Architectural Designer II - PreK-12

HED; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HED seeks an Architectural Designer II to join our PreK–12 Education practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. You will assist project teams from early design through construction under supervision, developing technical and design skills in a collaborative environment.

The role emphasizes mentorship, opportunities across market sectors, and a hybrid work model with regular in‑office collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year) degree required.
• Licensure or active pursuit of licensure preferred.
• Minimum three years’ experience in the A/E industry.
• Proficiency in Revit.
• Familiarity with building codes.
• LEED Accredited or other sustainability credential preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Desire to learn how to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignments.
• Proficient in BIM/Revit and Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Experience in Revizto, Rhino, Bluebeam, Concept Board preferred.
• Very detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and collaborative.
• Ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Architect to ensure design and technical quality.
• Collaborate with engineers and other consultants using Revizto.
• Support the delivery of professional services as defined by the HED Design Process guidelines.
• Assist the Project Architect with directing staff and developing strategies for project delivery.
• Understand the design intent and communicate it through documentation with limited direction.
• Assist with required code research for project assignments.
• Assist with material and product research as required for project development.
• Participate in internal and/or external project meetings as required by scope and schedule.
• Coordinate with project team disciplines as needed.
• Perform submittal reviews during bidding and construction administration.
• Participate and assist in managing technical reviews in Revizto through all phases to meet HED expectations for quality and project performance.
• Manage tasks on Concept Board and track project progress.
• Assist with the development of Discipline work plans.
• Assume Project Architect responsibilities for short periods when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Architect, Project Manager, or Architecture Practice Leader.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Mentoring

Leadership

Critical thinking

English fluency

Time management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Revizto

Rhino

Bluebeam

Concept Board

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary

HED is seeking a passionate Architectural Designer to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in our San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. This early career level architecture role is responsible for assisting project teams with a range of project types from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer. Candidates are passionate, motivated, and eager to further develop their technical and design skills in an environment that promotes collaboration and critical thinking. Proven experience and proficiency in technical detailing with the ability to work with moderate to minimal supervision. Responsibilities may include guiding and mentoring more junior team members. This role is intended to work on projects for the PreK–12 sector, with opportunities to work across market sectors to acquire diverse experiences.

HED Culture

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Our Culture is Guided by Six Core Values

• Do It as a Team – We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration, trust, and shared accountability across disciplines and project teams.
• Be You With Us – We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work.
• Make a Mark – We are driven to create meaningful impact through design, delivering projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.
• Embrace Change – We approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, continuously evolving our thinking, processes, and solutions.
• Thrive With Growth – We invest in mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering our people to reach their full potential.
• Strive for Performance – We pursue excellence in design, technical execution, client service, and project delivery, holding ourselves to the highest standards.

When You Join HED, You’ll Have the Opportunity To

• Design impactful educational environments that serve students, educators, and communities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and high‑performing solutions.
• Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture that values mentorship, professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances autonomy with meaningful in‑person collaboration.
• Be part of a team committed to design excellence, technical rigor, and creating lasting positive impact.

Work Environment

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home with regular in‑office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
• The office is a professional, open‑space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Responsibilities

As a Technical Architectural Designer II, you’ll play a key role in supporting project teams from early design through construction under the guidance of experienced architects and designers. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your technical and design expertise in a collaborative, learning‑focused environment. You are passionate, motivated, and ready to take on greater responsibility with moderate to minimal supervision. In this role, you may also have the chance to mentor junior team members as you continue developing your own skills.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Project Architect to ensure design and technical quality.
• Collaborate with engineers and other consultants using Revizto.
• Support the delivery of professional services as defined by the HED Design Process guidelines.
• Assist the Project Architect with directing staff and developing strategies for project delivery.
• Understand the design intent and communicate it through documentation with limited direction.
• Assist with required code research for project assignments.
• Assist with material and product research as required for project development.
• Participate in internal and/or external project meetings as required by scope and schedule.
• Coordinate with project team disciplines as needed.
• Perform submittal reviews during bidding and construction administration.
• Participate and assist in managing technical reviews in Revizto through all phases to meet HED expectations for quality and project performance.
• Manage tasks on Concept Board and track project progress.
• Assist with the development of Discipline work plans.
• Assume Project Architect responsibilities for short periods when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Architect, Project Manager, or Architecture Practice Leader.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4‑year) degree.
• Licensure or active pursuit of licensure preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in the A/E industry.
• Proficiency in Revit.
• Familiarity with and experience navigating building codes.
• LEED Accredited or other sustainability credential preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of the coordination aspects and related requirements of all design disciplines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Desire to learn how to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignments.
• Proficient in BIM/Revit and Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Experience in Revizto, Rhino, Bluebeam, Concept Board preferred.
• Very detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible.
• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations.
• Commitment to the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Desire to use critical thinking skills for growth and positive impact.
• NOTE: Please attach work samples or portfolio when applying.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites for attending client, project, and construction meetings.
• Ability to access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation.
• Ability to use equipment for communication and documentation.
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Other Duties

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.