Architectural Designer

Architectural Designer I — Washington, DC 

STV is seeking an entry-level Architectural Designer to join our Buildings practice in Washington, DC. 

This role is intended for a recent architecture graduate or emerging designer who wants to build a strong foundation in both design thinking and project delivery. The selected candidate will support architectural work across a range of project types, including transit stations, transit-oriented development, civic and institutional facilities, federal and education projects, industrial facilities, multidisciplinary infrastructure, renovations, and adaptive reuse. 

This is a strong opportunity for someone who is serious about growing into a well-rounded architect. The role will include meaningful exposure to design, but it is also production-driven. The successful candidate should be excited to develop strong Revit modeling, documentation, coordination, and technical communication skills while learning how design ideas are translated into constructible projects. 

Role Overview 

As an Architectural Designer I, you will work closely with architects, project managers, designers, and engineering disciplines to support the development of drawings, models, diagrams, presentations, and technical documentation. 

The ideal candidate is a strong designer, fast learner, and disciplined team contributor with an interest in public-facing work, especially transit, TOD, civic, and infrastructure-related architecture. This role is best suited for someone who is curious, humble, organized, and eager to learn how architecture is delivered in a multidisciplinary environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Responsibilities may include: 

• Support architectural design and documentation from early concept through construction documents.  

• Develop Revit models, plans, sections, elevations, details, diagrams, and presentation materials.  

• Assist with design studies, massing options, visualization, and project graphics.  

• Coordinate architectural work with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, transportation, and planning disciplines.  

• Support the development of technical details that are clear, coordinated, and constructible.  

• Assist in preparing presentation materials for internal reviews, client meetings, and public-facing project discussions.  

• Learn applicable codes, standards, accessibility requirements, and STV documentation practices.  

• Participate in team coordination meetings and contribute to issue tracking, model updates, and drawing revisions.  

• Support project delivery with a strong attention to quality, clarity, and deadlines.  

Desired Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A professional degree in Architecture.  

• 0–2 years of relevant internship or professional experience.  

• Strong design ability and visual communication skills.  

• Interest in transit, TOD, civic, institutional, and infrastructure-related architecture.  

• Strong willingness to learn technical documentation and project delivery.  

• Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.  

• Good communication skills and a professional attitude.  

• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to receive and act on feedback.  

• Interest in professional growth, licensure, and long-term development as an architect.  

Required Software Skills 

Candidates should have working knowledge of: 

• Revit  

• Rhino  

• Enscape  

• Adobe Creative Suite  

• Microsoft Office  

Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, BIM 360 / ACC, Grasshopper, or other visualization and coordination tools is a plus. 

Growth and Development 

STV supports the professional development of emerging architects through mentorship, multidisciplinary project exposure, licensure support, continuing education, and involvement in local professional organizations. 

This role offers early responsibility and the opportunity to learn how architecture connects with engineering, infrastructure, client needs, constructability, and long-term public value. 

Candidate Fit 

This position is best suited for someone who wants to become a capable architect, not only a renderer or visual designer. Strong visualization skills are valuable, but this role requires a candidate who is equally committed to production discipline, technical learning, coordination, and project execution. 

Location 

Washington, DC 

Sponsorship 

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. 

Compensation Range:

STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) • Paid Holidays (9 days) • Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) • Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV’s work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.