Designer

WATG•Los Angeles, CA

32d•$69,763•Onsite

About The Position

WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, home to more than 500 professionals globally, located remotely and in our offices in Atlantic City, California, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, London, Singapore, and Shanghai. Our approach to design applies a hospitality ethos to the development of all shapes and sizes. From initial feasibility studies to finishing touches, we operate globally as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors , we specialize in hospitality, gaming + entertainment, urban + mixed-use, and high-end residential design. We were founded in Honolulu in 1945, and the spirit of the islands taught us to focus on community strength, self-reliance, and sustainability - which we still prioritize today. We passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long-term resilience. We stay true to our values of designing spaces that respect, protect, and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for our clients and their communities. WATG is hiring a Designer in Architecture for our office in Los Angeles, California.

Requirements

Bachelor of Architecture (5 year) or foreign equivalent plus 6 months of experience to include analyzing client goals and programmatic requirements using data-driven methods, applying creative and technical problem-solving to develop architectural design strategies for projects; conducting research and analysis on precedent projects, gathering design references and relevant content to support early-phase studies and concept development; developing initial concept design presentations and documentation to initiate project dialogue and gather team’s feedback; communicating design ideas through freehand sketching, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and 2D/3D software such as AutoCAD and Rhino; collaborating with the team to explore and refine design alternatives through 3D digital massing, floor plans, space planning, elevations, sections, and perspectives in a fast-paced, iterative design environment; performing detailed site measurements and analysis, conducting site photography, generating base drawings and diagrams, and researching applicable zoning and building codes; coordinating with manufacturers and suppliers to select material samples for design development; organizing material workshops with strong aesthetic sensibility to support internal reviews and client presentations; producing architectural visualizations using advanced rendering and animation software such as Enscape, V-Ray, After Effects, and Premiere for design evaluations and stakeholder presentations; assisting in constructing physical models using a wide range of materials and digital fabrication techniques including foamcore, wood, acrylic, airbrushing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling; utilizing Revit and BIM tools to create and manage detailed digital models, ensuring design accuracy and coordination across all disciplines; preparing comprehensive documentation across all design phases, including schematic design, design development, and construction documents; drafting plans, elevations, and architectural details using Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM tools in both imperial and metric systems per agency requirements; performing necessary modifications of drawings and specifications as construction projects progress and changes in dimensions, materials, and other aspects of design arise from client, agency or public input.
Please include a copy of your resume and portfolio to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

With preliminary direction from a licensed architect, analyze client goals and programmatic requirements using data-driven methods, apply creative and technical problem-solving to develop architectural design strategies for hospitality projects
Conduct research and analysis on precedent projects, gathering design references and relevant content to support early-phase studies and concept development
Develop initial concept design presentations and documentation to initiate project dialogue and gather team’s feedback.
Communicate design ideas through freehand sketching, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and 2D/3D software such as AutoCAD and Rhino
Collaborate with the team to explore and refine design alternatives through 3D digital massing, floor plans, space planning, elevations, sections, and perspectives in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
Perform detailed site measurements and analysis, conduct site photography, generate base drawings and diagrams, and research applicable zoning and building codes
Coordinate with manufacturers and suppliers to select material samples for design development.
Organize material workshops with strong aesthetic sensibility to support internal reviews and client presentations
Produce architectural visualizations using advanced rendering and animation software such as Enscape, V-Ray, After Effects, and Premiere for design evaluations and stakeholder presentations
Assist in constructing physical models using a wide range of materials and digital fabrication techniques including foamcore, wood, acrylic, airbrushing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling
Photograph physical models with visual clarity and composition to document design progress and enhance presentation materials
Utilize Revit and BIM tools to create and manage detailed digital models, ensuring design accuracy and coordination across all disciplines
Assist in developing functional and efficient layouts for hospitality programs, including back-of-house (BOH) circulation, guestroom organization, and service flow optimization
Contribute to architectural detailing and problem-solving, translating client functional and spatial needs into feasible, well-integrated design solutions with custom detailing
Prepare comprehensive documentation across all design phases, including schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
Draft plans, elevations, and architectural details using Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM tools in both imperial and metric systems per agency requirements
Coordinate and communicate project information with other disciplines and with the client representatives and consultants
Collaborate across disciplines, bridging communication between project managers, design directors, computational teams, and construction consultants
Support teams by translating concepts into detailed Revit models and facilitating BIM workflows
Work closely with structural consultants to develop façade designs that align with both architectural vision and structural integrity
Partner with BIM managers to enhance team capabilities through plug-in research, adaptive family development, Rhino-to-Revit model integration, and parametric modeling workflows
Guide onboarding of new team members and consultants by sharing project context and workflow knowledge.
Support clear internal and external communication across disciplines
Review and update drawings and specifications for accuracy throughout the construction process
Focus equally on aesthetic and functional considerations and applies proper QA/QC methods throughout the project
Perform necessary modifications of drawings and specifications as construction projects progress and changes in dimensions, materials, and other aspects of design arise from client, agency or public input
Coordinate with civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection (MEP/FP), lighting, landscape, code, traffic, parking, kitchen, zoning, signage, acoustic, security, curtain wall, façade maintenance, special systems, geotechnical, vertical transportation, and structural consultants to incorporate engineering systems into unified design
Support the project manager or architect during project closeout activities, including final inspections, preparation of punch lists, development of record drawings, and conducting post-occupancy evaluations.