Project Architect (Themed Entertainment & Attraction Design)

Cuningham•Orlando, FL

16h

About The Position

At Cuningham, we design places that move people emotionally, not just physically. We’re searching for a Project Architect with deep experience in themed entertainment and attraction design to help lead immersive projects that blur the line between architecture, storytelling, and unforgettable guest experiences. This role is for someone who understands that great themed environments require more than technical skill, they require imagination, collaboration, precision, and the ability to transform creative vision into built reality. As a Project Architect, you’ll lead the design and technical development of projects through all phases from early design concepts through construction administration while helping guide teams and maintain the integrity of the guest experience. If you’ve worked on theme parks, attractions, immersive entertainment, destination experiences, branded environments, or experiential hospitality projects, we’d love to meet you. 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