Mid-level architect/designers typically carry out most of an architectural firm’s work. They are the workhorses of their companies.
Most mid-level architect/designers bring several years of on-the-job experience to their roles. They lend their talents to a broad scope of work, including helping prepare architectural plans and designs, assisting in essential presentations, developing and finalizing building plans, and overseeing work done by more junior-level architects.
The nature of their work is typically collaborative, working as part of a team under the supervision of a senior architect or lead designer, often with the goal of moving upward to fill a similar position.
Sample job description #1
The buildings that make up the landscape of our daily lives seem like permanent fixtures, fastened to a time and place. But what if that didn’t have to be true? What if our built environment — where we live, learn, play, and conduct business — carried us forward instead?
Our Buildings practice keeps people at its heart, recognizing that our shared journey forward is shaped by the meaningful and responsive places we design. From iconic designs to monumental groundbreakings, join us to bring transformational building solutions to life. Every day we apply our expertise, creativity, and passion to propel communities into the future—join us!
Your opportunity
You will work on tasks under the guidance of a Senior Designer or Architect. This is an intermediate level Architect Intern design role. You will be designing schematics specialized in space programming and site planning as well as developing elevations, sections, and architectural details for projects. You will be assisting with innovative and creative new prototypes, designed with sustainable products with green architecture sensibility as your goals.
Your key responsibilities
- Works directly with Design Architects in development of designs.
- Supports Design Architects in development of material for presentations.
- Assists in the development of a design through sketches, physical models, electronic models, diagrams, massing studies, and other visual formats.
- Utilizes BIM technologies in development of three dimensional models of buildings and their components.
- Participates in design critiques and pin-ups.
- Interprets and applies building codes and requirements of other regulatory agencies.
- Ability to conduct space planning, block planning, and adjacencies in coordination with building program.
- Prepares and revises documentation in various architectural phases including site plans, floor plans, building elevations, building sections, and details.
- Coordinates building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) to ensure compatibility with the design intent.
- Assists in the evaluation and selection of building systems and materials.
- Attends project coordination and meetings with internal team members and/or external consultants.
- Participates in value engineering and basic cost estimating.
- Implements sustainable design principles into the building design and surrounding environment.
- Assists in site analysis, research of concept, benchmarks, typology, and precedents.
Your capabilities and credentials
- Basic knowledge and application of accessibility codes and applicable building codes.
- Basic knowledge of building construction systems, means and methods, materials, and industry associated standards is expected.
- Basic understanding of all phases of architectural document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications.
- Ability to conduct space planning, block planning, and adjacencies in coordination with building program.
- To develop floor plans, wall sections, and details.
- To check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule.
- To participate and collaborate in a project team setting through all phases of architectural document production.
- To engage in creative and critical thought. To hand sketch and communicate concepts and ideas to others effectively.
- To interpret sketches, drawings, building program and other similar material. To communicate abstract ideas (verbal/written)
- Requires understanding of Microsoft Office Suite, Revit, AutoCAD; Prefer experience with Abobe Creative Suite, SketchUP, Newforma, Sefaira, Recent modeling software, 3D Printer, Laser cutter.
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience.
- LEED Green Associate or LEED AP preferred.
Sample job description #2
ABC Company is currently seeking Mid-level Architects and Designers to share in our passion for design. Challenging building types are the focus of our collaborative practice: higher educational facilities for science, research laboratories and healthcare facilities of all types. We go beyond technical and programmatic competence to bring award winning design and beautiful craft to these buildings of intense habitation. We provide a dynamic, collaborative environment which supports innovation and creativity, allowing each team member to significantly contribute to the design process. We invest in our staff and firmly believe there is an opportunity for anyone with talent and initiative to reach any level in our organization.
Candidates must have the following qualifications to be considered for the position:
- Bachelor of Architecture degree or a Master of Architecture degree
- At least four years of post-graduate, professional firm experience
- Project typology experience in university, healthcare, or laboratory design and renovation
- Computer expertise in Revit
Other position qualifications include:
- Strong design and graphics skills
- Knowledge of space programming, contract documents (including detailing, specifications, production management, design production), and contract administration
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills with various levels of individuals including clients, consultants, and architects
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks, collaborate on large teams and work well under deadlines
- Registration and LEED accreditation is a plus
Sample job description #3
ABC Company is a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, interior design and planning firm with offices across the country. Our multi-disciplinary practice is built on the core values of professional excellence, design quality and collaboration. We are seeking a registered Mid-level Architect with at least eight years of experience to join us.
