Architectural Designer IV - PreK-12

Position Summary

HED is seeking an experienced and passionate Architectural Designer IV to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. The 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 must be passionate, motivated, and eager to further develop their technical and design skills in a collaborative environment that promotes critical thinking.

Proven experience and proficiency in technical detailing with the ability to work with moderate to minimal supervision is required. Responsibilities may include guiding and mentoring more junior team members. The ideal candidate will have experience delivering California PreK‑12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

• Lead the 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.

• 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 preferred.
• Experience with Revizto for 3‑D coordination preferred.
• Experience with UpCodes and RIB Speclink preferred.
• Passion for inspiring and motivating others.
• A commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…