position: architectural designer 3

schemata workshop is an architecture and urban design firm seeking an architectural designer with three to six years of experience to join our 14-person studio located in Capitol Hill, Seattle. Our practice is guided by our values for community, racial equity and sustainability. Our projects shape the region and support livable communities – affordable housing, community services, transit facilities, parks & recreation facilities. Past projects include the Seattle Central Waterfront, Capitol Hill transit oriented development, and Rainier Valley Food Bank. We are looking for someone for whom that work resonates and is excited about joining a collaborative team.

Please see www.schemataworkshop.com for firm profile and more detailed project range. We take pride in our culture of transparency, mentorship, and collaboration.

 

primary responsibilities

Works under direction of others, responsible for projects' technical design; provides planning/design/coordination consultation on large projects; reviews/refines conceptual designs. Responsible for specific technical design aspects of an assigned project including investigation, evaluation, and recommendation of design solutions. Performs assignments under direction with limited responsibility for design. Independently makes decisions on significant architectural design problems and methods. Carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures.

Is comfortable with the main technologies used by the office. Is able to oversee a small project and the design of discrete portions of a larger project. Ability to come up with a few different solutions to a given problem, based on considerations of cost, quality, long-term value, client input, etc. Has some experience with code research and agency requirements. Has a general understanding of how code, agency, and cost issues impact the project. Connects the dots between agency requirements and what is shown in the project documents. Is able to oversee the development of other project-related deliverables like ESDS project plans, Built-Green, LEED, etc. Assists with technical specifications. Works with sub-consultants and has a general understanding of structural and MEP systems. Continues to develop an understanding of materials and how building components go together.

 

work environment

The office is located on the street level of a 5-story cohousing community designed and developed by two of the principals at schemata workshop. It is a professional environment but relaxed environment – open plan with no enclosed offices, music playing, and lots of plants.

The office is a hybrid work environment – staff are expected to be in office three days weekly – Tuesday through Thursday. And there are a number of individuals who are in-person daily. While this position is hybrid, we do ask that the first 1-3 months are in-person to learn how the office operates.

We are a small business, we expect everyone to chip in and help each other. Principals don’t ask us to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves. While design is important, we are a service-oriented business. We strive for life-work balance and a 40-hr work week is the norm. However, we know there are instances that might warrant a little overtime. Overtime is the exception, not the rule and must be approved in advanced. For hourly staff, overtime is paid at 1.5x hourly rate. While the office offers paid volunteer hours and arranges for group volunteer opportunities, we hope staff are involved and making a positive in their communities beyond just the paid hours.

desired qualities and qualifications of ideal candidate

  • Bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited program preferred.

  • 3-6 years architectural work experience

  • Demonstrated use of Microsoft Office 365 programs (Word, Excel, Outlook)

  • Mission alignment with Schemata Workshop and the organizations we serve.

 

application process

All are encouraged to apply, particularly those identifying as women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+.

Resumes will be reviewed and interviews scheduled as they come in. We desire for position to be filled by end of the year.

required application materials

  • cover letter

  • resume

  • work samples (3-5 projects)

  • 3 professional references

 

email application materials to info@schemataworkshop.com with subject line “AD3 Position”

job specifics

Salary range: $71,000-82,000 depending on experience

Reports to: Project Managers and Principals

list of benefits

Please contact us if you would more detail on any of the specific items

Beginning on your start date

  • Nine (9) paid holidays

  • (10) days of paid vacation, accrued each pay period (can be used 90 days after employment)

  • Accrual of fifty-two (52) hours of paid personal leave to be used for illnesses, doctor appointments, other personal and/or family reasons

  • Annual continuing education stipend of $1000 for use towards fees, seminars, conferences, classes and other professional development opportunities

  • Sixteen (16) hours of paid time to attend these trainings and seminars

  • Company-paid ORCA Pass

  • AIA, NOMA, ULI, SDA (or similar professional organization) membership dues paid by office

Beginning on the 1st of the month following your start date

  • Medical Insurance (currently with Kaiser Permanente) – full premium paid by Schemata Workshop

  • Dental Coverage (currently with Delta Dental) – full premium paid by Schemata Workshop

  • Vision Coverage (currently with Kaiser Permanente) – full premium paid by Schemata Workshop

  • Short Term Disability coverage through PFMLA

  • Family leave through Washington Cares

Beginning after 90 days of employment

  • Eligible to contribute to SIMPLE IRA plan (company match up to 3% monthly)

  • Employer Match for philanthropic giving