As part of the Architecture Discipline, the Architect works independently in directing and supervising a small staff for project specific solutions for design, program and technical requirements for projects. The Architect develops small to medium scale projects and oversees a small staff of architects, technicians and interns. This position coordinates with other disciplines, in the production of drawings and construction documents which fulfill the design concept, meet the client’s expectations and the firm’s goals of design excellence, financial viability and quality service. The Architect receives technical, budgetary, managerial and design guidance on critical issues, new concepts, and policy requirements.
Essential functions
- Execute and enhance the design intent while preparing the construction documents.
- Supervise small and medium size teams of professional and technical support personnel in project situations.
- Manage and deliver the production of the construction documents for small and medium sized projects.
- Provide technical support to project team members.
- Marketing
- Assist market segment leaders and the marketing department in the preparation of design documents and presentation material.
- Schematic Design and Design Development
- Work with the project manager and the project designer in creating buildings which serve the client’s needs and responds to their desired image, space and aesthetic.
- Develop code compliant designs.
- Participate with design presentations to the client.
- Participate with the projects’ design review presentation.
- Direct project coordination meetings for small and medium sized projects.
- Work with the Project Manager and Project Designer in developing the building design by testing it in relation to program, budget, codes and other issues that emerge in the Design Development phase.
- Construction Documents
- Work with the project designer in articulating design principles that help govern the detailing phase of the project.
- Work with the engineering disciplines (inclusive of civil and landscape) and Interiors in order to ensure a consistent development of the project towards the design concepts established in earlier phases.
- Develop project specifications and other technical requirements of projects.
- Construction Administration
- Participate in submittal responses, shop drawing reviews and construction site visits.
- Prepare site visit reports.
- Work with the technical team in preparing construction phase design directives.
- Mentor Architecture Interns.
Required education and experience
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Registered Architect in at least one state with suitable credentials for registration in other states
- Prior Science & Technology experience preferred
- Prior experience with Navisworks preferred
- Prior experience as architect for components of projects with a demonstrated technical and organizational proficiency
- Demonstrated superior graphic design and building design and conceptualization skills
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, etc.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite
- Experience hand drawing and sketching
Preferred education and experience
- Masters of Architecture
- Successful completion in the delivery of projects as an Architect I
- Demonstrated proficiency with Rhino, Grasshopper, 3D Max and Sketch-up
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a mid-level architect/designer is $105,000 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $43,250 | $58,550 |
| Los Angeles, California | $48,800 | $66,050 |
| Denver, Colorado | $40,650 | $55,050 |
| Washington, DC | $49,550 | $67,050 |
| Miami, Florida | $40,450 | $54,750 |
| Orlando, Florida | $37,350 | $50,550 |
| Tampa, Florida | $37,700 | $51,050 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $39,550 | $53,550 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $45,450 | $61,550 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $49,150 | $66,550 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $39,150 | $53,050 |
| New York City, New York | $51,750 | $70,050 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $42,150 | $57,050 |
| Dallas, Texas | $41,050 | $55,550 |
| Houston, Texas | $40,850 | $55,250 |
| Seattle, Washington | $47,350 | $64,050 |
| National Average | $36,950 | $50,050 |
Sample interview questions
- Why do you want to work as a mid-level architect/designer at our company?
- What skills do you possess that make you a great architect/designer?
- Describe the last project you worked on. What was your biggest challenge with the project?
- How do you organize and plan your work?
- What technology are you familiar with using that helps you succeed in your position as a mid-level architect/designer?
- How do you make sure you’re following all the laws and regulations relevant to this position?
- Describe how you analyze data.
- Tell me about a time you thought outside of the box. How did it impact the company you were working for?
- Do you prefer working independently or with teams?
- Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a colleague. How did you resolve the issue?
- What are some differences between AutoCad and Revit?
- Out of designing, planning, or development, which one do you believe to be the most important?
- How would you respond if a client asked you to restart a project from scratch?
- How do you integrate budgeting into your plans?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake on a project. How did you fix it?
- What type of projects are you most interested in working on?
