Lead Architectural Designer – Bold, Sustainable Projects

NAC Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Design Professional II – Elevate Your Creativity, Shape the Future

• Location: Seattle
• Full-Time Exempt
• Salary: Competitive & Based on Experience

Who We’re Looking For

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of architectural design? Do you thrive on bold ideas, innovative solutions, and designs that make a lasting impact? We’re searching for a visionary Design Professional II—someone who blends creativity with technical expertise to craft spaces that inspire. This is your opportunity to take the lead on exciting, large-scale projects, independently shaping design solutions that not only meet client needs but also elevate the built environment.

What You’ll Do – Your Creative Impact

• Design with Purpose: Develop compelling architectural concepts that merge function, aesthetics, and sustainability.
• Lead & Innovate: Spearhead technical design solutions for major projects, applying cutting‑edge methods and materials.
• Bring Designs to Life: Independently produce high‑quality plans, specifications, and oversee material selection.
• Collaborate & Inspire: Work alongside clients, consultants, and project teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Guide the Next Generation: Mentor junior designers and interns, fostering innovation and design excellence.
• See It Through: Engage in construction administration—site visits, RFIs, submittals, and punch lists—bringing designs from concept to reality.

Competencies

• Design Tools: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD required; Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) proficiency required; SketchUp and Rhino preferred; Lumion, Enscape, and V‑Ray are a plus.
• Technical Know-How: Strong working knowledge of zoning and building codes, specifications, building/engineering systems, and agency requirements (NFPA, ADAAG, FGI, OBC, IBC etc).
• Creative Confidence: Ability to generate and articulate impactful design ideas.
• Strong Communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-Driven: Organized and efficient with a focus on quality, timelines, and collaboration.
• Client Focused: Passion for providing exceptional client service.
• Team Player: Collaborative and professional work ethic.

Essential Functions

• Independently produces finished plans, specifications and approval of materials and construction on moderate to large scale projects.
• Provide professional consultation and coordination of the planning and development of construction and design document production and provides technical expertise to ensure coordinated and high‑quality documents.
• Perform construction administration duties, such as site visits, RFI responses, submittals, and punch list reviews.
• Create and review project reports, estimates, calculations, specifications, and compile/analyze relevant data.
• Responsible to monitor billing efficiency rates and work at maximizing team’s quality and efficiency in assigned tasks.
• Proactively coordinates meetings with client, project team, consultants, and contractor meetings to ensure trust and confidence.
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced project associates and interns.
• Involve explorations of subject area, definition of scope, selection of items for investigation, and development of complex or novel concepts and methods.
• Contribute innovative design ideas that consistently capture the intended design vision.
• Contribute to bold design solutions that balance scale, aesthetics, and context to maximize the impact to the individual and community.

Your Background – The Foundation of Your Success

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university (preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of architecture‑related experience in a professional setting.
• Travel: Occasional project‑related travel required.

Why Join Us?

• Culture of Creativity – Work in an open, collaborative environment where innovation is celebrated.
• Impactful Work – Shape projects that enhance communities and push design boundaries.
• Professional Growth – Opportunities to mentor, lead, and advance your career in a dynamic studio.
• Inspiring Workspaces – Enjoy a thoughtfully designed office with spaces for collaboration and inspiration.

Ready to Elevate Your Design Career?

Let’s build something extraordinary—together. Apply today and bring your creative vision to life!