Architecture Intermediate Designer - Oakland

Lowney Architecture; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lowney Architecture is looking for an Intermediate Designer to join its Oakland office. The designer will play a critical role in supporting design direction from early phases through project execution, focusing on front-end design.

The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience with strong graphic presentation skills and proficiency in design tools like Revit and SketchUp. This role involves a collaborative environment, contributing to multiple projects while ensuring adherence to design standards.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and schematic design in both built and unbuilt work.
• Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes in urban and mixed-use contexts.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Support design direction from the earliest stages through project execution.
• Collaborate with the technical team to provide design direction.
• Assist in internal quality checks of design documents and presentations.

Skills

5–8 years of professional experience

Strong communication and graphic presentation skills

Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite

Ability to mentor and support Junior Designers

Understanding of design intent with building systems

Education

Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch)

Tools

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Enscape

Job description

Intermediate Designer – Oakland

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

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

At this level the individual is expected to have 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 designer should be self‑directed, proactive, and able to lead portions of the design process independently.

General Qualifications

• 5–8 years of professional experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and schematic design in both built and unbuilt work.


• Experience with zoning, planning, and entitlement processes, particularly in urban and mixed‑use contexts.


• Strong communication and graphic presentation skills, conveying design intent to internal teams, clients, and consultants.


• Graduate of an accredited architectural program (B.Arch or M.Arch).


• Architectural licensure not required but encouraged.


• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.


• Strong knowledge of design and planning principles, and ability to contribute to early‑phase design work on complex projects.


• Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (e.g., Enscape) with a strong eye for graphic communication and presentation.


• Ability to mentor and support Junior Designers and designers in design development and visual communication.


• Familiarity with zoning, planning, accessibility, and other applicable codes relevant to design and entitlement.


• Understanding of how design intent aligns with building systems and construction methods.


• Ability to work across all design phases, focusing on capacity studies, concept design, schematic design, and entitlement packages.


• Assist in internal quality checks of design documents and presentations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to design standards.


• Maintain awareness of project scope, deadlines, and deliverables; proactively communicate with project leads about design priorities.


• Maintain a high level of productivity and engagement, contributing meaningfully to multiple active projects with a utilization rate above 95%.


• Support and participate in client presentations; help develop presentation materials and communicate design concepts clearly and effectively.


• Convey design intent through high‑quality graphics, diagrams, and narratives for internal and external audiences.


• Draft clear, concise correspondence and documentation related to design development.


• Make informed decisions on visual communication to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the firm’s design standards.


• Represent the firm with professionalism and integrity in both verbal and visual communication.