Architectural Designer IV - PreK-12

Position Summary

HED is seeking an experienced and passionate Architectural Designer IV to join our growing Pre‑K‑12 Education practice in our San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices. Project Architect IV is a mid‑level technical architecture role responsible for leading Pre‑K‑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 Pre‑K‑12 educational facilities and a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements.

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our Pre‑K‑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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…