Architect

Disher•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Architect – Grand Rapids, MI (Hybrid) DISHER is partnering with a small, design-forward architecture firm in Grand Rapids that focuses on education and community-centered projects in their search for an Architect. This role is ideal for a licensed architect who likes being in the middle of the technical side of project delivery—drawing, coordinating, solving problems—while working closely with experienced project leaders and consultants. If you enjoy well-executed projects, want to keep growing your technical depth, and are ready to take on increasing ownership over your work, this could be a strong fit. What it’s like to work here: This is a younger studio of roughly 20+ people, with a “startup, but with systems” feel. About half of their work is K–12 and private education, with additional projects in healthcare, nonprofit, municipal, and mixed-use/commercial spaces. The team works in an open, collaborative studio, with a lot of informal interaction, design pin-ups, and chances to see what others are working on. The culture is casual, friendly, and community-minded. They are intentional about planning work so people aren’t living in constant overtime, and they offer a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-studio and work-from-home days. What you will get to do Work across all phases of design and documentation, from early programming and conceptual design through construction administration. Develop programming studies, design concepts, and construction documents using digital design tools. Produce plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, renderings, and specifications that are coordinated and buildable. Coordinate design solutions with senior staff, consultants, and internal project teams. Conduct site visits to document existing conditions and gather field data. Research building, energy, and accessibility codes and apply them to support compliant design solutions. Navigate zoning, planning, and municipal ordinances to support feasibility, approvals, and permitting. Prepare studies, reports, and planning diagrams that support unified design strategies. Support cost estimates, documentation, and project deliverables. Coordinate permit submissions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Review submittals and shop drawings during construction administration. Participate in client, consultant, and contractor meetings. Maintain organized project documentation and files.

Requirements

Bachelor of Architecture (NAAB-accredited preferred).
Licensed Architect (required).
Minimum of about 3 years of licensed project experience and roughly 8 years of experience total.
Solid understanding of architectural design, building systems, and construction documentation.
Working knowledge of building, energy, and accessibility codes and how they affect design.
Experience supporting projects from early design through construction administration.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
A practical, creative problem-solver with strong visualization abilities.
Genuine interest in professional growth and taking on increasing project responsibility over time.

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as LEED, LFA, and WELL are a plus.

Responsibilities

Work across all phases of design and documentation, from early programming and conceptual design through construction administration.
Develop programming studies, design concepts, and construction documents using digital design tools.
Produce plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, renderings, and specifications that are coordinated and buildable.
Coordinate design solutions with senior staff, consultants, and internal project teams.
Conduct site visits to document existing conditions and gather field data.
Research building, energy, and accessibility codes and apply them to support compliant design solutions.
Navigate zoning, planning, and municipal ordinances to support feasibility, approvals, and permitting.
Prepare studies, reports, and planning diagrams that support unified design strategies.
Support cost estimates, documentation, and project deliverables.
Coordinate permit submissions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
Review submittals and shop drawings during construction administration.
Participate in client, consultant, and contractor meetings.
Maintain organized project documentation and files.