Project Designer Architecture

Description

RIOS is an international design collective. We are actively in pursuit of wonder within the design of the built environment. We believe design is an act of optimism through which invention and ideas change the world. We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and experience design to define design as a continuum.

We follow a process that begins with attunement, where program and context shape strong conceptual thinking to establish a holistically informed big idea through which we develop form, confirm function, and define experience. This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic expression. We are known for bold solutions that are inclusive of the wider context and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, resulting in resilient, innovative, and meaningful design outcomes.

The Project Designer role is responsible for leading project design and delivery efforts with a high degree of independence, accountability, and technical expertise. Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project coordination, managing project workflows, and ensuring design excellence throughout the delivery process. 

  Essential Duties Include:

• Lead innovative design and technical project work with minimal oversight while maintaining accountability for project outcomes.
• Manage design and delivery efforts 
• Guide project teams through design development, documentation, visualization, sustainability integration, and technical execution.
• Coordinate day-to-day project workflows, team communication, and task management to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to project pursuits through participation in proposals, RFP responses, design narratives, and presentation materials.
• Develop and advance sustainability and performance goals for assigned projects.
• Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior project leadership.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of project delivery processes, documentation standards, and interdisciplinary coordination.

  All positions at RIOS are hybrid with three days in office.   

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong design leadership and the ability to translate conceptual ideas into successful project outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage project responsibilities independently while contributing to collaborative team environments.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and coordination skills.
• Strong technical knowledge of project delivery, documentation, and construction processes.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, visual, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible design practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture  or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in architecture experience or related project delivery roles.
• Demonstrated experience serving successfully as a Job Captain on small projects.
• Experience leading project coordination, workflow management, and internal team communication.
• Experience communicating with clients and consultants while supporting project delivery objectives.
• Proficiency with Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Grasshopper and Dynamo
• Strong understanding of BIM workflows and digital project coordination.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Benefits & Perks:
RIOS offers a variety of benefits that support work-life balance, professional growth and personal well-being. This includes a hybrid work environment, comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401k matching, PTO package, and reduced summer work hours.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
RIOS is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified candidates with arrests/ conviction records will not be excluded from consideration.