Entry to Mid-Level Design Staff

American Institute of Architects; Sausalito (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development support

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

The American Institute of Architects is looking for an Entry to Mid Level Designer to join our Sausalito studio. This hybrid position offers emerging professionals the chance to work on design-driven projects that integrate architecture, landscape, and wellness.

Ideal candidates should possess strong design sensibilities and proficiency in Revit, alongside a desire for significant mentorship and professional development opportunities. The salary range is $65,000–$85,000 annually, based on experience.

Qualifications

• 0–7 years of professional experience preferred.
• Understanding of building systems and construction documentation required.
• Interest in regenerative design and wellness-centered environments.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams across schematic design and construction administration.
• Produce drawing sets and architectural details.
• Develop 3D models and project visualizations.

Skills

Strong proficiency in Revit

Graphic communication

Collaborative work

Education

Professional degree in architecture

Tools

Revit

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Lumion

Job description

Entry and Mid Level Design Staff

About Us

Backen & Backen is focused on creating enduring places that elevate daily life, strengthen connection to landscape, and leave a lasting legacy for our clients and communities. Our work spans residential, hospitality, and agrarian environments, with each project informed by a shared commitment to regenerative design principles, craftsmanship, wellness, and experiential richness. We believe architecture should foster meaningful human experiences while restoring ecological relationships and reinforcing a deeper sense of place. Our studio values curiosity, humility, technical rigor, and thoughtful collaboration. We work closely across project typologies, allowing ideas and innovations developed in one area of practice to inform another.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hybrid/in‑person Entry to Mid Level Designer to join our firm in either our Sausalito, Los Angeles, or Salt Lake City studios. This role is ideal for an emerging professional with strong design sensibilities, technical aptitude, and a desire to contribute to thoughtful, detail‑oriented work across a variety of project types.

The Designer role will support project teams through all phases of design and documentation, contributing to production drawings, 3D modeling, detailing, consultant coordination, and project visualization. This role offers significant opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and hands‑on experience within a collaborative studio environment.

The ideal candidate is motivated by both design excellence and technical execution, as well as eager to contribute to projects that merge architecture, landscape, agriculture, hospitality, and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams across schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Produce drawing sets, architectural details, diagrams, presentation materials, and code analysis.
• Develop 3D models and visualizations to communicate design intent.
• Coordinate with consultants, fabricators, contractors, and internal team members.
• Assist with material research, product selection, and technical documentation.
• Participate in site visits, field verification, and construction observation.
• Contribute to maintaining project quality, organization, and studio standards.
• Engage actively in design reviews, pin‑ups, and collaborative problem solving.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on meaningful, design‑driven projects across diverse typologies.
• Collaborative and mentorship‑oriented studio culture.
• Exposure to all phases of project delivery.
• Professional development and licensure support.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Salary range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in architecture.
• 0–7 years of professional experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Revit required.
• Experience with Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion; experience in AI/agentic tools preferred.
• Understanding of building systems, detailing, and construction documentation.
• Strong graphic communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a highly design‑focused environment.
• Interest in regenerative design, materiality, landscape integration, and wellness‑centered environments.
• Desire to pursue architectural licensure encouraged.

Backen & Backen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.