Architecture - Designer III

Job Title: Designer III
Department: Architecture
Reports to: Managing Director/Studio Director
FLSA Status: Exempt


GENERAL SUMMARY
The Designer III is an experienced design professional who performs architectural design and technical documentation assignments with increasing independence and judgment. Working under the direction of a Project Engineer, Project Captain, Project Manager, or Studio Leadership, this role is responsible for developing and coordinating portions of projects through all phases of design and documentation. The Designer III applies advanced technical knowledge, assists with quality control efforts, coordinates with consultants and internal team members, and serves as a resource to junior staff. This position is expected to take ownership of assigned project tasks and deliverables while contributing to the overall success of the project team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design and Technical Development

• Plans and conducts architectural design and documentation work requiring the application of professional judgment, technical knowledge, and established design standards.

• Independently develops portions of project designs, technical solutions, and construction documentation for a variety of project types.

• Utilizes sound understanding of building systems, materials, construction methods, and applicable design standards in the development of project documents.

• Assists in evaluating design alternatives and recommending solutions that support project goals, schedules, and budgets.

• Contributes to presentation materials, design studies, renderings, and client deliverables as required.

Construction Documentation and Quality Control

• Produces comprehensive contract documents that comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, client requirements, and firm standards.

• Coordinates architectural documentation with consultants to maintain consistency and completeness of project deliverables.

• Reviews project documents for accuracy, constructability, and coordination prior to submission.

• Performs quality control reviews of assigned work and assists in identifying and resolving design or documentation conflicts.

• Reviews shop drawings, product data, and submittals for conformance with project requirements.

Project Coordination

• Coordinates assigned project tasks with internal team members, consultants, and project leadership.

• Participates in project meetings and assists with documenting action items and follow up activities.

• Communicates project information effectively to team members and assists in resolving routine project issues.

• Supports project schedules by completing assignments within established timelines and communicating potential concerns promptly.

Construction Administration

• Conducts site visits, field observations, and punch list reviews to evaluate construction progress and document project conditions.

• Assists project leadership in responding to requests for information, reviewing construction related documents, and resolving field issues.

• Documents site observations and communicates findings to project leadership and consultants as appropriate.

Team Leadership and Professional Development

• Provides technical guidance and mentoring to junior designers and interns.

• Assists in onboarding and training team members on project standards, processes, and software tools.

• Shares knowledge and best practices that contribute to project quality and team development.

• Demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of the architectural project development process, from schematic design through construction administration.

• Working knowledge of building codes, zoning requirements, accessibility standards, and construction documentation practices.

• Understanding of building systems, materials, construction methodologies, and consultant coordination requirements.

• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong organizational, communication, problem solving, and time management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proficiency in current versions of Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other design and presentation software utilized by the firm.

• Maintains a professional presence during virtual meetings. When participating in meetings through Microsoft Teams or other video conferencing platforms, employees are expected to be on camera unless otherwise approved or circumstances prevent camera use.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.

• Two (2) to four (4) years of relevant architectural design experience.

• Professional registration progress or pursuit of architectural licensure preferred.

• Experience preparing construction documents and coordinating project deliverables across multiple project phases preferred.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you’ll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.

CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.

Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.

We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.

BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.

Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.

Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.

PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.

BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.

WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.

HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.

DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information. Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process. We look forward to reviewing your information.

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000