Design Professional III – Lead with Vision, Design with Purpose

Location: Seattle
Full-Time
Exempt

Salary: Competitive & Based on Experience

HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION HIGHLY PREFERRED

Who We’re Looking For

Are you ready to take your design career to the next level? Do you see design as a powerful tool for storytelling, community impact, and innovation?

We’re seeking a Design Professional III who blends technical proficiency with a designer’s soul—someone who’s eager to contribute bold ideas, drive thoughtful solutions, and help turn visionary concepts into meaningful, built environments. This is your opportunity to join a collaborative team of creatives where your work truly makes a difference.

What You’ll Do – Your Leadership in Action

• Design with Purpose: Develop compelling architectural concepts that merge function, aesthetics, and sustainability.
• Lead & Innovate: Spearhead technical design solutions for major projects, applying cutting-edge methods and materials.
• Bring Designs to Life: Independently produce high-quality plans, specifications, and oversee material selection.
• Collaborate & Inspire: Work alongside clients, consultants, and project teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Guide the Next Generation: Mentor junior designers and interns, fostering innovation and design excellence.
• See It Through: Engage in construction administration—site visits, RFIs, submittals, and punch lists—bringing designs from concept to reality.

Competencies

• Design Tools: Proficiency in Revit required; Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) proficiency required; SketchUp and Rhino preferred; Lumion, Enscape, and V-Ray are a plus.
• Technical Know-How: Strong working knowledge of zoning and building codes, specifications, building/engineering systems, and agency requirements (NFPA, ADAAG, FGI, OBC, IBC etc).
• Creative Confidence: Ability to generate and articulate impactful design ideas.
• Strong Communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-Driven: Organized and efficient with a focus on quality, timelines, and collaboration.
• Client Focused: Passion for providing exceptional client service.
• Team Player: Collaborative and professional work ethic.

Essential Functions

Independently produce finished plans, specifications, and approval of materials and construction on moderate to large-scale projects.

Participate in the conceptual design and provide full support through the entire project.

Provide professional consultation and coordination of the planning and development of construction and design document production, ensuring coordinated and high-quality documents.

Liaise with Project Management, other architects, and consultants.

Develop and represent lead technical viewpoints on projects.

Perform construction administration duties, such as site visits, RFI responses, submittals, and punch list reviews.

Create and review project reports, estimates, calculations, specifications, and compile/analyze relevant data.

Monitor billing efficiency rates and work at maximizing team’s quality and efficiency in assigned tasks.

Proactively coordinate meetings with clients, project teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure trust and confidence.

Provide technical guidance to less experienced project associates and interns.

Involve explorations of subject area, definition of scope, selection of items for investigation, and development of complex or novel concepts and methods.

Contribute innovative design ideas that consistently capture the intended design vision.

Contribute to bold design solutions that balance scale, aesthetics, and context to maximize the impact on the individual and community.

Your Background – Build on a Solid Foundation

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited university preferred; Master of Architecture preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of eight years of architecture-related experience. Healthcare and Education experience preferred.
• Travel: Occasional project-related travel required.

Why Join NAC?

• Design-Driven Culture: We believe in the power of architecture to transform lives.
• Meaningful Projects: From learning environments to civic spaces, our work shapes communities.
• Collaborative Energy: Be part of a diverse, supportive team of creatives.
• Inspiring Studios: Enjoy open, modern offices with creative resources and shared spaces.
• Career Growth: We’re committed to mentorship, licensure support, and leadership development.

Ready to Shape What’s Next?

At NAC, we create environments that nurture people and empower communities. If you're passionate about purpose-driven design and eager to build your future with an innovative firm—we'd love to meet you.

• Apply now and bring your creative spark to life.