Senior Project Designer - K-12 Studio

Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, LLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Employer-paid disability insurance

Voluntary benefits (vision, dental)

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Phoenix is seeking an experienced Senior Project Designer for its K-12 Studio. This role involves leading design processes for multiple educational projects while mentoring junior designers. You will prepare high-quality design presentations and coordinate with various teams to ensure effective design implementation. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of professional experience, a degree in Architecture, and proficiency in design software like Revit and AutoCAD. This position offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in design.
• Experience in K–12 or educational facility design preferred.
• 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

Client engagement

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Senior Project Designer - K-12 Studio

We are looking for a Senior Project Design to join our K-12 Studio in Phoenix, AZ.

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.

Required Skills

• 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.
• Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire.
• 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.