Project Architect III - PreK-12

Position Summary:

HED is seeking a passionate Project Architect III to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in our San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. Project Architect III is an mid-level technical architecture role that is responsible for assisting PreK-12 sector project teams from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer. Candidates are passionate, motivated, and eager to further develop their technical and design skills in an environment that promotes collaboration and critical thinking. Proven experience and proficiency in technical detailing with the ability to work with moderate to minimal supervision. Responsibilities may include guiding and mentoring more junior team members.

The ideal candidate will bring experience delivering California PreK-12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

HED Culture:

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Our culture is guided by six core values:

Do It as a Team – We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration, trust, and shared accountability across disciplines and project teams. Be You With Us – We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work. Make a Mark – We are driven to create meaningful impact through design, delivering projects that strengthen communities and improve lives. Embrace Change – We approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, continuously evolving our thinking, processes, and solutions. Thrive With Growth – We invest in mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering our people to reach their full potential. Strive for Performance – We pursue excellence in design, technical execution, client service, and project delivery, holding ourselves to the highest standards.

When you join HED, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Design impactful educational environments that serve students, educators, and communities. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and high-performing solutions. Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to achieve successful project outcomes. Contribute to a culture that values mentorship, professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances autonomy with meaningful in-person collaboration. Be part of a team committed to design excellence, technical rigor, and creating lasting positive impact.

Work Environment:

We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture. The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Typical Duties:

Responsible for site and master planning development working with client and civil engineering teams as part of site entitlements and building design approvals process. Responsible for building system concepts and documentation processes from schematics through construction administration phasesAbility to engage during project pursuits to support the Project Manager and Principal in Charge in the development of scope and feeFunction as team leader on large, complex, and integrated architecture and engineering projectsClient facing, comfortable working directly with sophisticated client teams that have a diverse group of stakeholdersResponsible for overseeing and directing project team membersPrepare and monitor discipline work plansPrepare and document code research for a projectConduct material and product research as required for project developmentDevelop/edit project specifications in RIB SpecLinkSign and seal documentation prepared under the candidate's direct supervisionAttend project meetings as necessaryDocument interpretation and submittal reviews during bidding and construction administrationMonitor staff to produce quality architectural and engineering services within a project team conceptPerform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Sector

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree and licensure requiredLEED Accredited preferred, with a passion for sustainable and resilient designMinimum seven (7) years’ experience in the A/E industry requiredDemonstrated experience delivering California PreK-12 educational facilities projects requiredStrong working knowledge of DSA procedures, California Building Code, California Accessibility Code, and educational facility design standardsExtensive knowledge of all aspects of professional services from schematic design through project close-out, including design and technical expertiseA comprehensive understanding of the coordination aspects and related requirements of all design disciplinesGood written and verbal communication skills as well as strong organizational skillsPossess the ability to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignmentsProficient in Revit requiredWillingness and ability to work with remote team members using video conferencing and other toolsVery detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexibleAbility to work well with others under deadline situations

Physical Requirements:

Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetingsAbility to access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation purposesAbility to use equipment for communication and documentation purposesVisual acuity to perform responsibilities

In compliance with all applicable or other employment requirements, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability and arrest and conviction records.