Architectural Designer

Job Title: Intermediate Architect – Commercial Retail

Job Description

This role is a hands-on, production-focused position for an intermediate-level architect with commercial retail experience. You will support ongoing project delivery across ground-up and tenant improvement retail work, with a strong emphasis on construction document development, technical coordination, and execution. Working closely with senior staff and principals from schematic design through construction administration, you will contribute immediately to active project teams in a collaborative, design-driven environment. This is a growth opportunity for an architect who can operate independently on clearly defined portions of work within established standards while remaining deeply engaged in day-to-day drawing and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Use Revit to develop and document ground-up retail projects, focusing on accurate, buildable construction drawings.
• Use AutoCAD for tenant improvement projects and early design studies where CAD is more efficient.
• Produce, refine, and coordinate comprehensive construction document sets, including detailed architectural drawings, plans, sections, elevations, and details.
• Support and contribute to project documentation across schematic design, design development, construction documents, and selected construction administration activities, depending on project phase.
• Coordinate closely with internal project teams and external consultants to ensure alignment of architectural, structural, MEP, and other disciplines.
• Review drawings and documents prepared by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project standards.
• Apply building codes and coordinate with senior staff on documentation, permitting, and agency approval requirements as needed.
• Work closely with senior staff and principals to maintain design integrity and technical standards throughout the project.
• Actively produce drawings and technical details on a daily basis, maintaining a strong production focus rather than a purely oversight role.
• Own defined portions of the project scope, incorporate redlines efficiently, and complete revisions with minimal rework.
• Manage multiple deliverables simultaneously while staying organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to project deadlines.
• Prepare documentation that supports construction administration activities, including clarifications and coordination with the design team and consultants.

Essential Skills

• 3 years of full-time, post-graduation professional experience in architecture.
• Demonstrated experience working on commercial retail architecture projects.
• Proficiency in Revit with a focus on construction documentation for retail projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for tenant improvement projects and early design studies.
• Strong experience producing construction documents, including plans, details, and coordination drawings.
• Working knowledge of building codes and exposure to permitting or agency coordination at a coordination level, with depth varying by project.
• Experience coordinating with internal project teams and external consultants across disciplines.
• Ability to remain hands-on in drawings and documentation; this role is not project-management-only.
• Ability to incorporate redlines and feedback efficiently with minimal rework.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables and deadlines.
• Degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• A professional portfolio demonstrating work personally produced by the candidate, with an emphasis on construction documents and details.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, quality-driven project environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mid-level experience range of approximately 3–7 years in architecture is ideal.
• Experience in commercial and retail architecture, including both ground-up and tenant improvement projects.
• Exposure to luxury or flagship retail projects is a plus.
• Experience developing detailed drawings and technical details for high-quality retail environments.
• Exposure to construction administration phase coordination is beneficial.
• Experience working directly with principals or senior project architects.
• Experience with high-end finishes, precise client standards, and fast-paced retail environments.
• Candidates actively pursuing architectural licensure are preferred, though licensure is not required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team while taking ownership of defined scopes of work.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with consultants and internal teams.
• Interest in long-term professional growth within a mentorship-focused, design-driven practice.

Work Environment

This position is based in a professional architectural office within a mid-sized firm of approximately 70–80 employees. The practice is driven by long-standing principals and offers exposure to a diverse portfolio that includes airports, museums, luxury retail, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, and other project types. The culture emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, technical quality, and long-term career development. You will work closely with senior staff and principals in a highly interactive, design-focused setting, with frequent opportunities to learn from experienced leaders. The environment is fast-paced yet quality-driven, with a strong focus on precise documentation and high standards of execution. The role is full-time and in-office, following standard business hours Monday through Friday. Candidates must be able to commute to a Mid-City Los Angeles office location on a full-time basis. Dress is professional to align with a client-facing architectural studio environment, and work is performed using Revit, AutoCAD, and standard office and design tools in a modern studio setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of LOS ANGELES, CA.

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Full benefits package including health, vision, life insurance, 401(k), PTO, and licensing support

This is a fully onsite position in LOS ANGELES,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $75,000 - $105,000