Junior Architectural Designer

About S9 Architecture

S9 Architecture is a 55+ person design practice grounded in modern contextualism-believing that architecture must engage its cultural, social, and environmental surroundings with intelligence and care. Our work spans a broad range of project types throughout New York City and across North America, including multifamily residential (100% affordable, market-rate rental, and luxury condominium), mixed-use developments, office and workplace design, adaptive reuse and repositioning, and cultural and institutional projects.

We are an open studio that encourages conversation, curiosity, and shared growth. Design direction is led collaboratively by our leadership but evolves through meaningful input and disciplined contributions from all levels. We value teaching, mentorship, and supportive critique, and we operate as a meritocracy where thoughtful ideas and strong performance are recognized.

At our core, we believe architecture carries a profound responsibility to improve neighborhoods and enhance the daily lives of the people who live in, work in, and use our buildings. Many of our projects have been recognized for design excellence and for enriching the human experience.

We work in person, side by side, because design is a dialogue-and the studio is our shared classroom, workshop, and laboratory.

JUNIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

New York City | In-Studio

Position Overview

S9 Architecture is seeking a Junior Architectural Designer with 1-5 years of professional experience who brings curiosity, strong design instincts, and a desire to grow within a collaborative studio environment.

Working alongside experienced designers and architects, you will contribute to the development of early concept and design exploration through later phases of the work. This role offers the opportunity to explore ideas through drawing, modeling, visualization, research, and material investigation while learning how strong design concepts evolve into built architecture.

Our projects range from approximately 50,000 SF to more than 1M SF, offering early-career designers meaningful exposure to complex buildings, urban conditions, and a wide range of design challenges.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to concept development and design exploration through drawing, physical and digital modeling, research, and iterative studies.
• Develop and test ideas related to massing, façade, materiality, spatial experience, and the relationship between buildings and their urban context.
• Create compelling models, diagrams, renderings, and presentations that communicate design ideas clearly.
• Participate actively in studio critiques and design discussions, contributing ideas and responding thoughtfully to feedback.
• Research materials, precedents, building typologies, and urban conditions that inform the design process.
• Work collaboratively with senior designers and project teams to develop and carry design intent forward as projects evolve.
• Gain experience in Revit and project documentation as part of learning how design ideas are coordinated and translated into built work.
• Take increasing ownership of design assignments as your skills, judgment, and experience develop.

What We're Looking For

• 1-5 years of post-graduate professional architectural experience.
• B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited architecture program.
• A strong design portfolio demonstrating creativity, curiosity, and a thoughtful design process.
• Strong visual communication and representation skills.
• Proficiency in Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite; Enscape or other visualization tools are a plus.
• An ability to work collaboratively, communicate ideas, and engage constructively in design critique.
• Intellectual curiosity and an eagerness to learn from experienced designers while developing your own design voice.
• A desire to grow into greater design and project responsibility over time.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health and retirement benefits.
• Licensure support and mentorship.
• Direct exposure to significant projects throughout New York City and North America.
• The opportunity to learn from experienced design and technical leaders.
• A collaborative studio environment where early-career designers are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions, and grow.

Why Join S9

At S9, junior designers are not simply asked to execute someone else's ideas. We believe developing as an architect requires understanding how ideas are generated, tested, challenged, refined, and ultimately realized.

You'll work alongside experienced architects and designers on significant real-world projects while building the design judgment, communication skills, and technical foundation needed to take on increasing responsibility throughout your career.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating your design process and individual contributions to academic and/or professional work. Submissions without a portfolio or work sample will not be reviewed.

Recruitment Agencies : S9 Architecture does not accept agency submissions for this position. Please do not contact the firm regarding this opening. Unsolicited resumes or candidate materials submitted by recruitment agencies will not be considered.