Design Architect

American Institute of Architecture Students; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

HHJ, a Tacoma-based full-service design-build firm, seeks a Design Architect to lead the creative direction from concept through early design phases. You will establish project vision, guide design strategy, and ensure design excellence while aligning with budget and schedule.

You will serve as a design leader and client-facing partner, collaborating with principals, project teams, and our in-house construction group to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed Architect required.
• 10–15+ years of professional experience with design leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead project visioning, conceptual and schematic design across multiple projects.
• Serve as primary design voice in client presentations, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Translate client goals into innovative, buildable design solutions.
• Guide and mentor project architects and junior designers.
• Oversee development of diagrams, renderings, and construction documents.

Skills

Design leadership

Concept development

Client relationships

Team leadership

Communication skills

Design presentations

AI-driven design

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Enscape

Lumion

Job description

About Us

HHJ is a full-service design-build firm based in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in commercial, industrial, and tenant improvement projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our integrated approach brings architecture and construction together to deliver efficient, high-quality projects from concept through completion.

Position Overview

We are seeking aDesign Architectto lead the creative direction of projects and shape design outcomes from concept through early design phases. This role is responsible for establishing project vision, guiding design strategy, and ensuring design excellence while aligning with budget, schedule, and constructability.

You will serve as adesign leader and client-facing partner, working closely with principals, project teams, and our in-house construction group to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced design-build environment and wants to see their ideas carried through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadproject visioning, conceptual design, and schematic design effortsacross multiple projects
• Serve as theprimary design voicein client presentations, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
• Translate client goals intoinnovative, functional, and buildable design solutions
• Guide and mentor project architects and junior designers, elevating overall design quality
• Collaborate with construction and estimating teams to align design intent with cost, schedule, and constructability
• Oversee development of diagrams, renderings, and presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent
• Establish and upholddesign standards and best practicesacross the firm
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, and early client engagement
• Provide design oversight during design development to maintain alignment with original vision
• Integrate emerging technologies (including AI tools) to enhance design exploration, visualization, and workflow efficiency
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, and clients throughout all project phases
• Prepare and oversee production of construction documents and specifications
• Manage permitting processes and coordinate with local jurisdictions
• Review submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings during construction
• Ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and client requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• 10–15+ yearsof professional experience with a strong emphasis ondesign leadership and concept development
• Licensed Architect required
• Strong portfolio demonstratingdesign excellence, built work, and leadership in complex projects
• Experience in commercial, industrial, and/or tenant improvement projects preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and visualization tools (Enscape, Lumion, or similar)
• Strong understanding of building systems, materials, and how design decisions impact construction
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage client relationships, and drive project vision
• Interest in or experience with AI-driven design tools and workflows
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and annual bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (75/25 split employer/employee)
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with 25% company match
• Opportunities for professional growth and licensure support
• A forward-thinking environment that embraces innovation and new technologies

Why Join HHJ?

At HHJ, you’ll be part of a team that values practical design, strong relationships, and delivering projects that make an impact in our community. Our design-build model gives you the opportunity to see your work come to life, from concept to construction, while working with a team that is actively evolving with new tools and technologies.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Happy hour
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Architectural design: 10 years (Preferred)
• Work Location: In person