Architect III Des Moines Studio

Slingshot Architecture; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Schedule

Health Insurance

Professional Development Stipend

Dog-Friendly Office

Quarterly Team Events

Job summary

A dynamic architecture studio in Des Moines is seeking an experienced Architect III to lead complex projects while providing mentorship in a teaching studio environment. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience, demonstrating expertise in architectural concepts and technical documentation. This full-time role offers remote work opportunities and a range of benefits in a collaborative, community-focused setting. Join us to create impactful designs that elevate everyday life and support Midwestern communities.

Qualifications

• Expertise in advanced architectural concepts and techniques.
• Strong understanding of building codes, materials, and sustainability practices.
• Ability to mentor mid-level and junior architects.

Responsibilities

• Lead entire project lifecycle from conceptual design to completion.
• Coordinate with project management and other consultants.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.

Skills

Leadership and mentorship

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Sketching and rendering

Problem-solving

Education

Licensed Architect (8+ years experience)

Tools

ArchiCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Job description

Join the Slingers! Slingshot is seeking a highly experienced, licensed Architect III (8+ years of professional experience) to join our passionate, purpose-driven studio in Des Moines. We're a small but mighty team of architects and designers dedicated to crafting meaningful, human-centered commercial spaces that elevate everyday life and strengthen Midwestern communities. Our work spans architecture, interiors, and urbanism — always with a focus on clarity, precision, and real impact.

As a teaching studio, we value team members who lead with expertise, serve as subject matter experts, mentor across the team, and drive technical excellence on projects from conceptual design through completion. In this senior-level role, you'll provide full project support, represent lead technical viewpoints, coordinate with directors and principals on innovative solutions, and help differentiate our project strategies on complex assignments.

What You'll Do

• Participate fully in conceptual design and provide support through the entire project lifecycle.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on specialized systems, technical details, and innovative solutions.
• Liaise with project management, other architects, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
• Develop and represent the lead technical viewpoint on projects, advocating for appropriate solutions.
• Coordinate with directors and principals on technical approaches, product strategies, and project differentiation.
• Independently lead complex technical design aspects, investigations, evaluations, and recommendations that best meet client needs on large-scale or specialized projects.
• Apply advanced architectural concepts to novel or highly complex assignments, developing new or improved techniques and procedures.
• Oversee and produce high-quality construction documentation, specifications, and details across all phases.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to mid-level and junior architects, fostering growth in the teaching studio environment.
• Ensure compliance with advanced building codes, accessibility, sustainability goals, zoning, and firm standards.
• Manage technical & design coordination across multiple projects; support senior leadership on project direction, client presentations, and strategic decisions.
• Lead construction-phase services, including site observations, submittal reviews, RFIs, change orders, punch lists, and field reports.
• Present sophisticated design and technical concepts confidently to clients and stakeholders.
• Attend and contribute meaningfully to client meetings, design reviews, coordination sessions, and firm-wide critiques.
• Help refine and apply the SSA design process, leveraging key software tools (ArchiCAD, SketchUp, etc.) at an expert level.

Who We're Looking For:

• Are a proactive leader who can independently drive technical & design excellence on complex projects while sharing our commitment to meaningful, collaborative work.
• Excel in a fast-paced, small-team environment dedicated to exceeding expectations and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate deep expertise in specialized systems, advanced design, technical documentation, and construction best practices, with a generous, mentorship-oriented approach to teamwork.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, sustainability, accessibility, and emerging architectural strategies.
• Have exceptional sketching, modeling, rendering, and visualization skills for communicating complex ideas.
• Are highly proficient in ArchiCAD (or similar BIM software), Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; experience with additional tools like Miro and Monograph is a plus.
• Bring outstanding verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, team guidance, and technical representation.
• Can work autonomously on lead responsibilities while collaborating effectively and mentoring less experienced staff.
• Are exceptionally organized, with strong abilities to manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables across sophisticated, multi-faceted projects.

What We Offer

• 40 hrs work week
• Remote Work Opportunities (after onboarding and training are completed)
• Flexible Schedule with 9a-3p core hours
• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance, STD & LTD covered 100% for employee
• Maternity Leave
• 401k plan with Company Match
• Monthly Gym Benefit
• Volunteer Time Off
• Professional Development Stipend
• Leadership Involved In Day-to-Day
• A Teaching Studio & Collaborative Environment
• Relaxed Dress Code
• Dog-Friendly Office
• Beverages & Snacks
• Quarterly Team Events
• Annual Team Celebration

This full-time position is available in our Des Moines studio.

TO BE CONSIDERED, MUST SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO

If you're excited to bring your senior-level architectural expertise and leadership to vibrant, community-focused projects in a studio that values personal growth, bold ideas, mentorship, technical innovation, and meaningful design impact, we want to meet you!