Architect or Design Technician

Cushing Terrell; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Project Architect or Lead to shape grocery and retail spaces from concept through construction, collaborating with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams in Seattle, WA. You’ll balance performance, sustainability, and long-term value while delivering detailed design and documentation.

The role emphasizes leading projects, mentoring team members, and maintaining strong client relationships in a fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• NAAB-accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree.
• 5 to 10+ years job-related work experience with demonstrated competence leading projects, teams and clients.
• Experienced and passionate about Grocery and Retail.
• License is Optional: Current architect license/registration is a plus, not a must.

Responsibilities

• Proven track record of exceptional client management.
• Must be able to take a project from start to finish.
• This position will manage multiple projects at once.
• This is a fast paced environment with lots of moving parts so you must have good time management skills.
• Consult with clients to determine functional and spatial requirements of projects regarding design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, and construction time; prepare necessary information for client review and approval.
• Collaborate with design leaders and other disciplines to produce preliminary design concepts.
• Perform necessary research for the design of a complete project.
• Inspect work to ensure compliance with specifications, approve quality of materials and work, and advise client and construction teams.
• Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
• Complete construction cost estimates.
• Provide code and jurisdictional research on projects.
• Check drawings on projects and prepare feedback for the project team.
• Administer construction contracts on projects including administration of addenda, substitutions, change orders, and submittal reviews.
• Conduct on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with contract documents, and conduct final inspections.
• Direct activities of other architectural team members engaged in projects.
• Seal and signs permit documents on projects if licensed.
• May have supervisory responsibilities including training, assigning and directing work, reviewing performance, rewarding and disciplining team members, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
• Carry out these supervisor responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Develop and maintain external and internal client relationships.

Education

NAAB-accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree

Job description

Position Description

A Project Architect or Lead brings bold ideas to life, transforming concepts into spaces that people rely on every day. At Cushing Terrell, this role isn’t just about buildings; it’s about designing with imagination, empathy, and purpose. You’ll help lead projects from early design vision through construction, collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and our multidisciplinary teams to ensure every detail aligns with performance, sustainability, and long-term value. With a focus on grocery and retail architecture, you’ll shape highly populated environments that balance efficiency, customer experience, technology, and brand storytelling. From unforgettable storefronts and thriving departments to operational back‑of‑house systems, your work will help businesses thrive while elevating the daily lives of the communities they serve.

Position Salary Range*

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000 annually.

Required Qualifications**

• NAAB-accredited Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree
• 5 to 10+ years job-related work experience with demonstrated competence leading projects, teams and clients
• Experienced and passionate about Grocery and Retail
• License is Optional: Current architect license/registration is a plus, not a must

Position Responsibilities***

• Proven track record of exceptional client management
• Must be able to take a project from start to finish
• This position will manage multiple projects at once
• This is a fast paced environment with lots of moving parts so you must have good time management skills
• Consult with clients to determine functional and spatial requirements of projects regarding design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, and construction time; prepare necessary information for client review and approval
• Collaborate with design leaders and other disciplines to produce preliminary design concepts
• Perform necessary research for the design of a complete project
• Inspect work to ensure compliance with specifications, approve quality of materials and work, and advise client and construction teams
• Prepare contract documents for building contractors
• Complete construction cost estimates
• Provide code and jurisdictional research on projects
• Check drawings on projects and prepare feedback for the project team
• Administer construction contracts on projects including administration of addenda, substitutions, change orders, and submittal reviews
• Conduct on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with contract documents, and conduct final inspections
• Direct activities of other architectural team members engaged in projects
• Seal and signs permit documents on projects if licensed
• May have supervisory responsibilities including training, assigning and directing work, reviewing performance, rewarding and disciplining team members, addressing complaints, and resolving problems
• Carry out these supervisor responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws
• Develop and maintain external and internal client relationships

Working at Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

Why Cushing Terrell

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, “design meets you.” Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CushingTerrell_Benefits-Guide_2025.pdf

Things to Note

• Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
• The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.