Project Architect | Citizen Design

The Scene Imagine a world where a napkin sketch is a binding legal document and a structural beam is just a suggestion until it meets a tape measure. At Citizen Design, we don’t just draw pretty pictures and throw them over the fence for someone else to deal with. We are a design studio that works right alongside our sister construction company, Valor Builds. We are the architects, the builders, and occasionally the amateur therapists for some of our more notable clients. We are looking for a Project Architect who can navigate the wild frontier between “The Client’s Dream” and “The Laws of Physics.” Who You Are: The Mythical Unicorn 1. You are Pathologically Curious [Learner] When you see a weird joint in a 1920s bungalow, you don’t just walk by. You stare at it. You Google it. You wonder if you could recreate it using sustainable bamboo and a 3D printer. You ask “Why?” so often, people think you’re five years old again, but that’s how you find the solutions everyone else misses. 2. You are a High-Performance Engine [Hard Working] You don’t just “put in hours.” You dive into Revit like it’s an Olympic sport. You’re the person who stays until the window flashing detail is so perfect it could be framed in a museum. You have the stamina of a marathon runner and the focus of a cat watching a laser pointer. 3. You Have a “No Ego” Policy [Humble] You know you’re talented, but you also know that our site lead Don [who’s been pouring concrete since 1984] might actually have a better way to pitch that slab. You take feedback gracefully, you’re happy to jump in on a redline set, and you’re more interested in the project winning than you being “right.” 4. You’re the Person Everyone Wants at the Happy Hour [Sociable] You can talk shop with a structural engineer, talk budget with a skeptical developer, and talk “vibe” with a client who only communicates in interpretive dance and Pinterest boards. Even better, you are the diplomat who can tell a client their silly thought is not a good idea without starting a three-day silent treatment. What You’ll Actually Be Doing (No Mystery Here) Leading projects from concept through construction completion Managing consultants, internal teams, and coordination efforts Overseeing contract document development and ensuring accuracy Managing budgets, contracts, and project delivery timelines Acting as a primary client contact throughout the entire project lifecycle Representing the design team during construction administration and site visits Ensuring buildability, detailing quality, and coordination across all systems What You Bring to the Table Minimum 8+ years of experience in architecture Experience across residential, multifamily, and/or commercial projects Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture Strong project management capability (you don’t just design — you deliver) Deep understanding of building codes and construction systems Ability to coordinate full sets of contract documents Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and visual) Ability to organize and lead the work of others Proficiency in: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Familiarity with Monograph is a plus Licensed Architect in Washington State is preferred (not required). The Perks & Context Full-time role Salary: $85,000 – $105,000 Hybrid based in Seattle Part of the Collaborative Companies group Awarded one of the best workplaces in Washington (Puget Sound Business Journal) Benefits include: PTO, medical, dental, and vision. We Are Family. Designing inspired space to create community. #J-18808-Ljbffr