Technical Designer - Education, Culture & Community - Junior

About the Role

Gensler's San Francisco Cities studio is seeking a Technical Designer with 2–5 years of experience to join our team focused on higher education, cultural, community, and mission-driven projects. We are looking for a thoughtful, well-rounded designer who is equally energized by design exploration and technical problem-solving. In our studio, we do not see design and technical expertise as separate disciplines. We believe that the same curiosity that drives a compelling concept should inform how a building is detailed, coordinated, and ultimately brought to life.

Working alongside architects, interior designers, project managers, and strategists, you will contribute to projects from early visioning and design development through documentation and construction administration. This role offers broad exposure to the full project lifecycle and is ideal for someone who wants to become a strong architectural generalist with a deep understanding of both design and delivery. From your first project, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas, take ownership of project work, and learn directly from experienced design and project leaders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects across all phases of design and delivery, from early concepts and design studies through construction documentation and construction administration.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, and project leaders to develop thoughtful and well-resolved design solutions.
• Support the development of Revit models, drawing sets, architectural details, and other project deliverables.
• Produce diagrams, renderings, presentations, and visual materials that communicate design ideas clearly and effectively.
• Participate in design reviews, project workshops, consultant coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Assist in translating design concepts into technically rigorous and buildable solutions.
• Contribute to programming, space planning, documentation, research, and material studies as projects evolve through different phases.
• Engage in project discussions and team critiques, bringing curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
• Help maintain a high standard of design quality, technical execution, and attention to detail across project work.
• Contribute to a collaborative studio culture that values mentorship, design excellence, continuous learning, and shared success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 2–5 years of professional experience in an architecture or design practice.
• Demonstrated design thinking and strong design judgment, supported by a portfolio that communicates thoughtful ideas, strong visual communication skills, technical curiosity, and an interest in how ideas evolve into built work.
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for exploring, developing, and communicating design ideas through drawing, making, modeling, visualization, and presentation.
• Strong proficiency in Revit and experience contributing to project models and drawing sets.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Rhino, Enscape, SketchUp, Grasshopper, or similar tools is a plus.
• Understanding of building systems, construction methodologies, and architectural detailing appropriate to your level of experience.
• Familiarity with building codes, accessibility requirements, and the fundamentals of project delivery.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work across multiple project types and phases in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn from both design and technical challenges.

Skills

• Experience working on higher education, cultural, science, workplace, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, or other mission-driven projects.
• Exposure to multiple phases of project delivery, from concept design through construction documentation.
• Exposure to collaboration across disciplines, including architects, interior designers, consultants, and project teams.
• Interest in sustainable design, resilience, and high-performance buildings. LEED or other sustainability credential is a plus.
• Progress toward architectural licensure.
• Interest and experience in using research, precedent studies, material investigations, and other forms of design inquiry to inform design decisions.
• Interest in the relationship between design excellence, technical craft, and project execution.

Pay

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes an estimated base salary of $75,000-$82,000, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.

Schedule

This is not a remote position. This position is expected to be in the office full-time.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Wellness programs and flex spending.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• 401k, profit sharing, and employee stock ownership.
• Twice annual bonus opportunities.
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees.
• Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes.
• Industry-leading training, mentorship, and professional development resources.