Project Architect (Themed Entertainment & Attraction Design)

Cuningham; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k retirement savings plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Cuningham is seeking a Project Architect in Los Angeles, CA, with expertise in themed entertainment design. The role involves leading architectural design projects, ensuring alignment with creative visions, and managing multiple project phases from concepts to construction.

Ideal candidates will have 8–15 years of architectural experience, proficiency in Revit/BIM, and a passion for immersive storytelling and design quality. The salary offered ranges between $112,000 and $155,000 annually, plus benefits including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of professional architectural experience.
• Strong understanding of story-driven design.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design process across all project phases.
• Develop creative and technically sound design solutions.
• Mentor and support team members.
• Participate in construction administration and issue resolution.

Skills

Themed entertainment design

Collaboration

Technical knowledge of building systems

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture

Tools

Revit/BIM 360

Adobe Creative Suite

Bluebeam

Job description

AtCuningham, we design places that move people emotionally, not just physically. We’re searching for a Project Architect with deep experience in themed entertainment and attraction design to help lead immersive projects that blur the line between architecture, storytelling, and unforgettable guest experiences.

This role is for someone who understands that great themed environments require more than technical skill, they require imagination, collaboration, precision, and the ability to transform creative vision into built reality. As a Project Architect, you’ll lead the design and technical development of projects through all phases from early design concepts through construction administration while helping guide teams and maintain the integrity of the guest experience.

If you’ve worked on theme parks, attractions, immersive entertainment, destination experiences, branded environments, or experiential hospitality projects, we’d love to meet you. Direct themed entertainment and attraction design experience is required.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the architectural design process across all project phases
• Develop and document creative, technically sound design solutions aligned with project goals and governing codes
• Lead medium to large-scale project scopes and support teams with varying experience levels
• Collaborate closely with clients, creatives, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams
• Coordinate multidisciplinary efforts to achieve the best design outcomes
• Lead technical coordination, code review, QA/QC processes, and construction documentation
• Support envelope design validation and technical detailing
• Participate in construction administration activities, site observations, and issue resolution
• Help identify project risks and communicate proactively with project leadership
• Participate in project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and presentations
• Mentor and support the growth of team members through thoughtful leadership and collaboration
• Maintain responsible control over technical submissions and signed/sealed documents where required

What we look for:

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in architecture or related field
• Licensed Architect preferred; candidates not yet licensed may be considered for a Team Leader title based on experience and qualifications
• 8–15 years of professional architectural experience, with significant exposure to themed entertainment, hospitality, experiential design, attraction design, retail entertainment, cultural projects, or immersive environments
• Strong understanding of story-driven design and how architecture supports guest experience, emotional engagement, operational flow, and immersive placemaking (expanded guest experience and placemaking
• Experience collaborating closely with creative directors, show set designers, producers, and technical disciplines to translate narrative concepts into buildable environment
• Proven ability to lead projects through all phases of design and delivery, including concept development, design documentation, consultant coordination, QA/QC, permitting, and construction administration Strong technical knowledge of building systems, constructability, envelope detailing, consultant coordination, and code compliance
• Experience coordinating with specialty vendors, fabricators, scenic elements, lighting, media integration, and show systems preferred
• Proficiency in Revit/BIM 360, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; working knowledge of Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion preferred
• Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
• Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive, design-driven office culture
• Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects while maintaining high design quality and attention to detail
• Passion for themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, guest experience, and experiential design innovation

$112,000 - $155,000 a year

Benefits: Cuningham offers a variety of benefits to employees including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, 401k retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Cuningham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the strength diversity brings to the workplace when combined with equity and justice. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status.