Architectural Designer I - 2026 Graduate - Various Americas Offices

Populous•Kansas City, KS

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER I - 2026 NEW GRADUATE Location: Various Americas Offices Interviews will begin on a rolling basis starting in January. Applications will close when positions are filled up or March 13th, whichever occurs first. Please visit poplulous.com/join to learn more about our Americas New Grad Program, our process and FAQ. Who We Are: We design places where people love to be together. Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments. We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms. What We Offer: Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits. Who We Are Looking For: The preferred candidate will have an interest in working in a dynamic and collaborative global design environment with a diverse range of public assembly building types; including the design of sports venues, convention centers, community buildings and transportation facilities. We are seeking May 2026 graduates for a full-time entry-level design position with our team in multiple locations. Within the application you will be able to select your primary and two secondary office locations for which we are hiring this role to be considered. To learn more about our offices and hear from staff in those offices, please visit populous.com/join. What Your Day Could Consist Of: Conceptualization and development of design ideas, generate diagrams, digital models, and presentation materials and provide production work for numerous project types. Research and development projects. Collaboratively reviewing and critiquing early phase design concepts. Production of design development and construction documents models and construction details and drawings. Preparation of design presentations to clients, communities, and other pertinent stakeholders.

Requirements

Proficiency and working knowledge in 3D modeling and rendering in any of the following software applications: Rhino, SketchUp, V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, required.
Proficiency in Revit, required.
Proficiency and working knowledge in digital image editing and layout using Adobe suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Ability to express information verbally and in writing in a clear and accurate manner.
Basic hand drawing and illustration skills.
Strong communication skills, work ethic; with demonstrated efficiency, flexibility and desire to grow and work within a dynamic team environment while being able to self-manage and work independently.
Bachelor of Architecture degree (required) from a NAAB accredited program

Nice To Haves

Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, D5, Grasshopper and computational design knowledge is a plus.
Video editing knowledge is a plus.
Master of Architecture (preferred).

Responsibilities

Conceptualization and development of design ideas, generate diagrams, digital models, and presentation materials and provide production work for numerous project types.
Research and development projects.
Collaboratively reviewing and critiquing early phase design concepts.
Production of design development and construction documents models and construction details and drawings.
Preparation of design presentations to clients, communities, and other pertinent stakeholders.