What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Associate position at Architect Search?
Design Associate – Multifamily Development
Location: [Confidential – Dallas or Houston area]
Experience: 5 Years | Full-Time
A privately held real estate development firm is seeking a skilled and motivated Design Associate with 7 years of architectural experience to join its design and development team. This is a growth-focused position where the candidate will collaborate closely with a senior Design Manager, gaining exposure to the full development cycle—from early site planning through construction administration.
This role is perfect for someone with strong architectural skills, exceptional organization, and a desire to grow into a future leadership role.
Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Coordination:
- Manage and lead design consultants (Architectural, MEP, Structural, Interiors, and Landscape)
- Collaborate with internal development and construction teams to ensure successful design implementation
- Review for FHA and ADA compliance; participate in ULI and industry events
- Stay current with architectural licensure and green building initiatives (LEED, NGBS)
Pre-Development:
- Participate in programming and scope meetings
- Evaluate site suitability: urban conditions, density, site constraints, and entitlements
- Review and comment on planning, aesthetics, materials, and equipment early in design
Document Development:
- Guide design teams during planning and design phases
- Engage with city planning/building departments for permitting
- Participate in value engineering discussions and design consistency reviews
- Coordinate with interiors, marketing, accessibility, and sustainability consultants
Construction Phase:
- Conduct regular site visits to ensure execution of design and quality standards
- Manage submittal reviews, RFIs, mockups, and material selections
- Coordinate with interiors and landscape teams during implementation
- Participate in OAC meetings and construction documentation processes
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Architecture (required); Licensure preferred or in progress
- Strong proficiency in SketchUp, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Revit
- Familiarity with Procore is a plus
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Desire to grow into a Design Manager position
This Design Associate role offers hands-on involvement in high-quality multifamily developments with mentorship and long-term growth potential. The firm provides competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with company match.
If you're looking to build your career in development-focused architecture with a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $100,000