Demo

Designer I

Careers at Perkins&Will
Boston, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/3/2026

Come join our Boston studio as a Designer I. We hold fast to our values—diversity, collaboration, and innovation—and we’re only half-joking when we tell people to run until apprehended, because we see our studio less like an office and more like a test lab. 

As a Designer I, you will provide assistance throughout the design process under routine guidance, contributing to the overall success of the team by adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and living design.

You will be:

  • Supporting the preparation of creative and innovative design ideas, concepts, and solutions while participating as an integral member of the design team.
  • Providing design support under supervision for schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
  • Performing product research and assisting the team with material selections.
  • Assisting in preparing client presentation materials using design application skills and creative ideas.
  • Using a creative approach to perform tasks and responsibilities on projects in an organized, timely, and consistent way.
  • Self-checking work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility, and compiling data for document compliance in accordance with the Project Delivery Manual.
  • Proactively asking questions and expressing curiosity about the world of design and the industry at large.
  • Providing support to tasks within project teams, which may focus on individual detailed tasks, and studio activities.
  • Participating in design reviews, charettes, and pin-ups.
  • Keeping open communication within the team and with the designated team leader.
  • Communicating ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
  • Assisting with coordination among partners and consultants.
  • Developing awareness of client contracts.

Typical Years of Requisite Experience: 0-3 years

Professional Licensure: Not Required

High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications

Proficiencies

  • BIM
  • Building codes
  • Site analysis
  • Preliminary design studies
  • Contract documents
  • Field measurements
  • Life safety requirements
  • Specifications
  • Construction contract administration
  • Sketching

Software

  • Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software
  • Basic to Intermediate Revit
  • Conceptual modeling tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper
  • Microsoft Office / Adobe Suite
  • Visualization tools such as Enscape and VRay
  • Physical modeling tools such as 3D Printing and Laser cutting
  • Presentation tools such as InDesign and Photoshop
  • Environmental Analysis software such as Ladybug and Climate Studio

Licensure/Certifications/Education

  • LEED GA within 6 months of hire
  • Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
  • Active involvement in AXP, or starting the ARE Process
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture or related discipline required

Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position in Boston is between $60,000 and $70,000.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve.

"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Perkins&Will has established and adopted an Equal Employment Opportunity Employment policy (“EEO”), which is part of the Company’s Human Resources Policy. The purpose of this EEO policy is to ensure that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. In some cases, local laws and regulations may provide greater protections than those outlined here and employees will be covered by the laws of their local jurisdiction.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000

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