Architect for Commercial Buildings 7-12 yrs experience

Hickok Cole • Washington, DC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Hickok Cole is seeking an Architect with 7–12 years of experience in commercial building and interior design for its Washington, DC studio. The role contributes across all phases of project delivery, combining design leadership, technical expertise, client engagement, and team mentorship. The Architect will help shape commercial office projects, build client relationships, support emerging talent, and contribute to the studio’s continued growth. The position is hybrid and requires at least three days per week in the studio; all-remote candidates will not be considered.

Requirements

• Be based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, DC metro area.
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Architecture.
• 7–12 years of professional experience in architecture and interior design.
• Expertise in commercial office typological trends and standards, and willingness to push the envelope of office design.
• Strong design sensibility and demonstrated technical proficiency.
• Experience producing construction documents and coordinating consultant documentation.
• Knowledge of building, accessibility, and life safety codes.
• Experience with space planning, FF&E development, finish selections, and specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong verbal, graphic, and written communication skills.
• Experience presenting design solutions to clients and project teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit.
• Proficiency in English and authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to travel occasionally as projects require.

Nice To Haves

• Construction administration experience on commercial office building and interior projects.
• Experience mentoring junior designers.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Experience with Enscape, D5 Render, Twinmotion, or comparable visualization software.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled design and visualization tools, including Copilot, Veras, and similar platforms or tools.
• LEED and/or WELL accreditation.
• NCIDQ certification and/or architectural licensure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Commercial Office design team.
• Conceptualize commercial building designs, including trophy-class base buildings, full-building reskins, amenitizations, and interior renovations.
• Develop and advance project design concepts from visioning through construction.
• Lead space planning, material selections, finish palettes, FF&E development, and design documentation.
• Present design concepts and project solutions to clients and project stakeholders.
• Serve as a day-to-day client contact and collaborate with project managers, architects, consultants, and contractors.
• Participate in construction administration, including site visits, field observations, and document review.
• Resolve design and technical challenges while balancing quality, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Mentor and support junior team members and contribute to a collaborative studio culture.
• Explore and use emerging technologies, visualization tools, and AI-enabled workflows to enhance design quality and efficiency.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, with a minimum of three days per week in the office.
• Flexible hours.
• Paid leave and holidays.
• 401(k) Employee Savings Plan.
• Health and dental plan.
• Group life insurance.
• Mentoring program.
• Company laptops and sit/stand desks.
• Fully stocked model shop.
• Team and firm-wide happy hours.
• iLAB Research Microgrant Program.
• Art Night, annual summer picnic, and holiday party.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• 24 hours per year of paid volunteer time.
• Reimbursement of accreditation testing costs.
• JUST Certified company.
• Pre-tax parking and transportation program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level