Entry-Level Architectural Designer

PHMass; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan

PTO + holidays

Professional development

Hybrid remote work

Casual dress

Job summary

BaseCamp Design Workshop in Portland, Maine seeks a driven, design-focused Entry-Level Architectural Designer to join our collaborative studio. You will work in a hybrid remote capacity alongside our leadership on custom residential and commercial projects, contributing to all project phases from site analysis to construction documentation.

We value a passion for New England vernacular design, building science, and Passive House principles.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) required.
• Strong knowledge of Revit, Rhino, SketchUp; TwinMotion and Adobe CC.
• High-performance building envelope and Passive House familiarity.
• Residential design experience; licensure in progress (AXP/ARE).

Responsibilities

• Develop design studies and concept diagrams for client presentations.
• Model and draft drawing sets across design to construction documentation.
• Create marketing graphics and case studies for firm outreach.
• Assist on site visits, zoning reviews, and construction administration tasks.
• Set practice-wide standards for project coordination.
• Incorporate Passive House principles and thermal performance studies.

Skills

Design visualization

Regional vernacular design

Collaboration

Education

Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)

Tools

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

TwinMotion

Adobe Creative Cloud

Affinity Suite

WUFI Passive

THERM

Job description

passivhausMAINE promotes highest performance construction, but also integrates commentary on design, climate change, wood construction, the sustainable wood industry of MAINE and the intersection of economic and environmental sustainability.

Name

[e-mail]

Phone

[phone]

Business Name

BaseCamp Design Workshop

Business Description

BaseCamp Design Workshop is a full service architecture firm based in Portland, Maine. We design thoughtful, energy efficient homes and commercial spaces that celebrate Maine’s landscape, craftsmanship, and sense of place. Our approach begins with listening — understanding how our clients live, what inspires them, and how their home can become their own personal basecamp: a place of restoration, connection, and adventure. Every project, big or small, blends design excellence with environmental responsibility. We incorporate Passive House principles, durable materials, and building science to create homes that feel great to live in and perform exceptionally. Founder Taylor Massey aims to unite high performance design with a spirit of exploration. Having traveled widely across the world, he brings a broad perspective shaped by the places he’s visited. Those experiences inform a design sensibility that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and comfort in all seasons. As a licensed architect in multiple states spanning from Maine to Washington, Taylor has hands on experience in residential, commercial, and civic projects. Through creating BaseCamp Design Workshop, he approaches each project as both craftsman and guide, helping clients create deeply personal spaces that feel rooted, enduring, and ready for adventures ahead. Whether we’re planning a primary home, a camp on the coast, or a high performance retreat in the woods, BaseCamp Design Workshop helps our clients make a home worthy of the life they want to live — a basecamp for everyday adventure.

Website

www.basecampdesignworkshop.com

Salary Range

$55,000+

Job Description

Basecamp Design Workshop is seeking a driven, design-focused Entry-Level Architectural Designer to join our collaborative studio in Portland, Maine. In this role, you will working in a hybrid remote capacity directly alongside our leadership team on custom residential and commercial projects, contributing to all project phases from initial site analysis and massing to detailed construction documentation and marketing. We are looking for someone who shares our deep reverence for the New England landscape, a passion for regional vernacular design, and a strong commitment to building science and sustainable design.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing design studies, architectural concept diagrams, and visual representations for client presentations.
• Modeling and drafting drawing sets across all design, permitting, and construction documentation phases.
• Assisting in crafting graphic representations, project case studies, and digital media for firm marketing and client outreach.
• Participating in site visits, zoning reviews, field documentation, and construction administration support.
• Developing and documenting practice wide standards for future coordination with project teams.
• Integrating Passive House principles, thermal bridging mitigation, and sound building science through iterative studies throughout the design process.

Requirements

• Education: Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp. Proficiency with TwinMotion and Adobe Creative Cloud or Affinity Suite (Photoshop/Affinity Photo, Illustrator/Affinity Designer, InDesign/Affinity Publisher). Experience with WUFI Passive and THERM is encouraged.
• Building Science: Foundational knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for high-performance building envelope assemblies and Passive House standards. Familiarity with the PHIUS Standards and Guidebook is encouraged.
• Experience: Educational or practical exposure to custom residential design and construction methodologies. Experience developing marketing materials is a plus.
• Licensure & Growth: Actively pursuing licensure (enrolled in AXP / actively preparing for the ARE)
• Residency: Based in the greater Southern Maine geographic area with the ability to collaborate in our Portland studio a few times each week at least.
• Design Mindset: A passion for regional vernacular architecture—creating site-specific structures uniquely designed to respond to local topographies, microclimates, and context.
• Culture Fit: An authentic passion for spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, fitting right into our New England lifestyle and active studio culture.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive yearly salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with the AIA Small Firm Compensation & Benefits Report benchmarks for the New England region, plus potential annual discretionary cash performance bonuses.
• Health & Wellness: Employer-subsidized medical coverage, with optional dental and vision care coverage.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) / defined contribution retirement savings plan with firm match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of combined paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days) plus twelve company holidays.
• Licensure & Professional Development Support: Full financial support for NCARB record fees, PassivHausMaine membership, PHIUS Alliance membership, and AIA membership contingent on involvement; 100% coverage for passed ARE exam fees, access to ARE study materials/classes, and dedicated paid time off to prepare for and take professional licensure exams; Full financial support for passed Certified Passive House Consultant Exam, access to study materials, and dedicated paid time off to prepare for and take CPHC exams; Direct funding stipend for professional development seminars, workshops, and building science conferences; In-house mentorship programming and direct exposure to all project phases.
• Workplace Flexibility: Flexible working hours (flex-time), hybrid remote work flexibility, and casual dress environment.

Job Type

Full Time

Location

Hybrid

Job application URL

https://aiamaine.org/job-posting/2026/10/19/basecamp-design-workshop