Architect

DISHER • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

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