Senior Project Designer (K-12 Studio)

Grace Design Studios; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Profit sharing bonuses

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

A nationally recognized architecture firm seeks a Senior Project Designer to lead K-12 projects, guiding creative design processes while mentoring emerging talent. This role emphasizes innovative design and collaboration to create engaging learning environments. Candidates must have 10+ years of experience, a relevant architecture degree, and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD. The firm offers a supportive environment with strong benefits including health insurance and profit-sharing bonuses.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience with a strong portfolio emphasizing innovative design.
• Experience in K–12 or educational facility design preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process on multiple K–12 projects.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality design presentations.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers.

Skills

Innovative design

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Education

Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Grace Design Studios is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm with 25 offices across the country. Guided by our values—Do Good. Be Great.—we design environments that enhance communities, inspire creativity, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process on multiple K–12 projects, guiding concepts through all phases to align with client vision, educational goals, and firm standards.
• Develop innovative, functional, and age-appropriate design solutions that address site context, learning objectives, safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality design presentations—including sketches, renderings, diagrams, and 3D models—to communicate design intent clearly to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Oversee the development of design documentation through all phases, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to firm standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants (structural, MEP, landscape, etc.) to ensure that all systems are integrated and support the architectural design intent.
• Lead design discussions in client meetings and presentations, serving as a primary point of contact for design direction and decisions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers, fostering design excellence, professional growth, and collaborative teamwork.
• Ensure that design solutions are feasible within project budgets, schedules, and technical constraints, incorporating knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Participate in internal design critiques and firm-wide initiatives to uphold and advance the firm’s design vision, particularly in the educational design space.
• Support business development efforts through design leadership in proposals, competitions, and client interviews.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program.
• 10+ years of professional experience with a strong portfolio emphasizing innovative design and attention to detail.
• Experience in K–12 or educational facility design preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and design presentation tools (e.g., SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Comprehensive knowledge of architectural principles, building systems, and construction feasibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with consultants to achieve design intent.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Strong leadership abilities with a passion for mentoring and inspiring design teams.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire
• Profit sharing bonuses
• 401(k) plan with an employer match
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life and AD&D insurance
• Other voluntary benefits including vision, dental, accident insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance are available
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays

Why Join Us?

At Grace Design Studios, we are more than architects—we are innovators, mentors, and collaborators. As a Senior Project Designer in our K–12 studio, you’ll lead the creative design of educational environments, shaping spaces that inspire students and educators while guiding and mentoring emerging talent. You will collaborate across disciplines to ensure cohesive, functional, and innovative learning environments from concept through completion.