Project Designer- Architecture

Description

RIOS is an international design collective dedicated to creating wonder within the built environment through design. We believe in using design as a tool for optimism, fostering invention and ideas that transform the world. Our approach integrates architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and experience design to redefine design as a continuous process. We start with attunement, where context and program guide our conceptual thinking, leading to holistic design solutions that encompass ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic expression.

About the Role

The Project Designer role at RIOS is responsible for leading project design and delivery efforts with a high degree of independence, accountability, and technical expertise. Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project coordination, managing project workflows, and ensuring design excellence throughout the delivery process.

Essential Duties

• Lead innovative design and technical project work with minimal oversight while maintaining accountability for project outcomes.
• Manage design and delivery efforts.
• Guide project teams through design development, documentation, visualization, sustainability integration, and technical execution.
• Cook up day-to-day project workflows, team communication, and task management to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to project pursuits through participation in proposals, RFP responses, design narratives, and presentation materials.
• Develop and advance sustainability and performance goals for assigned projects.
• Cook up consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior project leadership.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of project delivery processes, documentation standards, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Requirements

• Strong design leadership and the ability to translate conceptual ideas into successful project outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage project responsibilities independently while contributing to collaborative team environments.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and coordination skills.
• Strong technical knowledge of project delivery, documentation, and construction processes.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, visual, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible design practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in architecture experience or related project delivery roles.
• Demonstrated experience serving successfully as a Job Captain on small projects.
• Experience leading project coordination, workflow management, and internal team communication.
• Experience communicating with clients and consultants while supporting project delivery objectives.
• Proficiency with Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Grasshopper and Dynamo.
• Strong understanding of BIM workflows and digital project coordination.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

• A hybrid work environment.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• 401k matching.
• Paid time off package.
• Reduced summer work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RIOS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment, upon request.