Architect or Architectural II

Kaplan Thompson Architects is a Portland, Maine architecture firm prioritizing sustainability, creative design, and technical excellence for every project. We focus on single-family homes (both new and renovations), multi-family residential, educational, and non‑profit design projects. We are seeking an Architectural Designer with 5 to 8 years of professional experience; those with more experience are also encouraged to apply. This is a unique opportunity to get in the door with a design focused, mission-based, award‑winning firm named to the Architect 50:
Top 50 Firms in Sustainability in the U.S.

Location: Portland, ME, US

Posted On: Mon, Feb 23 '26

Pay: $67,203 - $96,024 annually

We value your time and a healthy work‑life balance. We observe a 40‑hour work week, and time spent on project work beyond your weekly obligation is reimbursed quarterly as comp time or a cash bonus. Our workload and commitment to efficiency and client satisfaction are rigorous, but so is our desire to foster a sense of community. We enjoy monthly social hours, compete in an industry bowling league, and maintain dedicated Slack channels for photos of our canine or feline companions.

After hours, we’re not afraid to turn the conference room table into a ping‑pong court.

We are seeking candidates who currently live or are willing to move within commuting distance of our office in Downtown Portland and are able to work in‑person for the first six months of employment. Once this training period concludes, we offer a flexible environment with options for both in‑person and hybrid work. Some team members maintain a permanent desk, others use flex work‑stations for several days per week.

We offer competitive salaries in alignment with prescribed AIA rates at or near the top levels for the region.

This offer includes 3 weeks of paid vacation / personal / sick time annually to start. Our benefits package also includes 100% medical coverage on Health Insurance and 100% coverage on Disability Insurance. Additionally, KTA offers a 401K benefit plan that matches contributions up to 4% of your salary. There is no waiting period to receive these benefits.

We also offer 10 paid holidays, including 3 paid floating holidays. A commuting stipend of $60/mo will be provided and may be spent towards a parking space, bus pass, electric bike, or kept if another form of transportation is used. Bonuses are distributed in accordance with hours worked and office success. Annually, each employee can spend up to $600 and two days on professional development, such as conferences or classes.

Designers seeking licensure also receive company‑paid training materials and reimbursement of ARE expenses upon completion of tests. We offer one paid Community Day with the entire office and up to 24 matched hours per year for community service or industry engagement.

Kaplan Thompson Architects is an equal‑opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. We apply non‑discrimination requirements to customers, vendors, and suppliers.

We are proud to be the first architecture firm in Maine to receive the JUST label for a socially just and equitable organization.

Design Skill

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

Technical Ability

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

Project Management

• Full responsibility for managing all aspects of small, simple projects with guidance from Principals and…