Architectural Designer

Job Title: Architectural Designer & Design Lead Role Overview We are looking for a versatile, vision-driven Architectural Designer to join our firm. This is a high-visibility role focused on the "front-end" of our projects-from the first site visit through Pre-Design, Schematic Design, and into Design Development. You will be the primary bridge between internal conceptualization and external communication. On a daily basis, you will collaborate with the Project Manager on technical feasibility and report to the Principal for design vision. Crucially, you will be the "voice" of the project, leading client presentations and articulating the design narrative from the first sketch to the final DD set. The "Pencil-First" Philosophy In our firm, the computer is a tool for refinement, but the pen is the tool for thought. Hand sketching is a mandatory skill for this position. We need a designer who: Can stand at a drafting board or over a roll of trace paper and solve spatial problems in real-time. Uses sketching to "think out loud" during internal charrettes with the Principal. Produces evocative, hand-drawn vignettes that capture the soul of a project in a way a digital render cannot. Key Responsibilities Client Leadership: Lead formal presentations and informal work sessions. You must be able to read a room, handle client feedback with grace, and defend design intent while remaining collaborative. Conceptual Design (SD): Ownership of the early creative phases for High-End Residential and Hospitality projects. This includes site analysis, massing studies, and programmatic layouts. Design Development (DD): Translate schematic visions into detailed architectural packages, ensuring the "big idea" is preserved as technical details are added. Project Synergy: Report to the Project Manager regarding schedules and technical coordination; report to the Principal for aesthetic direction and design reviews. Narrative Building: Create cohesive presentation decks that tell a story, utilizing a mix of hand sketches, 3D models, and material palettes. Required Skills & Qualifications Category Requirements The "Must-Have" Mastery of Hand Sketching. The ability to produce rapid, legible, and beautiful conceptual drawings is essential. Presentation Exceptional public speaking and "storytelling" skills. Ability to lead high-stakes client meetings with confidence. Experience 4-7 years in an architectural design role, with a portfolio showcasing both luxury residential and hospitality/commercial work. Education B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited university. Technical Stack Proficiency in Revit (for DD), Rhino/SketchUp (for massing), and Adobe Creative Suite (for presentations). Adaptability Comfortable switching gears between the intimacy of a custom home and the complexity of a boutique hotel. Portfolio Requirements Your portfolio will be evaluated equally on technical skill and communication style. Please include: Process Sketches: We want to see the "messy" work-the sketches, trace overlays, and diagrams that led to the final solution. Presentation Samples: Examples of client-facing decks or boards that demonstrate your ability to curate a design narrative. Project Range: Clear examples of your work in the single-family and hospitality sectors. Note to Candidates: This is a role for a designer who loves the "start" of a project-the uncertainty of a blank page and the excitement of winning over a client. If you are as comfortable with a felt-tip pen as you are in front of a boardroom, we want to hear from you.