Technical Designer

Cities are shaped by the strength of their institutions. Universities inspire discovery. Cultural organizations connect communities. Mission-driven organizations create opportunities for learning, innovation, and belonging. Our San Francisco Cities studio partners with clients who are advancing education, culture, research, and community impact to create places that contribute to a more vibrant, resilient, and equitable future. We believe great design can strengthen institutions, enrich communities, and positively shape the future of our cities. As designers, thinkers, makers, and problem-solvers, we see creativity, technical rigor, sustainability, and collaboration as essential parts of the same process. The best work emerges when bold ideas, thoughtful execution, and deep human understanding come together, and we are committed to developing designers and architects who embrace all three. Your Role Gensler's San Francisco Cities studio is seeking a Technical Designer with 2-5 years of experience to join our team focused on higher education, cultural, community, and mission-driven projects. We are looking for a thoughtful, well-rounded designer who is equally energized by design exploration and technical problem-solving. In our studio, we do not see design and technical expertise as separate disciplines. We believe that the same curiosity that drives a compelling concept should inform how a building is detailed, coordinated, and ultimately brought to life. Working alongside architects, interior designers, project managers, and strategists, you will contribute to projects from early visioning and design development through documentation and construction administration. This role offers broad exposure to the full project lifecycle and is ideal for someone who wants to become a strong architectural generalist with a deep understanding of both design and delivery. From your first project, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas, take ownership of project work, and learn directly from experienced design and project leaders. What You Will Do Contribute to projects across all phases of design and delivery, from early concepts and design studies through construction documentation and construction administration. Collaborate with architects, designers, and project leaders to develop thoughtful and well-resolved design solutions. Support the development of Revit models, drawing sets, architectural details, and other project deliverables. Produce diagrams, renderings, presentations, and visual materials that communicate design ideas clearly and effectively. Participate in design reviews, project workshops, consultant coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Assist in translating design concepts into technically rigorous and buildable solutions. Contribute to programming, space planning, documentation, research, and material studies as projects evolve through different phases. Engage in project discussions and team critiques, bringing curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn. Help maintain a high standard of design quality, technical execution, and attention to detail across project work. Contribute to a collaborative studio culture that values mentorship, design excellence, continuous learning, and shared success. Your Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program. 2-5 years of professional experience in an architecture or design practice. Demonstrated design thinking and strong design judgment, supported by a portfolio that communicates thoughtful ideas, strong visual communication skills, technical curiosity, and an interest in how ideas evolve into built work. Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for exploring, developing, and communicating design ideas through drawing, making, modeling, visualization, and presentation. Strong proficiency in Revit and experience contributing to project models and drawing sets. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Rhino, Enscape, SketchUp, Grasshopper, or similar tools is a plus. Understanding of building systems, construction methodologies, and architectural detailing appropriate to your level of experience. Familiarity with building codes, accessibility requirements, and the fundamentals of project delivery. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Ability to work across multiple project types and phases in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn from both design and technical challenges. What Will Help You Succeed Experience working on higher education, cultural, science, workplace, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, or other mission-driven projects. Exposure to multiple phases of project delivery, from concept design through construction documentation. Exposure to collaboration across disciplines, including architects, interior designers, consultants, and project teams. Interest in sustainable design, resilience, and high-performance buildings. LEED or other sustainability credential is a plus. Progress toward architectural licensure. Interest and experience in using research, precedent studies, material investigations, and other forms of design inquiry to inform design decisions. Interest in the relationship between design excellence, technical craft, and project execution. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes an estimated base salary of $75,000-$82,000, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. In addition, you'll have access to industry-leading training, mentorship, and professional development resources designed to support your career growth at Gensler. Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and market factors. San Francisco, CA, US Contract: Full-time *This is not a remote position. This position is expected to be in the office full-time. *Notice: At Gensler, an unlicensed Architect will have the job title of Technical Designer and operate in this capacity for alignment with internal programs, doing business with clients and compliance with industry and government regulations. If you have questions regarding this notice, please ask our Talent Acquisition team during the application process. Life at Gensler At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets. As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law. See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law. Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us. Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. 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