Project Associate - Aspen, CO

AIA Colorado; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northworks Architects & Planners is seeking a Project Associate to join our Aspen, Colorado studio. This full-time, on-site role is ideal for early-career designers or recent graduates to develop skills in a collaborative design-driven environment in the Rocky Mountains.

The Aspen office handles high-end residential, mountain estates, and boutique hospitality projects within Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley, and Mountain West.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of professional experience in architecture or design.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Design from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency in Revit required; experience with AutoCAD, Enscape, Lumion, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of architectural designs and documentation across all phases of a project.
• Produce detailed construction documents, presentation drawings, and high-quality renderings.
• Coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure project goals are met.
• Participate in client meetings, internal design reviews, and project planning sessions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Northworks’ offices nationwide, fostering a cohesive design approach.
• Work closely with the Aspen Director and take guidance from the Mountain West leadership team.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Design

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Enscape

Lumion

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Project Associate – Aspen, CO

Northworks Architects & Planners is seeking a Project Associate with 2–5 years of professional experience to join our Aspen, Colorado studio. This full-time, in-office position is ideal for early-career designers or recent graduates seeking to develop their skills in a collaborative, design-driven environment that balances innovation with the unique cultural and natural character of the Rocky Mountains.

The Aspen studio engages in a diverse portfolio of high-end residential, mountain estates, and boutique hospitality projects throughout Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley, and the greater Mountain West region. Project Associates at this office are involved in all phases of design, from conceptual development through construction documentation, and benefit from mentorship, cross-office collaboration, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to projects that honor the mountain west context while meeting national design standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of architectural designs and documentation across all phases of a project.
• Produce detailed construction documents, presentation drawings, and high-quality renderings.
• Coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure project goals are met.
• Participate in client meetings, internal design reviews, and project planning sessions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Northworks’ offices nationwide, fostering a cohesive design approach.
• Work closely with the Aspen Director and take guidance from the entire Mountain West leadership team.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of professional experience in architecture or design.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Design from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency in Revit required; experience with AutoCAD, Enscape, Lumion, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is strongly preferred.
• Strong visual and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey design intent clearly and persuasively.
• Solid understanding of architectural detailing, construction methods, and documentation standards.
• Familiarity with Colorado building codes, zoning regulations, and mountain-region permitting processes is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines, and to contribute effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated eagerness to grow professionally through mentorship, project ownership, and cross-office collaboration.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site at our Aspen office.

Northworks offers a highly collaborative, professional environment where design excellence, mentorship, and career growth are central to our mission. Our Aspen studio provides the opportunity to engage with projects deeply rooted in the Rocky Mountain context while contributing to a broader national practice.