Architectural designer/project manager

Critical Playground LLC; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Doug Aitken Workshop in Venice, California, is seeking an architectural designer/project manager to join its team and drive the design and realization of international contemporary art, architecture and installation projects.

The role blends design leadership with project management, turning concepts into fabrication-ready plans and coordinating fabricators, engineers and contractors to deliver ambitious installations. Strong English communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong architectural or design background with aesthetic sensibility.
• Excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience taking complex projects from design through fabrication and installation.

Responsibilities

• design and develop artworks, installations, exhibitions and architectural projects from concept through realization
• develop designs, details, drawings, 3D models and presentation materials
• manage projects through technical development, fabrication and installation
• research materials, fabrication methods and technical solutions
• establish and maintain project strategies, schedules, budgets and deliverables
• coordinate collaborators including architects, engineers, fabricators, contractors, institutions and other partners
• work directly with fabricators to develop details, prototypes, samples and finished work

Skills

Architectural design

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Fabrication coordination

Design leadership

Tools

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

3D modeling

Job description

Doug Aitken Workshop is hiring an architectural designer/project manager to join its team in Venice, California.

Doug Aitken Workshop is seeking a talented architectural designer/project manager to work on the design and realization of international contemporary art, architecture and installation projects.

We are looking for a sharp, highly motivated architect and designer with the ability to make ambitious projects happen. The ideal candidate combines creative and architectural thinking with the ability to drive complex projects forward — strategically, technically, budgetarily and practically — from initial concept through fabrication and installation.

This role combines design and project leadership, requiring someone who can develop ideas into thoughtful, well-resolved projects and independently drive them through realization.

Responsibilities/experience:

• design and develop artworks, installations, exhibitions and architectural projects from concept through realization
• develop designs, details, drawings, 3D models and presentation materials
• manage projects through technical development, fabrication and installation
• research materials, fabrication methods and technical solutions
• establish and maintain project strategies, schedules, budgets and deliverables
• coordinate collaborators including architects, engineers, fabricators, contractors, institutions and other partners
• work directly with fabricators to develop details, prototypes, samples and finished work

Strong architectural or design background, developed aesthetic sensibility and excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills required.

Proficiency in Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Experience taking complex architectural, design-build, custom fabrication or other one-off projects from design into physical realization is highly valued.

Position is in-person and based in Los Angeles. Schedule and scope of engagement may vary depending on experience and availability.