Architect

Populous; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401k

Paid time off

Continuing education benefits

Job summary

Populous is seeking a senior architect to lead design concepts for iconic civic, sports, and cultural venues. You will drive the development of architecture and construction documentation, collaborating with a global team and clients to realize projects that shape public spaces.

Applicants should have 6+ years of experience, a professional architecture degree, and a licensure; travel will be required as part of project work across diverse locations.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture with licensure.
• 6+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Design concept development and documentation.
• Lead design concepts during schematic and design development.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Creative thinking

Sketching

Presentation

Education

Professional Degree in Architecture (B.Arch/M.Arch)

Registered Architect license

Tools

3DS Max

SketchUp

Maxwell Render

Revit

Adobe Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Job description

We design the places where people love to be together — and we can’t do it without you.

Populous is all about people — it’s in our name. Attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about their work is what makes us thrive.

As a global firm, we have established roots in cities across the world, uncovering the very best local talent. The diversity of our team is our greatest strength and one of the most powerful sources of our creativity.

We believe in supporting each other, coming together as a team to make sure everyone is fulfilled professionally, creatively, and personally.

Why Work With Us

Culture

Populous is built around the core values of integrity, entrepreneurial creativity, excellence and enjoyment. There are many milestones and celebrations along the way — yours and ours — and we share in these special moments together.

We also reach beyond our offices to help make our local communities stronger, from engaging with university students and taking part in urban clean-up projects, to partnering with sports charities and promoting sustainable design.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging

With more than 1,600 colleagues in 33 offices spanning four continents, we value the incredible range of talents, beliefs, experiences and perspectives of every person that makes up our team. You bring your authentic self and we’ll set the stage for you to succeed.

Professional Development

Populous is a team of people that are emotionally connected to their work. We wouldn’t have it any other way. From mentor programs and cross-disciplinary design charettes to global conferences, you will have a wealth of opportunities to innovate and learn, shaping your career to meet your personal goals.

Our commitment to innovative design has earned us the top spot in architecture on Fast Company’s list of the world's 50 most innovative companies.

“We are a team of fans, dreamers, thinkers and doers. We come together to amplify the magic of fandom and break barriers for the future of sports and entertainment.”

What happens when you provoke designers to bring to life a digital footprint?

Tapping the Power of a Global Knowledge Network

We design places where people love to be together.

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.

We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground‑breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

What We Offer

• Professional & Personal Development Programs
• Summer Hours
• Hybrid Schedule
• Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams
• Wedding Pay
• Charitable Match Program
• Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits

Who We Are Looking For

Our preferred candidate will have prior experience in the AEC industry, and an interest in working in a dynamic global design environment with a diverse range of public assembly building types, including sports venues, convention centers, and transportation facilities.

What Your Day Could Consist Of

Design Conceptualization and Development

• Focus on creating and developing solutions to meet project programmatic requirements.
• Provide leadership in technical development and contribute to detailed project documentation.

Creative Media Expertise

• Utilize a diverse skill set across multiple media platforms, including illustration, computer-generated renderings, animations, and motion graphics for visual communication.

Project Design and Documentation

• Lead efforts to develop, modify, and review design concepts, production drawings, and construction documents in alignment with established standards and technical expertise.
• Create and refine design concepts during schematic and design development stages.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct or assist with operational and design research, building and systems programming, site and building analysis, and report preparation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and deliver design presentations to clients, communities, and relevant stakeholders, including public agencies.
• Collaborate directly with clients on project management throughout the design development and construction administration phases.

Construction Administration

• Support Project Managers in the construction administration process, ensuring design intent is maintained and project goals are achieved.
• Perform all other duties as required to support the successful execution of projects.

Requirements For Success

• Exceptional communication skills with a team-oriented mindset.
• Self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in inventive and creative design thinking, collaborative problem-solving, architectural production, spatial and environmental design, story development, and delivering high-quality design solutions.
• Experience with rendering and 3D modeling software, including 3DS Max, SketchUp, and Maxwell Render, is preferred.
• Familiarity with Revit is highly desirable.
• Strong sketching and freehand drawing skills, with the ability to create quick, impactful sketches to effectively communicate and sell ideas.
• Preferred expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Essential Qualifications

• Professional Degree in Architecture (B. Arch or M. Arch) from an accredited program.
• Registered Architect with a current license.
• 6+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Travel will be required.

Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits.

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company

No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C