Project Architect​/Architect IV - PreK-12

Position Summary

HED is seeking an experienced and passionate Architect IV to join our growing PreK–12 Education practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Technical Architect IV is a senior‑level architectural professional responsible for leading medium‑to large‑scale projects from planning and design through construction and closeout. This role includes managing project documentation, consultant coordination, regulatory compliance, and construction phase support, with a proven record of delivering technically sound work within the PreK–12 market sector.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience delivering California PreK–12 educational facilities, including a strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements, approval processes, and construction administration procedures. This individual will help guide projects through complex regulatory reviews while maintaining design quality, technical excellence, and project objectives.

As a technical project leader, you will provide oversight and mentorship to project teams, support firm‑wide quality initiatives, and serve as Architect of Record when designated, signing and sealing work prepared under your direct supervision.

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–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.

Our culture is guided by six core values:

• 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.

When you join HED, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• 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.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and technical execution of medium‑to large‑scale PreK–12 educational projects.
• Develop and oversee coordinated construction documents that align with project goals, design intent, DSA requirements, and applicable codes.
• Create and manage the Discipline Work Plan (DWP) in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Coordinate work across design and engineering disciplines, consultants, and production teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Foster collaborative relationships with school districts, educational stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including DSA and local permitting agencies, throughout review and approval processes.
• Guide project teams through the DSA approval process, including document preparation, agency coordination, review responses, and project closeout…