Architecture Intermediate Designer - Oakland

Lowney Architecture; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lowney Architecture in Oakland is seeking an Intermediate Designer to support the design direction from the earliest stages through project execution, focused on front-end design and entitlement packages.

The Intermediate Designer will work with Senior Design Lead and Directors to translate client goals into thoughtful designs, collaborating through design development and construction administration, with emphasis on capacity studies and schematic design.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of professional experience with a strong portfolio showing conceptual and schematic design.
• Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes in urban contexts.
• Strong communication and graphic presentation skills.
• Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• Licensure not required but encouraged.
• Ability to lead portions of the design process independently.

Responsibilities

• Support design direction across capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlement packages.
• Collaborate with senior leads and principals to translate client goals into designs.
• Contribute to construction documents and administration while maintaining design intent.
• Produce sketches, diagrams, and presentation materials to communicate ideas.

Skills

5–8 years experience

Strong design skills

Communication skills

Graphic presentation

Self-directed

Lead design portions

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch

Tools

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Enscape

Job description

Lowney is growing. We are hiring an Intermediate Designer in our Oakland office. The Intermediate Designer plays a critical role in supporting the design direction of projects from the earliest stages through project execution, focused on the front-end design process and is responsible for leading and supporting design efforts during capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlements.

This role works closely with the Senior Design Lead and Design Directors, or Principal to translate client goals into thoughtful, compelling designs. While the primary emphasis is on early-phase design, the Intermediate Designer remains engaged throughout the project lifecycle to ensure design intent is maintained. During Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration, they collaborate with the technical team to provide design direction and assist in developing design-informed technical details.

At the Intermediate Designer level, it is expected that the individual has strong design skills, a solid understanding of planning and entitlement processes, and the ability to produce and communicate ideas through sketches, diagrams, and presentation materials. The Intermediate Designer should be self-directed, proactive, and able to lead portions of the design process independently.

General Qualifications

• Experience: 5–8 years of professional experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and schematic design in both built and unbuilt work.
• Planning Knowledge: Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes, particularly in urban and mixed-use contexts.
• Communication: Strong communication and graphic presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey design intent to internal teams, clients, and consultants.
• Education: Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• Licensure: Architectural licensure not required but encouraged.
• Self-Directed: Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Design Expertise: Strong knowledge of design and planning principles, with the ability to contribute to early-phase design work on complex projects.
• Design Software: Proficient in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (e.g., Enscape) with a strong eye for graphic communication and presentation.
• Mentorship: Ability to guide and support Junior Designers and Designers in design development and visual communication.
• Code Knowledge: Familiarity with zoning, planning, accessibility, and other applicable codes relevant to the design and entitlement process.
• Design Integration: Understanding of how design intent aligns with building systems and construction methods.
• Project Phases: Ability to work across all design phases, with a focus on capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlement packages.
• Quality Contribution: Assist in internal quality checks of design documents and presentations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to design standards.
• Accountability: Maintain awareness of project scope, deadlines, and deliverables; communicate proactively with project leads about design priorities.
• Productivity: Maintain a high level of productivity and engagement, contributing meaningfully to multiple active projects and a utilization rate above 95%.
• Client Interaction: Support and participate in client presentations; help develop presentation materials and communicate design concepts clearly and effectively.
• Design Communication: Convey design intent through high-quality graphics, diagrams, and narratives for internal and external audiences.
• Written Communication: Draft clear, concise correspondence and documentation related to design development.
• Graphic Standards: Make informed decisions on visual communication to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the firm’s design standards.
• Professionalism: Represent the firm with professionalism and integrity in both verbal and visual communication.
  Learn about Lowney at www.lowneyarch.com