Designer

SGA (Boston | New York); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SGA Architecture seeks a Designer Level 3 to lead substantial portions of architectural work, guiding design development and documentation from concept through construction administration. You will collaborate with Senior Designers, Project Architects, and Project Managers to ensure design intent and successful delivery of complex projects across sectors.

Ideal candidates bring strong design and technical proficiency, independent work capability, and a knack for mentoring junior staff while

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of relevant work experience.
• LEED accredited professional or pursuing accreditation.
• Strong design, technical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead significant portions of project work from concept through construction administration.
• Mentor junior team members and coordinate with senior staff.
• Ensure design intent and quality control across all project phases.
• Collaborate with project teams and consultants to deliver complex projects.

Skills

Design proficiency

Technical proficiency

Coordination

Mentoring

Communication

Education

LEED Accredited Professional

Job description

SGA is an architecture, interior design, planning, Virtual Design and Construction, and branded environments practice founded in 1991. Winner of the Fast Company Magazine’s “Most Innovative Companies” award for architecture, SGA embodies tech-forward design that redefines how projects are visualized and delivered. With over 40 professionals in Boston and New York, SGA’s team-first approach, and trademark creativity, has resulted in over 450M SF of successful and innovative commissions. www.sga-arch.com

SUMMARY

Designers at SGA play a critical role in advancing the design, technical development, and documentation of projects from early concept studies through construction administration. As a Designer Level 3 within SGA’s Architecture Department, this position is responsible for leading significant portions of project work, ensuring that design intent is maintained through all phases of execution, and contributing to the successful delivery of complex projects across a variety of sectors.

Designer Level 3 professionals are experienced team members who demonstrate strong design and technical proficiency, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with Senior Designers, Project Architects, Project Managers, and firm leadership. This role requires the ability to coordinate project components, contribute to consultant coordination efforts, and actively support project delivery, quality control, and client service objectives.

In addition to project responsibilities, Designer Level 3 staff are expected to mentor and guide junior team members, contribute to a collaborative studio culture, and support office-wide goals related to design excellence, technical execution, innovation, and communication. Candidates should be capable of taking ownership of substantial project elements, assisting with team leadership responsibilities when appropriate, and helping drive projects forward in a proactive and organized manner.

This position is available in our Boston or New York City studios and offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects within a collaborative, design-focused environment committed to innovation, technical excellence, and professional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Designer Level 3 professionals at SGA contribute to all phases of project delivery, from concept design through construction administration, while taking ownership of significant project components and helping guide projects through successful execution. Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Support the development and implementation of design studies under the direction of senior staff.
• Contribute to design presentations through plans, elevations, renderings, and 3D perspectives.
• Procure material samples and assist in maintaining the firm’s material library and vendor relationships.
• Demonstrate an understanding of design intent and contribute to design studies that enhance the quality and consistency of the project.

Technical & Documentation

• Assist project teams with technical work required to complete projects on schedule and at a high standard of quality.
• Participate in the preparation of construction documents, details, and specifications, with increasing independence at higher levels.
• Apply and reinforce SGA standards for documentation and quality control.
• Take ownership of significant project components and help maintain design intent through technical execution.

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with Senior Designers, Project Architects, and Project Managers in the coordination of day-to-day project tasks.
• Support consultant coordination efforts, including structural, civil, and MEP/FP disciplines, to ensure accuracy and integration across documents.
• Document site conditions, prepare meeting minutes, and maintain accurate project files.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and contribute to mentoring within project teams.

Construction Administration

• Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, developing punch lists, and preparing addenda or bulletins.
• Assist in resolving issues that arise during construction in alignment with the design intent and project goals.

Codes, Zoning + Measurements

• Develop working knowledge of zoning laws, building codes, and regulations applicable to projects.
• Apply measurement standards (REBNY, BOMA, etc.) to ensure accurate building and space documentation.

Professional + Business Development

• Represent SGA as an ambassador in interactions with clients, consultants, and industry partners.
• Contribute to marketing and business development efforts as needed.
• Engage in professional development by participating in mentoring programs, training, and other initiatives to expand knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Take on special projects as assigned.
• Consistently maintain a high level of direct billable project time, with expectations generally above 85–90% depending on level.
• Manage time effectively across multiple projects as responsibilities increase.

QUALIFICATIONS

To succeed in this role, Designer Level 3 professionals must demonstrate strong design, technical, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently, coordinate complex project components, and contribute to successful project delivery across all phases of work.

• Ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively with colleagues, clients, vendors, and consultants. Contributes to office knowledge and culture in positive, demonstrable ways. Provides mentorship, models best practices, and helps guide junior staff as responsibilities grow.

Ownership + Initiative

• Self-starter who takes ownership of tasks and assignments. Displays the desire to advance skills and contribute positively to projects. Demonstrates leadership by managing project components and mentoring others as experience increases.

Communication

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail. Comfortable presenting ideas and information to clients and stakeholders, with growing confidence in representing the firm in meetings.

Professionalism + Resilience

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining professionalism at all times. Serves as a role model in conduct, problem-solving, and reliability.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of architectural and/or interior design practices, building systems, codes, and industry standards, with commitment to continued learning and advancement. Demonstrates proficiency in overseeing technical quality and integration across disciplines.

Professional Development

• Commitment to ongoing education, training, and growth to remain current in the industry. Contributes to the growth of others through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

• 6 - 10 years of relevant work experience
• Is a LEED accredited professional or working towards accreditation.