Library Planner | Programmer | Architect

About the Firm

Perkins Eastman is a global architectural design practice with expertise in all aspects of the built environment, working at all scales and every level of detail. With studios in 26 locations worldwide, we design for people, embodying our ethos "human by design." We believe design is a collaborative art and operate as an integrated practice of passionate professionals committed to delivering the best design for our clients. Our diverse team works together in studios, leveraging expertise from across the firm to address specific design challenges. The firm encompasses 18 practice areas, serving as centers of knowledge and analysis that fuel creative design work. Sustainability is intrinsic to our approach—an essential ingredient throughout the design process, ensuring all good design is sustainable.

About the Role

Perkins Eastman is seeking a Library Specialist to join our Firmwide College & University and Civic & Cultural practices. This design-centered role leads the full arc from early strategy through design, shaping how academic and public libraries are planned, programmed, and built for the next generation of learners and communities. The Library Specialist will work at the intersection of research, planning, and design, partnering with librarians, institutional leadership, and project teams to translate evolving models of learning, research, and community into clear programmatic frameworks and spatial solutions. The position will be located in one of our established studios, with travel required for in-person meetings with academic and public institutions.

Responsibilities

• Planning, Programming & Strategy
  • Lead library programming and planning efforts, including space programs and planning concepts.
  • Facilitate stakeholder workshops and visioning sessions.
  • Translate emerging themes in libraries into actionable planning strategies.
  • Develop data-informed recommendations, including benchmarking and utilization analysis.
• Design & Planning Leadership
  • Lead and develop programming, space planning, and planning concepts for academic and public library projects nationwide.
  • Drive early design phases—program validation, scenario testing, and conceptual planning—in close collaboration with project teams.
  • Develop data-informed recommendations grounded in benchmarking, utilization analysis, and emerging spatial models.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Facilitate visioning sessions and workshops with librarians, institutional leadership, and campus planners.
  • Translate complex, evolving institutional needs into clear programmatic frameworks and spatial solutions.
• Thought Leadership
  • Represent Perkins Eastman at ALA, ACRL, SCUP, and related professional organizations.
  • Present at conferences and contribute to the firm’s voice on library design.
  • Track and interpret emerging themes in library service models, learning environments, and community space.
• Practice Growth
  • Identify new business opportunities and support pursuit efforts.
  • Cultivate and maintain client relationships at academic and public institutions.
  • Help grow and define the library typology across the firm’s studios.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Interior Design, or Planning.
• 7–15 years of experience in library planning or design, with a track record of leading projects from programming through design.
• Demonstrated skill in stakeholder engagement and translating institutional goals into spatial strategies.
• Strong communicator and collaborator who can work fluidly across design, planning, and client-facing contexts.
• Active involvement in professional library or design organizations is a strong plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k options.
• Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

Salary range: $110,000 to $140,000. Compensation may vary based on job level and geographical work location.

Schedule

The firm offers a hybrid policy, allowing flexibility in managing working days and hours to accommodate diverse needs.

Location

This position is open in one of the following locations: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, or Washington, DC.