Senior Computational Designer

Stantec•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Computational Designer to help define and advance a technology‑forward methodology for Stantec’s integrated design practice . This role focuses on using computation and automation to bridge disciplines , scale best practices, and measurably improve how design is delivered across Buildings and adjacent business lines. The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of design, technology, and operations —translating project‑based computational innovation into repeatable, firm‑wide capability . This is a senior role for a practitioner who can lead complex design efforts, build and manage a high‑performing computational design team, and clearly articulate the business value and ROI of design computing to firm leadership. This role is critical to moving computational design from project-specific expertise to firm-wide capability . The Senior Computational Designer will help Stantec: Work more seamlessly across disciplines Make design automation operational, not experimental Build a sustainable, billable design computing team Clearly demonstrate the value of computation to leadership and clients This position is ideal for a design technologist who wants to shape how an integrated practice works , not just how individual tools are built.

Requirements

Advanced expertise in Rhino + Grasshopper for computational and parametric design.
Strong experience with Revit and computational workflows that integrate with BIM and digital delivery.
Proficiency in scripting or programming (e.g. Python, C#, JavaScript ) with an emphasis on reliability and scalability.
Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and translate design intent into actionable computational frameworks.
Experience mentoring or leading other designers or technologists.
Strong communication skills, particularly the ability to explain technical work in strategic and business terms.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Design Computing, or a related field.
8+ years of professional experience applying computational design within an architectural or integrated design practice.
Proven track record of scaling design technology beyond individual projects.

Nice To Haves

Experience partnering with enterprise digital, IT, or platform teams.
Familiarity with developing internal tools, plug‑ins, or lightweight applications for design teams.
Background in systems thinking, process design, or organizational change related to technology adoption.
Teaching, lecturing, or thought leadership experience in design technology or computation.

Responsibilities

Design Integration & Automation Lead the application of computational design and automation on complex architectural projects across multiple scales and sectors.
Develop parametric and data‑driven workflows that connect architecture, engineering, sustainability, digital delivery, and visualization.
Use automation to reduce friction between disciplines, improve design coordination, and increase speed, clarity, and design quality.
Support early‑stage design exploration, option analysis, and decision-making through computational methods.
Partner with project teams to embed computational thinking into everyday design workflows rather than isolated specialist tasks.
Operationalizing Computational Design Collaborate closely with Digital Practice and Digital Delivery teams to transition bespoke scripts and prototypes into robust, supported automations .
Help define standards, libraries, and platforms that allow computational tools to be reused and scaled across the firm.
Balance innovation with reliability—ensuring tools are maintainable, documented, and aligned with enterprise systems.
Contribute to firm‑wide initiatives around automation, interoperability, and data-driven design.
Team Building & Practice Growth Build, mentor, and manage a team of computational designers aligned to project needs and strategic priorities.
Actively advocate for computational design across the firm—educating project leaders on when and how to deploy the team effectively.
Ensure the computational design team remains consistently engaged, billable, and delivering visible value .
Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of design computing talent.
Establish clear role definitions and engagement models between computational designers and project teams.
Value, Metrics & Leadership Communication Define and track ROI metrics for computational design, including efficiency gains, risk reduction, design quality, and competitive advantage.
Translate technical outcomes into clear business narratives for studio, regional, and discipline leadership.
Support business development by articulating the value of design computing in pursuits and client conversations.
Provide regular reporting and insight on how computational design contributes to project performance and firm strategy.