Intermediate Designer - Lead Concepts, Mentor Teams

S9 Architecture; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $85,000–$125,000+ comm.

401(k) with employer match

Licensure support and continuing ed.

Open studio with leadership access

Mentorship and design dialogue

Job summary

S9 Architecture in New York City is seeking an Intermediate Designer to advance architectural ideas across a diverse range of scales. This role emphasizes design rigor, context, and collaboration with Design Principals and junior designers.

You will drive concept development, mentor peers, and contribute to a studio culture that pairs rigorous critique with practical project planning. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in design-forward architecture studios.
• Experience in design-oriented offices with a culture of critique, collaboration, and craft.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong architectural concepts and carry them through multiple project phases.
• Strong understanding of urban context, zoning, massing, spatial sequencing, and architectural systems.
• Clear verbal, graphic, and visual communication skills.
• Comfort working within regulatory, structural, and programmatic constraints as part of a collaborative process.
• Interest in mentorship, collaboration, and long-term growth within a studio environment.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead design exploration across multiple scales and project types, including massing, urban response, spatial organization, design narrative, and architectural detail.
• Guide multiple projects alongside junior designers, in close collaboration with Design Principals and technical teams.
• Coordinate with the team to ensure design intent is thoughtfully carried through design development.
• Mentor and support junior designers through critique, guidance, and example.
• Actively participate in studio pin-ups, reviews, and ongoing design dialogue.
• Contribute to a studio culture that values design excellence, clear communication, and realistic project planning.

Skills

Design leadership

Mentorship

Collaboration

Urban context understanding

Communication

Job description

S9 Architecture in New York City is seeking an Intermediate Designer to advance architectural ideas across a diverse range of scales. This role emphasizes design rigor, context, and collaboration with Design Principals and junior designers.

You will drive concept development, mentor peers, and contribute to a studio culture that pairs rigorous critique with practical project planning. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.