You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Architect Designer

Parette Somjen Architects
Email

TITLE: Designer I, II or III

ROLE: Designer

 

The tasks and responsibilities outlined here represent a framework and minimum expectation for the position(s). While performing the duties of this position, you may be asked to undertake additional tasks or responsibilities. Such requests may be in response to a singular need, a limit of available resources, an opportunity to assess your skill, talent or capacity, or other managerial considerations. 

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Designer is an entry-level position typically started after college graduation with a related degree to the profession.  Graduation is not a requirement to be a designer but is a benefit.   Graduation may be a requirement for certain advancement within the organization.  It is expected that one should generally transition, based on performance, from level to level within the designer category on an annual basis and based on an additional year of experience.  There may be times when such advancement is slower and, in those cases, active discussion with your supervisor should take place. 

The Designer assists with all aspects of drawing / documentation creation.  Designers are expected to understand the existing context and conditions of each project and to effectively document those conditions.  Designers assist the project team with recommendations, which require independent judgement in evaluation of building materials, systems, colors, fixtures, etc.  Designers assist in the production and management of project documentation, which includes drawings, models, applications, assessments, reports and administrative filings.  All Designers are expected to improve the project on which they are working, identify and help solve problems encountered, with guidance from senior team members.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Management and Accountability (LMA)

  • Maintaining accurate and current time sheets and submitting them weekly. 
  • Attendance and participation in Staff Meeting and Daily Huddles
  • Project paperwork completion and processing (e.g., printing, copying, , mailings, filing, electronic submissions).
  • Time Management and organization skills
  • Coordinate and provide feedback to others above you, including direct and indirect supervisors.
  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of coordination processes between PSA and clients, governmental agencies, and consultants.
  • Adhere to agree upon deadlines and time allocations
  • Adhere to the policies of the company’s Employee Manual.
  • Ability to adapt and pivot mindset or responsibilities with short notice 
  • Effective communication with your team, supervisor and others in and out of the office
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Existing Conditions Phase

  • Working in the field and documenting existing conditions through various means and in all types of conditions is a fundamental part of the job.  This includes clean and easy to navigate spaces as well as dirty and more difficult (interior & exterior) spaces.  Personal protective equipment is provided by the organization and should be used as needed.
  • Creating reliable, accurate and legible notes from field survey work as well as accurate and informative photographs.
  • Translating field work accurately into drawing form using appropriate software and PSA/Industry standards.
  • Research and coordinating database drawings both internal and external to the office to provide the most accurate information possible.

Design / Design Development Phase

  • Creating drawings and presentations that translate design sketches into drafted form 
  • Being inquisitive about the design process, asking questions and offering suggestions.
  • Understand and use current company standards and procedures in the production of drawings and exhibits using digital tools.
  • Use graphic design software and digital modeling tools to produce a variety of deliverables such as two-dimensional drawings, renderings, presentation packages, and models to convey design goals at various stages of the project schedule.
  • Assist with routine discipline tasks including diagramming, modeling, detailing and drafting.

Construction Document Phase 

  • Conversion of design documents into detailed drawings including but not limited to plans, elevations, sections, and details. Documents will include dimensions notes and other information that will act as instructions.
    • Designer 2 is expected to complete a set of construction drawings to a minimum of 50%
    • Designer 3 is expected to complete a set of construction drawings to a minimum of 75%
  • Identifying technical sections of the specifications that will be needed to accompany the drawings.
  • Identifying consultants that are involved and being attentive to the coordination of those drawings.
  • Coordination of PSA’s CDs with consultant CDs & design drawings. 

Contract Administration Phase

  • Assist with reviewing and processing CA paperwork (e.g., RFI, Submittals, Field Survey Reports, etc.) 
  • Assist with the preparation of reports, assessments and applications.
  • When possible and invited to do so, participate in construction meetings, project meetings, and site visits to see and learn.

Professional Development and Growth

  • Seeking out learning opportunities 
  • Participating in Professional Development events and programs

 

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design from an accredited program preferred.
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of architectural design, design development, graphic presentations and construction documents.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and / or Revit (latest version) and other graphic and business software (e.g., Microsoft) and their application in developing and presenting documents.
  • Basic oral and written English communication skills.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/BEYOND ARCHITECTURE

Following a year with PSA, a designer may be asked to participate on a committee and/or mentor a new hire.

 

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Project Manager or Assistant Project Manager or Job Captain (may vary from team to team)

 

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

Designers will be evaluated based on all the items in this document as they apply to their specific role.  The following items represent the primary performance benchmarks that the company will be measuring and the tools that will be used to provide input. 

  • Total Hours Invested (Minimum) = 2080 for full time.  Part Time TBD
  • Billable Hours Invested (Minimum) = 1768
  • Utilization % (percentage of billable) = 85%
  • Embracing PSA core values
  • Quality of documents (e.g., red lines, RFI’s, change orders). 
  • Ability to complete tasks efficiently and within agreed upon schedule.
  • Proactive management of allocated time.
  • Implementation of PSA standards and procedures.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Location: Hybrid (Office/Remote), Site
  • Schedule: Part Time / Full time
  • Must have reliable transportation 
  • Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performance of the duties will occasionally require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Performing this job requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, sit, talk and hear (bells, whistles, etc.), stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.