Architectural Designer

ACTalent; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Architectural Designer to join a growing commercial architecture team in Herndon, VA. The role emphasizes technical production across the full architectural lifecycle, from SD through CA, offering opportunities to gain ownership and progress toward licensure.

The position focuses on renovation projects (800 SF to 70,000 SF) with a four‑day workweek (10‑hour days, Fridays off) and a mostly onsite schedule, with Friday remote options as needed.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Revit and producing/modifying architectural drawings and construction documents for commercial projects.
• Experience with architectural production and construction documentation.
• Ability to interpret and incorporate redlines accurately and efficiently.
• Experience with commercial architectural design and construction administration.
• Understanding of project management principles within an architectural context.
• Knowledge of building codes and their application to commercial projects.
• 25 years of architectural experience, preferably with commercial work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining drawing quality, accuracy, and coordination.
• Ability to collaborate with consultants, engineers, and internal project teams.
• Comfort with field surveys and documenting existing conditions.

Responsibilities

• Produce and develop architectural drawings and detailed construction documentation for commercial projects.
• Support projects through SD, DD, CD, permitting, and CA phases.
• Assist with design development, detailing, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate drawings with consultants, engineers, and internal teams.
• Participate in field surveys and document existing conditions for renovations.
• Support renovation projects from 800 SF to 70,000 SF.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and other CA needs.
• Work with Project Architects/Managers and progressively take on ownership.
• Manage smaller projects or portions of larger projects.
• Maintain drawing quality, accuracy, and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
• Gain exposure to forensic architecture and evaluate existing conditions.
• Incorporate redlines efficiently into documentation.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment balancing production and broader project involvement.

Skills

Revit

Construction docs

Redlines

Project coordination

Field surveys

Commercial architecture

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Licensure track

Education

Architecture degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Architectural DesignerJob Description

We are seeking an Architectural Designer to join a growing commercial architecture team focused on renovation and improvement projects. This role offers a strong emphasis on technical production while providing exposure to all phases of the architectural lifecycle, from Schematic Design through Construction Administration. It is an excellent opportunity for a motivated designer who wants to deepen their technical skills, take on increasing project ownership, and build well-rounded experience toward architectural licensure.

Responsibilities

• Produce and develop architectural drawings and detailed construction documentation for commercial projects.

• Support projects through all phases, including Schematic Design (SD), Design Development, Construction Documents (CD), permitting, and Construction Administration (CA).

• Assist with design development, detailing, and technical documentation to ensure constructible and coordinated designs.

• Coordinate architectural drawings with consultants, engineers, and internal project teams to maintain alignment and quality.

• Participate in field surveys and document existing conditions for renovation and improvement projects.

• Support commercial renovation, repositioning, and improvement projects ranging from approximately 800 SF to 70,000 SF.

• Assist with responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and other Construction Administration needs.

• Work closely with Project Architects and Project Managers while progressively taking on greater project ownership.

• Manage smaller projects or specific portions of larger projects based on experience and project complexity.

• Help maintain drawing quality, accuracy, and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

• Gain exposure to forensic architecture, including evaluation and documentation of existing building conditions.

• Incorporate redlines efficiently and accurately into project documentation.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment while balancing technical production and broader project involvement.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Revit with the ability to produce and modify architectural drawings and construction documents.

• Experience in architectural production and construction documentation for commercial projects.

• Ability to interpret and incorporate redlines accurately and efficiently.

• Experience with commercial architectural design and construction administration.

• Understanding of project management principles within an architectural context.

• Knowledge of building codes and their application to commercial projects.

• 25 years of architectural experience, preferably with commercial work.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining drawing quality, accuracy, and coordination.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with consultants, engineers, and internal project teams.

• Comfort with participating in field surveys and documenting existing conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Architecture degree preferred but not required.

• Interest in gaining experience toward architectural licensure.

• Experience with commercial renovation, repositioning, and improvement projects.

• Interest in forensic architecture and evaluating existing building conditions.

• Ability to manage smaller projects or portions of larger projects with appropriate oversight.

• Strong communication skills for coordinating with project teams and responding to RFIs and submittals.

• Motivation to grow technical skills while contributing to all phases of the architectural lifecycle.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a close-knit team of approximately six to seven people in a recently expanded office, providing a collaborative and supportive environment. The team focuses on commercial renovation and improvement projects ranging from about 800 square feet to 70,000 square feet, with roughly 80% of the role centered on architectural production and documentation. The schedule operates on a four-day workweek with 10-hour days, typically with Fridays off, and flexibility to work from home on Fridays if additional work is needed. There is an expectation to be mostly in the office during the initial period, generally four days a week, with flexibility increasing over time. The environment emphasizes hands‑on technical work, coordinated project delivery, and opportunities to participate in every phase of the project rather than being limited to production.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Herndon, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.84 - $36.05/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Herndon, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Herndon,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.