Mid-Level Architectural Designer - PreK-12 Education

Position Summary:

HED is excited to invite a dedicated Architectural Designer III to become part of our expanding PreK-12 Education practice. This mid-level technical architecture role involves collaborating with project teams on California PreK-12 educational facilities from the early design stage through to construction. We are looking for a motivated individual eager to enhance their technical and design skills within a collaborative environment that champions innovation and critical thinking.

The ideal candidate should have valuable experience in delivering educational facilities in California and a solid understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

HED Culture:

At HED, we are committed to transforming lives through design. Our PreK-12 practice focuses on creating inspiring learning environments that foster educational success, community connection, and student development. With a multidisciplinary approach, we unite architects, engineers, planners, and designers to tackle complex challenges through teamwork, creativity, and technical proficiency.

Our culture is built on six core values:

Do It as a Team - Emphasizing collaboration and shared accountability across all project teams.Be You With Us - Valuing diverse perspectives to create an inclusive workplace.Make a Mark - Committed to creating impactful designs that benefit communities.Embrace Change - Approaching challenges with adaptability and curiosity.Thrive With Growth - Fostering professional development and lifelong learning.Strive for Performance - Upholding excellence in design and project delivery.When you join HED, you'll have the opportunity to:

Design impactful educational environments that benefit students, educators, and communities.Collaborate across disciplines to deliver sustainable and high-performing solutions.Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, and regulatory agencies for successful project outcomes.Contribute to a culture that emphasizes mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances independence with collaborative in-person engagement.Be part of a dedicated team that prioritizes design excellence and technical rigor.Work Environment:

We support a hybrid work model that encourages both autonomy and teamwork, allowing the flexibility to work from home while also providing regular in-office opportunities to build team culture.The office is designed for professionalism and fosters both collaborative and independent work.Typical Duties:

Lead planning and coordination of the architectural scope of work, ensuring alignment with the Discipline Work Plan (DWP).Produce and oversee coordinated construction documents that meet quality standards, technical accuracy, and code compliance.Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants for design integrity and consistency across all disciplines.Support code interpretation and regulatory compliance while liaising with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for permits.Conduct research on materials, products, and building systems to inform detailing and specifications.Oversee construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, and field reports under the guidance of senior leadership.May serve as Architect of Record, signing and sealing documents as appropriate.Provide technical mentorship to junior team members and contribute to developing technical standards.Requirements:

Bachelor's degree and current licensure or working towards licensure is required.LEED Accreditation is preferred, showcasing a commitment to sustainable design.Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the A/E industry is essential.Proficiency in Revit is required.Demonstrated experience in delivering California PreK-12 educational facilities projects is necessary.Strong understanding of DSA procedures, California Building Code, Accessibility Code, and educational facility standards.A solid grasp of the coordination aspects and requirements of all design disciplines.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with strong organizational abilities.Able to inspire and mentor staff while delegating work assignments effectively.Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and adaptable.Capacity to collaborate under pressure while managing deadlines.Physical Requirements:

Able to travel to project sites for meetings and evaluations.Capability to access existing and new project sites for observations and investigations.Proficient in using communication and documentation equipment.Visual acuity for performing job responsibilities.HED is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.