Design Lead - Graphite Studio

Graphite Studio is a design firm located in Amherst, Massachusetts, focused on high-performance residential design and energy retrofits. We're seeking an experienced, self-managed Design Lead to work directly with the firm's principal, independently lead projects, and mentor a team of up-and-coming designers. 

You are self-motivated, curious, adaptable, creative, eager to learn, and dedicated to improvement. You have an eye for design, a commitment to sustainable building, and a love of collaboration.  As Design Lead, you will shepherd a wide range of clients and projects through the entire design process. We will imagine together a position that involves both your existing skill set and your areas of intended growth.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal regarding feasibility of potential projects.
• Engage with in-house design conversation and consultation.
• Manage projects (typically 3-6) in collaboration with your design team, including project schedules and budgets. 
• Support other design leads and team members, coordinate capacity planning and project priorities, update drawing standards, checklists, material selection databases, and other templates and tools.
• Mentor and learn from your design team, including weekly check-ins for project coordination and professional development.
• Produce and/or oversee the production of: existing conditions, schematic, design development, permit, and construction document drawing sets, diagrams, and presentations.
• Maintain and provide information required for third-party certification.
• Coordinate and collaborate with consultants and builders as needed.
• Run client and design team meetings throughout the design process.
• Maintain and supervise the creation of documentation, photos, and meeting notes.
• Review job costs to gain insights for future project planning.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years experience in residential architectural design. 
• Understanding of and commitment to strategies for energy-efficient building.
• Familiarity with building science for both new construction and renovation.
• Passion for design, beauty, and quality.
• Detailed knowledge of construction documentation and proficiency in producing technical drawings.
• Experience working with clients, contractors, consultants, and project team members, including facilitating and documenting meetings.
• Experience with and passion for mentoring team members. 
• Ability to work at the studio in Amherst, MA at least four days a week.
• Familiarity with design concepts and digital modeling tools, including experience in 3D CAD modeling.
• Fluency in Mac operating systems.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. Citizenship or a work permit.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets.

Bonus Points

• You already know ArchiCAD inside and out.
• You have certifications related to sustainable design and/or building (Passive House Consultant, Sustainable Homes Professional, etc.)
• You have familiarity with other design software such as Adobe InDesign.
• You are a licensed architect or are on the path to licensure.
• You bring perspectives via your professional and lived experiences that help our team to be wiser and more diverse. 

Work Environment

• This is a full-time position.
• Our studio is set up as an open office to facilitate collaboration. We have a room that team members can duck into to take calls.
• The majority of work will be conducted in the studio in Amherst, MA. Employees are expected to be in studio at least 4 days per week. There will be site visits within a 2-hour radius of our studio.
• Work hours will be flexible each day and week, within the window of 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, with exceptions agreed upon ahead of time, and driven by specific client needs.
• Graphite Studio will provide for your exclusive use a computer and accessories and all software required to perform the work, including CAD software and all the office-related programs.

Compensation

• Graphite Studio offers a compensation range of $30 to $40/hr for this position, dependent upon experience.
• Current benefits include:
• 16 paid days off
• Compensation toward Health Care spending in the amount of the federal annual HSA maximum, subject to adjustment and currently $3850
• Employer match toward a 401k retirement plan
• A firm commitment to professional development and continuing education. Attendance at conferences, trainings, and other learning opportunities will be consistently offered to foster your growth as a designer and leader. 
• Payment of your NCARB registration fees, in the interest of documenting your hours of architectural practice toward eventual licensure, if not already acquired.