Design III | of professional

What We Are Seeking

We are seeking a Design Staff III who is ready to take on increased responsibility, contribute independently within project teams, and play a meaningful role in shaping project outcomes. This role is a good fit for someone with at least 5 years of experience who enjoys problem‑solving, takes initiative, and supports project vision through sound judgment, collaboration, and craft.

• A proactive problem‑solver; takes initiative, proposes thoughtful solutions, and delivers work with sound judgment
• A collaborative teammate; listens actively, asks questions to build shared understanding, and communicates clearly with teammates and project leadership
• A purpose‑driven designer; understands project vision and takes ownership of specific project areas to help deliver meaningful outcomes for clients and communities
• A growing leader and communicator; supports Design Staff I and II through feedback and shared learning, and represents Mahlum thoughtfully with internal and external partners

• Develop and contribute design ideas, alternatives, and solutions through research, analysis, and clear visual and written communication
• Prepare and coordinate community, client, and stakeholder engagement efforts, including presentations, meetings, site observations, and documentation
• Coordinate program needs and space planning studies while producing 2D and 3D drawings, diagrams, renderings, and graphic assets that communicate design intent
• Apply building codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines to design studies and support their integration into design and construction documentation
• Research, select, and develop detailing strategies for architectural materials and FF&E in coordination with project teams
• Coordinate with consultants, engineers, vendors, and other external partners to support integrated project delivery
• Prepare design and construction documentation, including plans, sections, elevations, details, reports, and supporting materials
• Support cost awareness by assisting with review of estimates and coordination of cost‑related design decisions
• Participate in construction administration activities such as RFIs, submittals, site observations, and documentation
• Guide the preparation of physical models and material boards to support design exploration and communication

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience working on architectural design projects in a studio or firm setting
• A professional degree in Architecture from a NAAB‑accredited program (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Solid expertise in Revit; able to independently produce, coordinate, and maintain high‑quality drawing sets
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and In Design
• A strong understanding of architectural principles, construction methods, and materials
• Working knowledge of building codes, standards, and regulations, with the ability to research and apply them independently
• Ability to communicate design ideas clearly in writing, verbally, and through diagrams, sketches, drawings, models, and visualizations

Mahlum has a culture committed to sustainability, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. As an organization focused on projects that benefit our communities, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve and foster a supportive environment where people can learn, contribute, and grow.

Starting annual salary ranges are $75,000‑$95,000/yr in Portland and $80,000‑$100,000/yr in Seattle, depending on experience and location of employment. Starting salary is based on the experience stated in your resume and application as part of our pay equity analysis. Mahlum employees are eligible for annual discretionary bonus compensation in addition to their salary.

Mahlum provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) plan with immediate employer matching; PTO available upon hire; annual continuing education stipends; paid membership dues; and paid licensing costs. We support staff through paid volunteer time, charitable donation matching, and financial assistance for commuting by public transit, bicycle, on foot, or carpooling. Mahlum is committed to an ongoing hybrid flexible work environment and participates in the JUST Label transparency program.

All applicants must live and work in the Seattle or Portland metro areas and be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Please apply with your cover letter, resume, and portfolio.

Please note that Mahlum does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, Mahlum will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. Any unsolicited resumes submitted without Mahlum’s request are considered the property of Mahlum.