Architect or Architectural II

Company & Location

Kaplan Thompson Architects is a Portland, Maine architecture firm prioritizing sustainability, creative design, and technical excellence. We focus on single-family homes, multi-family residential, educational, and non-profit design projects. We are an award-winning firm named to the Architect 50:
Top 50 Firms in Sustainability in the U.S.

We are seeking an Architectural Designer with 5 to 8 years of professional experience. Those with more experience are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants must currently live within commuting distance of our office in Downtown Portland or be willing to move there. In the first six months, the role requires in-person work. After the training period, flexible hybrid options are available.

Competitive salaries aligned with prescribed AIA rates at or near the top levels for the region.

Benefits include:

• 3 weeks of paid vacation / personal / sick time annually to start
• 100% medical coverage on Health Insurance
• 100% coverage on Disability Insurance
• 401K benefit plan with a 4% salary match and no waiting period
• 10 paid holidays
  , including 3 paid floating holidays
• Commuting stipend of $60/mo for parking, bus passes, electric bike, or personal use
• Bonuses based on hours worked and office success
• Up to for professional development annually
• Company-paid training materials and reimbursement of ARE expenses for licensed candidates
• One paid Community Day and up to 24 matched hours for community service or industry engagement

Kaplan Thompson Architects is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

• Participate in conceptual design and provide full support throughout entire projects
• Coordinate project design, develop creative design concepts, and prepare presentation and design drawings

• Assist in preparing project specifications
• Provide specific technical design aspects of major projects, including BIM, investigation, evaluation, and recommendation of design solutions that best meet client needs
• Carry out complex or novel assignments requiring new or improved techniques and procedures
• Coordinate with Principals and experienced Architectural Staff on technical solutions and strategies
• Occasionally provide technical guidance to less experienced staff

• Manage all aspects of small, simple projects with guidance from Principals and Senior Staff, including estimating scope of work
• Assist in preparing strategic plans for project success
• Monitor and coordinate administrative and technical project efforts for efficient, cost-effective execution
• Monitor client budgets, schedules, and programs
• Assist in management of project communications and documentation
• Understand fee estimation, scope determination, and proposal/contract preparation on simple projects

• Present directly to clients on technical and design solutions
• Manage project communications and documentation pending project-specific role

• Collaborate with architects and designers on residential and sustainability-focused projects
• Follow up with junior staff when they have questions or lighter task loads

• Incorporate sustainable solutions throughout work
• Produce work consistent with the firm’s quality and aesthetic
• Monitor activity in relevant industry organizations

• Participate in office culture
• Strive for professional and personal development
• Participate in lead nurturing
• Cultivate relationships with clients and potential clients
• Champion internal initiatives
• Introduce new initiatives that benefit the organization
• Contribute to advancing the skills of others

• Participate in lead nurturing
• Cultivate relationships with clients and potential clients

• Champion internal initiatives
• Introduce new initiatives that benefit the organization
• Contribute to advancing the skills of others

Requirements: BArch or BS in Architecture completed, 5+ years of experience, full competence in all conventional…