Project Designer - Architecture

About the company

RIOS is an international design collective focused on shaping the built environment with creativity, optimism, and a wide-ranging design approach. Its work spans architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and experience design, treated as connected parts of one continuum.

The firm’s design process starts with close reading of program and context to develop a clear concept, then moves into form-making, functionality, and user experience. From there, the team explores ecology, material choices, sustainability, and tectonic expression. RIOS is recognized for ambitious, inclusive solutions developed through interdisciplinary collaboration and aimed at producing resilient, innovative, and meaningful outcomes.

Role overview

The Project Designer is expected to take charge of project design and delivery with a high level of autonomy, responsibility, and technical capability. This person plays a central part in project success by coordinating day-to-day work, managing workflows, and helping maintain a high standard of design throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design and technical work on projects with limited supervision while remaining accountable for the final outcome.
• Oversee design and delivery activities from concept through execution.
• Support teams across design development, documentation, visualization, sustainability integration, and technical implementation.
• Organize daily project workflows, internal communication, and task tracking to keep delivery on schedule.
• Contribute to business development efforts through proposals, RFP responses, design narratives, and presentation content.
• Help define and advance sustainability and performance targets for assigned projects.
• Coordinate consultant tasks and assist with client communication alongside senior leadership.
• Apply a solid understanding of project delivery methods, documentation practices, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Requirements

• Ability to lead design work and turn conceptual ideas into successful project outcomes.
• Comfort working independently while still contributing effectively in team settings.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and project management abilities.
• Technical understanding of project delivery, documentation, and construction processes.
• Sharp critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills across written, verbal, visual, and interpersonal formats.
• Clear commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible design.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in architecture or a related project delivery role.
• Prior success acting as a Job Captain on smaller projects.
• Experience leading project coordination, workflow management, and internal communication.
• Experience interacting with clients and consultants while supporting delivery goals.
• Proficiency with Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Grasshopper, and Dynamo.
• Strong grasp of BIM workflows and digital coordination practices.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and working across disciplines.

Work arrangement

All positions are hybrid and require three days per week in the office. The location listed is Los Angeles, CA.

Benefits & perks

• Hybrid work setup.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off package.
• Reduced summer work hours.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and provides fair employment consideration to all applicants and employees. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process and employment, upon request, in line with ADA requirements.