Graduate Architect

Entry-Level Professional

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients.

Full-time, entry-level professional performing basic architectural assignments. Produces design iterations, compiles data, and completes elementary architectural assignments; prepares project architectural plans as requested; observes construction in the field; works under direct supervision of a licensed architect or senior project manager; and works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role.

Essential Functions:

• Consult with senior staff to determine functional and spatial requirements of new structure or renovation, and prepares information regarding design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, and construction time
• Project research, field work, observation and preliminary design calculations
• Work with the senior staff to prepare due diligence analysis, concepts, and graphic illustrations using both digital and hand drawn formats
• Prepare studies and reports
• Perform routine analysis to check accuracy of data and work products
• Work with the senior staff to review and interpret regulatory codes and ordinances
• Review and analyze project scope and parameters relating to opportunities, constraints, and layout options
• Work with senior staff to develop and refine design solutions
• Visit project site to become familiar with existing conditions
• Use manual and electronic tools to measure and record existing conditions
• Assist senior staff in integrating engineering elements into unified design for client review and approval
• Participate in project meetings with staff, clients, & regulatory agencies
• Assist in generating and editing layouts, design concepts, technical plans, details, and specifications
• Assist senior staff in the administration of construction contracts
• Visit construction sites to gather information, review design intent, inform and support senior project team members
• Prepare and file project documentation and transmittals
• Assist in shop drawing review
• Maintain equipment in good working condition
• Understand and obey site safety requirements for construction sites
• In-office collaboration among team members and disciplines required
• Follow and apply division, regional, and company values, policies and practices
• Display solid judgment, good values, trust, honesty, openness, and professionalism
• Take personal responsibility for quality of tasks performed
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Competencies:

• Able to follow general directions and work independently within given parameters
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic
• Good organization skills and able to balance multiple priorities
• Knowledge of the art and science of designing buildings and structures, styles of design, and methods of construction of buildings and other physical structures
• Read, analyze, and interpret written communication, specifications and drawings
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public
• Read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals or government regulations
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Twinmotion, Lumion, and other discipline specific software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products
• Valid Virginia drivers license and a satisfactory driving record

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required
• 0-3 years of related experience
• Must establish and maintain a personal NCARB record in preparation of licensure examinations
• Ability to obtain Architectural license in applicable state(s)
• Must complete training and testing for licensure within established time frame

Physical Demands:

• Drive for company business
• Must have the ability and willingness to travel periodically to certain work sites in different conditions and phases of completion, including but not limited to confined spaces, climbing a ladders

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood):

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.

We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.