Architectural Designer III - PreK-12

HED; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HED is seeking an Architectural Designer III to join our PreK–12 Education practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. This mid‑level role supports design through construction under supervision, with mentoring responsibilities and strong California PreK‑12 project experience.

Proficiency in Revit and familiarity with DSA requirements are essential. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in A/E, licensure progression, and a passion for sustainable, resilient education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture and licensure required.
• 7+ years of experience in A/E industry.
• Experience delivering California PreK-12 educational facilities.
• Strong knowledge of DSA procedures and California codes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Revit and building information modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead site/master planning development with client and civil teams.
• Develop building system concepts and documentation from schematic to CD/CA.
• Support project pursuits with scope and fee development.
• Act as team leader on large, complex architecture/engineering projects.
• Direct and mentor project team members; manage workloads.
• Prepare discipline work plans and project specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Team coordination

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree

Architect licensure in progress

Tools

Revit

Job description

Position Summary

HED is seeking a passionate Architectural Designer III to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in our San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. This mid‑level technical architecture role is responsible for assisting PreK-12 project teams from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer. Candidates should be motivated, eager to develop technical and design skills in a collaborative environment, and have proven experience and proficiency in technical detailing with the ability to work with moderate to minimal supervision. Responsibilities may include guiding and mentoring more junior team members. The ideal candidate will bring experience delivering California PreK‑12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

HED Culture

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK‑12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Core Values

• Do It as a Team – We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration, trust, and shared accountability across disciplines and project teams.
• Be You With Us – We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work.
• Make a Mark – We are driven to create meaningful impact through design, delivering projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.
• Embrace Change – We approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, continuously evolving our thinking, processes, and solutions.
• Thrive With Growth – We invest in mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering our people to reach their full potential.
• Strive for Performance – We pursue excellence in design, technical execution, client service, and project delivery, holding ourselves to the highest standards.

Opportunities

• Design impactful educational environments that serve students, educators, and communities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and high‑performing solutions.
• Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture that values mentorship, professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances autonomy with meaningful in‑person collaboration.
• Be part of a team committed to design excellence, technical rigor, and creating lasting positive impact.

Work Environment

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in‑office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
• The office is a professional, open‑space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Typical Duties

• Responsible for site and master planning development working with client and civil engineering teams as part of site entitlements and building design approvals process.
• Responsible for building system concepts and documentation processes from schematics through construction administration phases.
• Ability to engage during project pursuits to support the Project Manager and Principal in charge of the development of scope and fee.
• Function as team leader on large, complex, and integrated architecture and engineering projects.
• Client facing, comfortable working directly with sophisticated client teams that have a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Responsible for overseeing and directing project team members.
• Prepare and monitor discipline work plans.
• Prepare and document code research for a project.
• Conduct material and product research as required for project development.
• Develop/edit project specifications in RIB SpecLink.
• Sign and seal documentation prepared under the candidate's direct supervision.
• Attend project meetings as necessary.
• Document interpretation and submittal reviews during bidding and construction administration.
• Monitor staff to produce quality architectural and engineering services within a project team concept.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and licensure or in the process of licensure required.
• LEED Accredited preferred, with a passion for sustainable and resilient design.
• Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in the A/E industry required.
• Demonstrated experience delivering California PreK‑12 educational facilities projects required.
• Strong working knowledge of DSA procedures, California Building Code, California Accessibility Code, and educational facility design standards.
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of professional services from schematic design through project close‑out, including design and technical expertise.
• A comprehensive understanding of the coordination aspects and related requirements of all design disciplines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills as well as strong organizational skills.
• Possess the ability to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignments.
• Proficient in Revit required.
• Willingness and ability to work with remote team members using video conferencing and other tools.
• Very detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible.
• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings.
• Ability to access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation purposes.
• Ability to use equipment for communication and documentation purposes.
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

In compliance with all applicable or other employment requirements, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability and arrest and conviction records.