Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architectural Designer

Job Description

This full-time role offers an experienced architectural designer the opportunity to lead and contribute to innovative projects across commercial, retail, mixed-use, science and technology, hospitality, and multi-family residential sectors. Based in a highly collaborative Raleigh office, you will manage the design and production of construction documents, work closely with firm leadership, and help shape a growing practice that delivers complex, high-profile projects domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and production of construction documents for multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to project schedules.

• Assume a primary leadership role on projects, coordinating design efforts from concept through construction documentation and construction administration.

• Interface directly with clients and consultants, presenting design concepts, facilitating meetings, and maintaining strong professional relationships.

• Develop detailed architectural material and systems solutions, including building envelope systems, to meet performance, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee and participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits as needed.

• Interpret and apply building codes and regulatory requirements, ensuring that all project documentation complies with applicable standards.

• Support lab planning and equipment surveying for specialized facilities such as biology labs, chemistry labs, tissue culture spaces, cleanrooms, and vivariums when applicable.

• Use Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp to produce and coordinate drawings, models, and documentation across multidisciplinary teams.

• Collaborate with and manage junior staff, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship to cultivate an environment of encouragement and professional growth.

• Manage multiple projects and project teams concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Contribute to project management activities, including scope definition, coordination with consultants, and participation in internal and external coordination meetings.

• Participate in the development and refinement of office standards, processes, and best practices to support continuous improvement and high-quality project delivery.

Essential Skills

• 7-10 years of post-graduate architectural experience, with at least 8+ years of overall professional practice in architecture.

• Proven experience leading the design and production of construction documents for multiple projects.

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to interface effectively with clients and consultants.

• Proficiency in architectural materials and systems detailing, including building envelope systems design.

• Experience with construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, site observations, and coordination with contractors.

• Thorough understanding of building codes and regulatory processes relevant to commercial and mixed-use projects.

• Experience working on mixed-use, commercial buildings, and large commercial retail projects.

• Licensed Architect, with experience in project management and team building.

• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD for architectural documentation and coordination.

• Proficiency in SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly convey design intent and technical information.

• Ability to self-direct, manage time effectively, and work well under deadlines while handling multiple projects.

• Experience managing junior staff and contributing to a supportive, growth-oriented team culture.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with lab planning and equipment surveying for biology labs, chemistry labs, tissue culture spaces, cleanrooms, and vivariums is strongly preferred.

• Architectural license is strongly preferred if not already required by the role.

• Experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for design presentations and visual communication is preferred.

• Familiarity with Bluebeam for document review and markup is beneficial.

• Experience with multi-family and mixed-use building design is an advantage.

• Exposure to mission critical, workplace, industrial manufacturing, science and technology, and residential projects is beneficial.

• Involvement with professional organizations such as AIA and familiarity with LEED or sustainable design practices is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to influence office culture, processes, and project delivery in a growing or expanding office environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a Raleigh office that is part of a larger, nationally recognized architecture practice with multiple offices and over 100 employees across disciplines. The Raleigh location serves as a strategic growth office, offering close collaboration with principals, high visibility, and opportunities to shape culture and processes. You will work on diverse, high-impact projects across science and technology, mixed-use, residential, mission critical, workplace, and industrial manufacturing sectors, including complex and high-profile developments in the region. The team uses tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Bluebeam to deliver sophisticated architectural solutions. The work environment is highly collaborative, fast-paced, and growth-oriented, with a focus on professional development, mentorship, and exposure to complex project types that support rapid career advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Raleigh, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

For professionals looking to join the Ci Design team (which frequently hires for architectural and design roles in the Raleigh area), the firm offers a robust and flexible corporate benefits package: Ci Design, Inc. +1 Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with flexible spending (FSA) and health savings (HSA) account options. Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plans, group life insurance, and long-term disability benefits. Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, sick time, and flexible summer hours in many of their US offices. Company Culture: A casual dress code, opportunities for professional advancement, and a shallow corporate hierarchy that gives employees direct access to upper management. Ci Design, Inc. +3

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Raleigh,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.