Overview

A recognized practitioner who collaborates with the project team on overall effort of completing various design projects. Responsible for delivering exceptional design and delivery for clients on time and on budget. Collaborates on the development of design throughout design development and construction drawings. Coordinates with design talent across the firm to elevate the quality of work overall. Teaches and mentors staff and effectively embodies and expresses the firm’s values and mission.

Located about a half-mile from the White House, the Washington DC office was founded in 2003 and represents 5 of HKS’ key practice areas, including Health, Commercial Mixed-use, Commercial Interiors, Sports & Entertainment and Mission Critical. In addition to these practice areas, we also have representation from our Innovation and Hub sectors, including Research, strategic Advisory Services, Facades Group and LINE (Laboratory for INtensive Exploration). This diversity of expertise reinforces an interdisciplinary culture with an emphasis on inventiveness and value creation, delivering unique solutions for our clients and reinforcing our broader civic role in creating a meaningful, memorable and sustainable built environment.

Our 80 staff members come from over a dozen countries and speak as many languages. Our staff are leaders at both a national and local level, participating in organizations such as the Urban Land Institute, American Institute of Architects, American Academy of Healthcare Architects, Women in Healthcare, DCBIA, CREW, and NAIOP. We are well-established thought leaders, participating in research, industry interviews, and authoring articles for institutions, and our people and projects have been recognized at a local, national and international levels.

Responsibilities

Works with senior designer(s) and project team on conceptual designs, presentations, design development and implementation documents
Leads and may provide guidance to team on project design for assigned project, developing creative design concepts and expanding on concepts of others
Collaborates to establish the vision and sets project goals with the senior designer, project team and client
Develops design solutions based on industry standard construction techniques and engineering principals to support design effort and develop client relationships
Collaborates on the development of and may modify and/or review graphic presentations, 3D rendering and implementation documents to incorporate the design intent
Organizes and delivers project design presentations to client user group or public forum
Coordinates with consultants, contractors, fabricators, furniture dealers and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives; collaborates on project details with consulting design or engineering firms
Assists in resolving complex design issues with innovative and practical solutions to maintain goals and objectives of projects
Works with senior designer or PM to manage client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination
Prepares schematic land and site planning drawings with graphic content to convey ideas, methodologies and approaches for marketing and proposal requests
Performs and coordinates product research; assists senior designers with materials and systems evaluation to make proper selections
Participates in team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
Develops, recognizes, recruits and grows diverse talent
Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with the project team
Actively promotes the firm’s principles of ‘design excellence’ through the integration of responsible and sustainable design practice with the art of design, including understanding mindful materials evaluation and selection
Collaborates in and may be responsible for delivering a project on defined budget requirements
Maintains accountability to project plan and planned utilization rate
Participates in the pursuit and marketing of potential projects

Qualifications

Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field
Architectural registration strongly preferred
Typically 8+ years of experience
Sustainable design accreditation preferred
Proficiency in Revit
Proficiency in architectural software such as 3D modeling (including Rhino and Grasshopper, 3D Studio MAX, etc.) and AutoCAD preferred
Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and InDesign graphic software preferred
Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred
Experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy
Strong knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines
Knowledge of furniture, furnishings and equipment (FF&E) and Environmental Graphic process
Strong knowledge of materials, construction techniques and building codes
Strong presentation skills and graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing

Base Salary Range: $88k - $130k annually – Washington D.C. location only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the Los Angeles location only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran

HKS, Inc. jobs

Project Designer

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