Architectural Associate (Early Design)

Description

The Architectural Associate (Early Design) helps transform a project's initial vision into a coordinated, feasible, and approvable design. Working from early concepts, master-planning, client requests and provided programming, and internal discussions. This role supports projects from Conceptual Design through Schematic Design and Design Development, while also contributing to entitlement submissions and applicable initial municipal approvals.

The role combines architectural planning, site and program analysis, early technical coordination, Space Planning, design documentation, and communication with internal teams, consultants, clients, and City officials. The successful candidate can move comfortably between big-picture design thinking and the practical details required to advance a project.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop architectural planning and design solutions from initial sketches, project programs, client requirements, and design direction.

· Compile and analyze site information, including property boundaries, setbacks, easements, zoning, FAR, topography, access, and other applicable constraints.

· Prepare and maintain early design deliverables, including site plans, floor plans, space planning test fits, roof and garage plans, building sections, elevations, diagrams, and snapshot sets.

· Review program requirements and prepare supporting analyses such as area calculations, GFA, room matrices, parking counts, adjacencies, and circulation studies.

· Evaluate preliminary code, accessibility, life-safety, structural, MEP, plumbing, low-voltage, and vertical transportation requirements in coordination with project leadership and consultants.

· Assist with entitlement drawing sets, supporting exhibits, jurisdictional submittals, and responses to municipal review comments.

· Coordinate with City planning staff, municipal reviewers, consultants, ownership representatives, and internal project teams to clarify requirements and advance applicable initial approvals.

· Coordinate architectural planning with Interior Design, landscaping, Lighting, 3D visualization, graphics, production, and relevant consultant teams.

· Develop basic interior drawings and presentation materials as required, including enlarged plans, finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, and key sections.

· Review and revise project documents in response to markups, coordination discussions, consultant information, and stakeholder feedback.

· Help establish drawing-set outlines and cartoon sets to support the transition into Design Development and subsequent documentation.

· Identify missing information, planning conflicts, technical risks, and unresolved decisions early, and communicate recommendations to the appropriate project leaders.

· Maintain organized digital project files, CAD drawings, Revit models, and documentation in accordance with office standards.

Qualifications & Skills

· Degree in Architecture or a related design discipline, or equivalent relevant experience appropriate to the position.

· Experience with architectural planning, drawing production, and design coordination; experience with early design phases is an advantage.

· Working knowledge of Revit and/or AutoCAD and the ability to follow established digital files and documentation standards.

· Familiarity with architectural plans, sections, elevations, area calculations, and basic building systems.

· A working understanding of zoning, building codes, accessibility, and life-safety requirements, with the judgment to recognize when specialist input is needed.

· Strong organization, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

· Ability to interpret design concepts, research unfamiliar requirements, manage assigned tasks, and incorporate feedback.

· Ability to coordinate information across multiple disciplines while maintaining design intent and documentation consistency.

What Success Looks Like as part of the Team

A successful Architectural Associate (Early Design) produces clear, organized, and useful design information; understands the reasons behind planning decisions; identifies constraints before they become larger problems; communicates reliably; and helps move projects toward coordinated design milestones and applicable approvals.

The role is not limited to drawing what has already been decided. It requires initiative, sound judgment, and a willingness to help turn an initial idea into a workable design solution.

Working Relationships

The Architectural Associate (Early Design) works with design leadership and master planning, project and ownership teams, consultants, Interior Design, Lighting, 3D visualization and graphics, production teams, and jurisdictional staff as appropriate.

The designer is expected to collaborate within the team, communicate unresolved items clearly, and support a consistent handoff as the project advances.

Steelman Partners Statement:
We are dedicated to hiring a diverse workplace that celebrates an inclusive culture and a sense of belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, parental status, military service, or another non-merit factor.