Architectural Designer III / Job Captain - PreK-12
About The Position
HED is seeking an Architectural Designer III / Job Captain to join its PreK–12 Education practice in the San Diego office. This mid-level technical architecture role supports PreK–12 project teams from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer. The role requires increasing autonomy while receiving guidance from senior staff on more complex work. The ideal candidate has experience delivering California PreK–12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements. HED describes its PreK–12 practice as creating learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. The firm brings architects, engineers, planners, and designers together to address complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence. The position offers a flexible hybrid work environment, mentorship, professional development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Architectural Designer III / Job Captain leads and coordinates architectural scope, produces coordinated construction documents, supports code interpretation and regulatory coordination, researches materials and building systems, and oversees construction administration under senior technical supervision. The role may serve as Architect of Record and sign or seal documents when project leadership determines it is appropriate.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and licensure or being in the process of licensure are required.
- Minimum seven years of experience in the A/E industry.
- Proficiency in Revit.
- Demonstrated experience delivering California PreK–12 educational facilities projects.
- Strong working knowledge of DSA procedures, the California Building Code, the California Accessibility Code, and educational facility design standards.
- Comprehensive understanding of coordination aspects and related requirements of all design disciplines.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to motivate and mentor staff and delegate work assignments.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible.
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations.
- Ability to use equipment for communication and documentation purposes.
- Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
Nice To Haves
- LEED Accredited preferred, with a passion for sustainable and resilient design.
Responsibilities
- Lead planning and coordination of the architectural scope of work, including developing and maintaining the Discipline Work Plan in collaboration with the Project Manager.
- Produce and manage coordinated construction documents that meet firm quality standards, technical accuracy, and code compliance in accordance with the HED Design Process.
- Coordinate with internal team members and external consultants to ensure technical alignment, design integrity, and consistency across disciplines.
- Support code interpretation and regulatory compliance, and coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction for permitting and approvals.
- Research materials, products, and building systems to inform detailing and specification development.
- Oversee construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, and field reports, under supervision of senior technical leadership.
- May serve as Architect of Record for projects and sign or seal documents as appropriate, as determined by project leadership.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior team members and support development of technical standards.
- Travel to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings.
- Access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation.
Benefits
- Flexible hybrid work environment, including the freedom to work from home and regular in-office days.
- Mentorship, professional development, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to impactful educational design.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
