentum toward architectural licensure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of architectural solutions that meet client goals and project requirements.
• Support the preparation of construction documents while developing knowledge of building systems, materials, and detailing.
• Participate in project coordination with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Create drawings, BIM models, presentations, and visualization materials using design and office software.
• Assist with project communications including meeting notes, RFIs, addenda, bulletins, field directives, and other correspondence.
• Support field investigations, site observations, measuring, and record drawing development.
• Participate in code research and regulatory review.
• Contribute to scheduling, project documentation, and coordination efforts.
• Learn construction administration through submittal review, site observation, and project documentation.
• Work directly with experienced architects who are invested in helping you grow.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• Entry-level professional on the path to architectural licensure.
• Passion for architecture, design excellence, and lifelong learning.
• Interest in architectural design, construction documentation, building systems, codes, and project coordination.
• Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design software preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent organization, follow-through, curiosity, and initiative.

Benefits

• Structured Graduate of Architecture Program.
• Mentorship and a career-development environment that supports your pursuit of professional licensure.
• Collaborative interdisciplinary culture.
• Hybrid work environment.
• Diverse project portfolio across the United States.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Award-winning workplace recognized as a National Best & Brightest Companies to Work For.

About HDJ

HDJ is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. Everyone is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and to provide a great place to work for all our people. We are also committed to building a firm that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities we serve.