Architectural Designer 1

Architectural Designer Level One (ARC I)

Date: Winter/Spring 2026

Functional Purpose:

I am accountable for to produce the following results:

The ARC 1 role exists to translate conceptual design intent into clear, communicable, and buildable ideas.
At Open City Architecture, design is a process of discovery that balances artistic intuition with technical clarity. The Architectural Designer I supports this process by bringing energy, curiosity, and precision to every stage of a project — helping ideas move from sketches to coordinated documents.

This position builds the foundation for professional growth by deepening the designer’s understanding of how vision, detail, and collaboration come together to make architecture real.

Purpose Summary:

Contribute such that projects are presented with clarity and imagination; consistent and clear communication; move ideas forward through thoughtful interpretation, research and collaboration.

Reporting Structure:

I report to: Project Architects / Project Manager / Principal

Those reporting to me: Interns (On occasion)

Scope: 

The following lists define the dynamic and defined work for which this role is accountable:

Dynamic Work: (Where talent, judgment, vision and communication matter most)

The ARC 1 designer engages in the open-ended aspects of design and communication that define the studio’s creative culture. These responsibilities evolve with project scale, team composition, and the designer’s growth.

Dynamic Responsibilities:

• Participate in design exploration — assisting with concept studies, digital and physical modeling, material research, and presentation graphics that express design intent.
• Translate design ideas into compelling visual narratives — using 2D/3D tools, diagrams, and renderings that communicate clearly to clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Create and share ideas with the full team for any innovations or opportunities to increase productivity, efficiency or effectiveness of the current systems and tools used which I am accountable for.
• Contribute to a culture of design dialogue — sharing ideas, asking questions, and offering critical feedback during reviews and work sessions.
• Anticipate the informational needs of the Principal, Project Manager, or Project Architect — ensuring communication is proactive and thorough.
• Approach design problems with curiosity, seeking both beauty and buildability.

Dynamic Outcomes:

Designs are presented with clarity and imagination; team communication flows easily; and ideas move forward through thoughtful interpretation, not rote production.

Defined Work: (The essential, repeatable aspects of the role)

The ARC I designer supports project delivery under the supervision of a licensed architect, maintaining quality and timeliness across all assigned tasks.

Defined Responsibilities:

• Develop coordinated Revit models and drawings under the guidance of the Project Architect or Manager.
• Prepare design presentation materials, diagrams, renderings, and drawings for client meetings and internal reviews.
• Participate in assembling completed construction documents for bidding, permitting and construction
• Assist in performing basic code research and coordination with consultants.
• Organize and track drawings, references, and deliverables per studio standards.
• Participate in field visits, documentation, and construction observation as directed.
• Uphold firm standards for graphic quality, file organization, and project documentation.
• Communicate progress and issues regularly to supervisors and project team.

Defined Outcomes:

Work is accurate, timely, well-communicated, and aligned with firm standards for design quality and coordination.

Open City Architecture’s Universal Expectations:

1. Meeting Deadlines: Projects and tasks should be completed within the agreed-upon timeframes and deadlines, with adequate time management and prioritization. It is expected that some projects will require working after hours and on weekends.  It is expected that these hours can be recuperated for a salaried employee with approval of the Principal.
2. Quality Work: Maintain a high standard of quality in all work, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to established procedures.
3.  Customer Feedback: Act on customer feedback promptly, addressing concerns and making improvements when necessary.
4. Conflict Resolution: Address workplace conflicts constructively by seeking resolution through open dialogue and collaboration.
5. Attendance and Punctuality: Be consistently present at work and meetings and arrive on time.
6. Professional Appearance: Maintain a professional appearance when representing Open City Architecture outside of the office.
7. Data Security: Protect sensitive data by following established security protocols and best practices.
8. Expense Reporting: Submit accurate and complete expense reports in a timely manner, adhering to company policies.
9. Timely Responses: All internal and external communications, including emails and phone calls, should be acknowledged or responded to within one business day.
10. Training and Development: Attend required training sessions and invest in personal and professional development to stay updated in my field.
11. Safety Protocols on Construction Sites: Follow all safety guidelines, wear appropriate safety equipment, and report safety hazards immediately.
    Resource Management: Use company resources efficiently and responsibly, avoiding wastefulness.
12. Confidentiality Agreements: Strictly adhere to confidentiality agreements when required and handle sensitive information with care, including any and all personal information of our clients.
13. Document Management: Maintain organized and up-to-date documentation for projects, processes, and procedures.
    Ethical Decision-Making: Make decisions based on ethical principles and in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders.

Professional Growth Path:

The ARC 1 role is a developmental position. Success in this role demonstrates readiness for increased autonomy and complexity — leading to promotion to Architectural Designer II after approximately 2–3 years, depending on performance and licensure progress.

Core Attributes of Success:

• Dependability — meets commitments, follows through, and owns outcomes.
• Clarity — communicates effectively through drawings, models, and dialogue.
• Initiative — anticipates needs, proposes ideas, and seeks opportunities to learn.
• Craft — values accuracy and quality in all outputs.
• Curiosity — pursues understanding of both the artistic and technical dimensions of design.

Summary Statement:

The Architectural Designer I strengthens Open City Architecture’s design process by connecting concept to constructability. Through disciplined curiosity, clear communication, and graphic skill, this role supports design excellence and professional growth within a collaborative studio environment.