Architectural Designer IV - PreK-12

HED is seeking an experienced and passionate Architectural Designer IV to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in San Francisco and Sacramento. Project Architect IV is a mid-level technical architecture role that is responsible for leading PreK-12 project scopes from early design through construction under the supervision of a seasoned Architect and/or Project Designer. Candidates are passionate, motivated, and eager to further develop their technical and design skills in an environment that promotes collaboration and critical thinking. Proven experience and proficiency in technical detailing with the ability to work with moderate to minimal supervision. Responsibilities may include guiding and mentoring more junior team members. 

The ideal candidate will bring experience delivering California PreK-12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

HED Culture:

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Our culture is guided by six core values:

• Do It as a Team – We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration, trust, and shared accountability across disciplines and project teams.
• Be You With Us – We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work.
• Make a Mark – We are driven to create meaningful impact through design, delivering projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.
• Embrace Change – We approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, continuously evolving our thinking, processes, and solutions.
• Thrive With Growth – We invest in mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, empowering our people to reach their full potential.
• Strive for Performance – We pursue excellence in design, technical execution, client service, and project delivery, holding ourselves to the highest standards.

When you join HED, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Design impactful educational environments that serve students, educators, and communities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and high-performing solutions.
• Partner with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture that values mentorship, professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Work in a flexible hybrid environment that balances autonomy with meaningful in-person collaboration.
• Be part of a team committed to design excellence, technical rigor, and creating lasting positive impact.

 Work Environment:

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture. 
• The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Position Summary:

Responsible for the design and technical systems for both small and large PreK-12 projects from schematics through construction administration. The Architectural Designer IV is a senior-level technical professional responsible for leading medium to large-scale project scopes from start to finish. This role includes managing project documentation, consultant coordination, regulatory compliance, and construction phase support, with a proven record of delivering technically sound work in our PreK-12 sector. The role requires work prepared under the architect’s direct supervision, along with guiding internal teams and supporting firm-wide quality efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Lead planning and coordination of the architectural scope of work, including creation and management of the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Manage the development of coordinated construction documents, ensuring technical clarity, code compliance, and quality in accordance with the HED Design Process
• Coordinate work across design and engineering disciplines, consultants, and production teams to maintain alignment with project scope and milestones
• Manage interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) during permitting and regulatory review processes, with support from senior leadership as needed
• Conduct material, product, and building systems research to support design decisions and contribute findings to firm resources
• Lead construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, field reports, and coordination with contractors
• Serve as Architect of Record as determined by project leadership and sign and seal documents prepared under your direct supervision
• Mentor junior staff and support professional development within project teams

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year degree)
• LEED Accreditation preferred
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience with a technical delivery focus
• Experience with PreK-12 and DSA required
• Proficiency in Revit is preferred
• Experience with Revizto for 3-D coordination is preferred
• Experience with UpCodes and RIB Speclink preferred
• Passion and for inspiring and motivating others
• A commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles

 Physical Requirements:

• Capable of traveling to and from project sites to attend client, project, and construction meetings. 
• Ability to access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation purposes. 
• Ability to use equipment for communication and documentation purposes. 
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

In compliance with all applicable or other employment requirements, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability and arrest and conviction records.

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