What are the responsibilities and job description for the Architectural Designer position at R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, PA?
About RJHA
R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A. is an architecture, historic preservation, planning, and interior design firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. The firm serves corporate, governmental, and institutional clients across projects including historic preservation, new construction, theaters, educational facilities, office buildings, and commercial interiors. We value design excellence, client service, and well-crafted architecture responsive to its context.
Position Overview
Architectural Designers are non-licensed members of the architectural team who contribute to planning, design, documentation, coordination, and construction-phase services for new construction, restoration, renovation, and adaptive-reuse projects. The scope of assignments, level of independence, and leadership responsibilities vary by level. Work is performed under the direction and appropriate supervision of the Principal, Project Manager, or designated licensed architect.
Core Responsibilities | All levels
- Prepare detailed working drawings for the construction of new construction and for the restoration and repairs of existing historic structures.
- Prepare architectural drawings; lay out and draw floor plans, elevations, and sections; prepare detail drawings of structures; and draw furniture, equipment, and casework for buildings.
- Perform field investigations; measure and correct necessary data for building designs and alterations under specific direction.
- Review the contract, architect's and engineer's plans, and specifications to verify compliance with the Florida Building Code.
- Conduct site surveys and prepare drawings for site development.
- Confer with personnel and assist in design and schematic drawings.
- Perform construction administration duties, field inspections during construction, and prepare field reports.
- Maintain and update construction drawings and specifications.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Level Specific Expectations
Architectural Designer Level I
Experience: 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Produce accurate drawings and construction documents for assigned portions of moderately complex projects.
- Complete conventional design and documentation tasks with growing independence under project leadership.
- Support field surveys, code research, consultant coordination, and construction administration.
- Identify technical issues and seek review for decisions requiring senior direction.
Architectural Designer Level II
Intermediate level; Experience: 5–8 years
- Independently develop more complex drawings, details, and technical solutions for assigned project components.
- Coordinate assigned project workstreams and consultant information with limited oversight.
- Review documentation for consistency and assist with code, accessibility, and constructability assessments.
- Support and mentor less experienced designers while tracking assigned deadlines and deliverables.
Architectural Designer Level III
Experience: 8 years
- Lead complex technical design and documentation for assigned scopes on medium-to-large projects under licensed project leadership.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary technical solutions, review deliverables, and guide project workflow.
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior architectural staff.
- Communicate technical recommendations to project leadership, clients, and consultants; support construction administration and project delivery.
Qualifications | All Levels
- Produce construction-ready documents for contractors and permitting agencies.
- Knowledge of the Florida Building Code.
- Contribute to office libraries / AutoCAD and Revit standards and suggest changes to workflows.
- Prepare specifications and drawings using AutoCAD and Revit.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and local to the Greater Miami area.
- Must be fluent in both written and spoken English; Spanish is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of architectural and engineering nomenclature, symbols, customs, and practices.
- Knowledge of governmental organization, permitting operations, policies, and objectives.
- Meet project schedules and deadlines.
- Prepare and present reports.
- Develop and build teams.
Employment Information
Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A. is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and E-Verify Participating Employer.