Project Architect (Technical) - Themed Entertainment & Attraction Design

Cuningham•Orlando, FL

About The Position

At Cuningham, we believe great architecture does more than shape buildings; it creates experiences. Our Themed Entertainment team partners with clients to design immersive attractions, destination experiences, and hospitality environments that captivate guests and bring stories to life. Guided by our purpose to design a better world with deep respect for the real one, we foster curiosity, collaboration, and craftsmanship to create extraordinary places globally. We're seeking a Project Architect that has familiarity and technical fluency with themed entertainment and attractions to lead the development and coordination of complex, experience-driven projects. In this role, you'll partner with creative and multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative design solutions while ensuring projects are thoughtfully detailed, well-coordinated, code compliant, and successfully delivered from concept through construction. Direct themed entertainment and attraction design experience is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master's degree in architecture or related field
Licensed Architect preferred; candidates not yet licensed may be considered for a Team Leader title based on experience and qualifications
8–15 years of professional architectural experience, with significant exposure to themed entertainment, hospitality, experiential design, attraction design, retail entertainment, cultural projects, or immersive environments
Strong understanding of story-driven design and how architecture supports guest experience, emotional engagement, operational flow, and immersive placemaking (expanded guest experience and placemaking
Experience collaborating closely with creative directors, show set designers, producers, and technical disciplines to translate narrative concepts into buildable environment
Proven ability to lead projects through all phases of design and delivery, including concept development, design documentation, consultant coordination, QA/QC, permitting, and construction administration
Strong technical knowledge of building systems, constructability, envelope detailing, consultant coordination, and code compliance
Experience coordinating with specialty vendors, fabricators, scenic elements, lighting, media integration, and show systems preferred
Proficiency in Revit/BIM 360, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; working knowledge of Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion preferred
Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive, design-driven office culture
Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects while maintaining high design quality and attention to detail
Passion for themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, guest experience, and experiential design innovation

Responsibilities

Lead the architectural design process across all project phases
Develop and document creative, technically sound design solutions aligned with project goals and governing codes
Lead medium to large-scale project scopes and support teams with varying experience levels
Collaborate closely with clients, creatives, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams
Coordinate multidisciplinary efforts to achieve the best design outcomes
Lead technical coordination, code review, QA/QC processes, and construction documentation
Support envelope design validation and technical detailing
Participate in construction administration activities, site observations, and issue resolution
Help identify project risks and communicate proactively with project leadership
Participate in project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and presentations
Mentor and support the growth of team members through thoughtful leadership and collaboration
Maintain responsible control over technical submissions and signed/sealed documents where required