Project Architect for Themed Entertainment and Attractions

At Cuningham, we create designs that resonate emotionally, captivating our audiences beyond just their physical presence. We are on the lookout for a talented Project Architect who possesses extensive experience in themed entertainment and attraction design to steer immersive projects that merge architecture, storytelling, and memorable guest experiences.

This position is ideal for an individual who recognizes that outstanding themed environments are crafted not only through technical proficiency but also through imagination, collaboration, precision, and the prowess to convert creative ideas into tangible realities. As a Project Architect, you will guide the design and technical progression of projects through all phases, from initial concepts to construction administration, while steering teams and ensuring the guest experience remains at the forefront.

If your background includes work on theme parks, attractions, immersive entertainment, destination experiences, branded environments, or experiential hospitality projects, we would love to hear from you. Having direct experience in themed entertainment and attraction design is mandatory.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the architectural design process across all project phases.Develop and document innovative, technically viable design solutions tailored to project goals and governing regulations.Oversee medium to large-scale project scopes and support diverse teams.Collaborate intimately with clients, creatives, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams.Coordinate multidisciplinary efforts to realize optimal design outcomes.Handle technical coordination, code reviews, QA/QC processes, and create construction documentation.Assist with envelope design validation and technical detailing.Engage in construction administration activities, site observations, and issue resolution.Identify project risks and proactively communicate with project leadership.Contribute to project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and presentations.Mentor and foster the growth of team members through insightful leadership and collaboration.Maintain responsibility for technical submissions and signed/sealed documents when required.Qualifications:

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or a related field.Licensed Architect preferred; candidates who are not yet licensed may be considered for a Team Leader title based on their experience and qualifications.8-15 years of professional architectural experience, particularly in themed entertainment, hospitality, experiential design, attraction design, retail entertainment, cultural projects, or immersive environments.Strong grasp of story-driven design and its role in enhancing guest experience, emotional connection, operational flow, and immersive placemaking.Experience working closely with creative directors, show set designers, producers, and technical teams to translate narrative concepts into realizable environments.Demonstrated ability to lead projects across all design and delivery phases, including concept development, design documentation, consultant coordination, QA/QC, permitting, and construction oversight.Robust technical knowledge of building systems, constructability, envelope detailing, consultant collaboration, and code compliance.Preferred experience with specialty vendors, fabricators, scenic elements, lighting, media integration, and show systems.Proficiency in Revit/BIM 360, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; familiarity with Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion is a plus.Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings.Experience in mentoring junior staff and fostering a positive, design-centric office culture.Adept at handling multiple fast-paced projects while maintaining high design quality and detail orientation.Genuine passion for themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, guest experience, and innovative experiential design.Compensation provided is based on our national range, which varies by work location and may also depend on accreditation, experience, and responsibilities. Our talent management team will provide specific salary details during the hiring process.

Why Join Cuningham?

At Cuningham, we believe the best outcomes emerge from environments where individuals are supported, challenged, and connected. Whether it’s through teamwork, community engagement, or crafting meaningful design solutions, we apply both pragmatic creativity and disciplined execution to every endeavor.

We encourage an equitable workspace where curiosity thrives, craftsmanship is esteemed, and growth is prioritized. You will collaborate with a team that exemplifies low-ego expertise and active leadership, working on complex, high-stakes projects that require bold ideas and disciplined execution.

Cuningham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the strength diversity adds to the workplace, combined with principles of equity and justice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status.