Architectural Designer III - Higher Education

HED; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

HED is seeking an Architectural Designer III-T to drive mid‑level technical design on Higher Education projects in California. You will work under a seasoned Architect/Project Designer, advancing toward greater autonomy while ensuring design integrity and code compliance.

Responsibilities include producing coordinated construction documents, coordinating with consultants, and supporting construction administration.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and 8+ years of professional experience.
• Experience with BIM/Revit and construction document management.
• Proficiency in code research and interpretation; knowledge of California codes preferred.
• Leadership, mentoring, and ability to coordinate with consultants and AHJs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a range of project types from early design through construction under supervision.
• Produce and manage coordinated construction documents to firm standards and code compliance.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants for technical alignment.
• Conduct code research and interface with AHJs (DSA) for permitting and approvals.
• Perform material and system research to inform detailing and specifications.
• Oversee construction administration activities (RFIs, submittals, field reports).
• Mentor junior staff and support development of technical standards.

Skills

BIM/Revit

Mentoring

Cross‑disciplinary coordination

Education

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Tools

Revizto

UpCodes

RIB Speclink

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

ABOUT HED:

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

ABOUT HED:

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

ABOUT OUR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR:

HED’s Higher Education team partners with colleges and universities to create places where students can learn, connect, and thrive. Our work spans academic buildings, teaching labs, career training facilities, and wellness spaces. Through integrated architecture and engineering, we align each project with an institution’s goals while supporting student growth, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Architectural Designer III-T is a mid-level technical architecture role that is responsible for leading a range of project types from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer . This role requires demonstrated proficiency in technical development, code compliance, consultant coordination, and documentation management. This professional is expected to operate with increasing autonomy while still receiving guidance from senior staff on more complex or high-risk project elements. The roles support the technical success of projects primarily within the Higher Education market sector, with opportunities to work in other sectors. The individual in this role is expected to employ critical thinking skills while working under the direction of a project architect in responsible control.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support planning and coordination of the architectural scope of work, including development and maintenance of the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Architect and Project Manager
• Produce and manage coordinated construction documents that meet firm quality standards, technical accuracy, and code compliance in accordance with the HED Design Process
• Coordinate with internal team members and external consultants to ensure technical alignment, design integrity, and consistency across all disciplines
• Support code research and interpretations of regulatory compliance and coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) including the Division of the State Architect – California (DSA) for permitting and approvals
• Conduct material, product, and building systems research to inform detailing and specification development
• Oversee construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, and field reports, under supervision of senior technical leadership
• Provide technical mentorship to junior team members and support the development of technical standards

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience with demonstrated technical proficiency
• LEED Accredited or other sustainability credential preferred
• Proficient in BIM/Revit as well as Microsoft Word, Excel
• Experience with 3-Dcoordination using Revizto is preferred
• Proficiency with Building Code research and interpretation
• Proficiency in managing construction document sets and consultant coordination.
• Experience with UpCodes and RIB Speclink preferred
• Experience in motivating and mentoring staff and delegate work assignmentsVery detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations
• Ability to use critical thinking skills for growth and positive impact
• Expertise the sector’s construction and building typology

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities

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

OTHER DUTIES:

Please 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.