Architect III Des Moines Studio

Join the Slingers! Slingshot is seeking a highly experienced, licensed Architect III (8+ years of professional experience) to join our passionate, purpose-driven studio in Des Moines. We're a small but mighty team of architects and designers dedicated to crafting meaningful, human-centered commercial spaces that elevate everyday life and strengthen Midwestern communities. Our work spans architecture, interiors, and urbanism — always with a focus on clarity, precision, and real impact.

As a teaching studio
, we value team members who lead with expertise, serve as subject matter experts, mentor across the team, and drive technical excellence on projects from conceptual design through completion. In this senior-level role, you'll provide full project support, represent lead technical viewpoints, coordinate with directors and principals on innovative solutions, and help differentiate our project strategies on complex assignments.

• Participate fully in conceptual design and provide support through the entire project lifecycle.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on specialized systems, technical details, and innovative solutions.
• Liaise with project management, other architects, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
• Develop and represent the lead technical viewpoint on projects, advocating for appropriate solutions.
• Coordinate with directors and principals on technical approaches, product strategies, and project differentiation.
• Independently lead complex technical design aspects, investigations, evaluations, and recommendations that best meet client needs on large-scale or specialized projects.
• Apply advanced architectural concepts to novel or highly complex assignments, developing new or improved techniques and procedures.
• Oversee and produce high-quality construction documentation, specifications, and details across all phases.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to mid-level and junior architects, fostering growth in the teaching studio environment.
• Ensure compliance with advanced building codes, accessibility, sustainability goals, zoning, and firm standards.
• Manage technical & design coordination across multiple projects; support senior leadership on project direction, client presentations, and strategic decisions.
• Lead construction-phase services, including site observations, submittal reviews, RFIs, change orders, punch lists, and field reports.
• Present sophisticated design and technical concepts confidently to clients and stakeholders.
• Attend and contribute meaningfully to client meetings, design reviews, coordination sessions, and firm-wide critiques.
• Help refine and apply the SSA design process, leveraging key software tools (Archi
  
  CAD, Sketch Up, etc.) at an expert level.

• Are a proactive leader who can independently drive technical & design excellence on complex projects while sharing our commitment to meaningful, collaborative work.
• Excel in a fast-paced, small-team environment dedicated to exceeding expectations and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate deep expertise in specialized systems, advanced design, technical documentation, and construction best practices, with a generous, mentorship-oriented approach to teamwork.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, sustainability, accessibility, and emerging architectural strategies.
• Have exceptional sketching, modeling, rendering, and visualization skills for communicating complex ideas.
• Are highly proficient in Archi
  
  CAD (or similar BIM software), Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; experience with additional tools like Miro and Monograph is a plus.
• Bring outstanding verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, team guidance, and technical representation.
• Can work autonomously on lead responsibilities while collaborating effectively and mentoring less experienced staff.
• Are exceptionally organized, with strong abilities to manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables across sophisticated, multi-faceted projects.

• 40 hrs work week
• Remote Work Opportunities (after onboarding and training are completed)
• Flexible Schedule with 9a-3p core hours
• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance, STD & LTD covered 100% for employee
• Maternity Leave
• 401k plan with Company Match
• Monthly Gym Benefit
• Volunteer Time Off
• Professional Development Stipend
• Leadership Involved In Day-to-Day
• A Teaching Studio & Collaborative Environment
• Relaxed Dress Code
• Dog-Friendly Office
• Beverages & Snacks
• Quarterly Team Events
• Annual Team Celebration

This full-time position is available in our Des Moines studio.

TO BE CONSIDERED, MUST SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO

If you're excited to bring your senior-level architectural expertise and leadership to vibrant, community-focused projects in a studio that values personal growth, bold ideas, mentorship, technical innovation, and meaningful design impact, we want to meet you!