Senior Designer (Project Architect - Freelance)

About Us

Rapt is an award-winning design and strategy studio that helps leading brands navigate the complex challenges of this ever-changing world. With locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York — and with clients spanning the globe — we bring fresh thinking and a highly customized approach to each and every partnership. Our interdisciplinary teams blend architecture, interior design, brand experience, graphic design, and strategic thinking into holistic solutions that further our clients’ missions. Our agile approach earned us the distinction of being named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. 

We’re a studio built on connection. The best work happens shoulder-to-shoulder—pin-ups, workshops, model reviews—because ideas move faster in person. We work hybrid: three days together in the studio, with more as projects demand. We value flexibility, but this role isn’t remote; candidates must be local to one of our studios and available onsite regularly.

About the Role

Senior Designers (Project Architects) play a key role in leading the technical execution and delivery of complex projects across all phases of work. Working closely with Creative Directors, Design Directors, consultants, and internal teams, they help ensure projects are thoughtfully coordinated, well-documented, and executed at a high level from concept through construction administration.

This role requires strong experience with project leadership, consultant coordination, detailing, documentation, permitting, and construction administration. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage complex project streams, support and lead teams, and maintain both design intent and technical quality throughout the life of a project.

This is a freelance contract position with an anticipated engagement of six months to start.

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Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Architecture
• 12+ years of experience working in an architecture or design studio
• Experience and proficiency with integrated BIM process generally, and in particular Revit.
• Demonstrated excellence in streamlined project execution and delivery, particularly with complex, and at times multiple, drawing sets.
• Proven ability to handle complex jurisdictional processes with multiple streams. Knowledge of local codes and processes.
• Extensive experience dealing with complex code issues, and code interpretation.
• A passion for, and skill in, handling architectural detailing and material junctions, with the ability to carry detailing through from concept to execution collaboratively within a project team.
• Experience with reviewing and executing both architect/owner contracts, consultant contracts and construction contracts, and experience with multiple construction procurement methods.
• The ability to create and maintain detailed design-stage schedules, for interface with clients, GC consultants and the internal team, and be able to review complex construction schedule gantt charts and provide detailed feedback.
• The ability to (run an RFP process for pre-construction,) and subsequently manage the pre-construction process and review construction schedules, budgets, procurement methods, as needed.
• Extensive experience with Contract Administration and the ability to handle complex CA streams and lead a team through this process.
• Extensive experience leading the coordination process with multiple sub-consultants.
• Extensive experience with running internal project teams, creating workplans and delegating.
• Extensive experience with compiling and reviewing 3-part specification books, and outline specifications.
• Experience with commercial projects, including ground-up construction, core and shell repositioning, and creative workplace.
• Experience mentoring design staff and an interest in their growth and development
• State licensure or pursuance of state licensure a plus
• LEED accreditation a plus

We’re looking for:

• Someone who has the ability to both work collaboratively with, and also lead, a team of talented individuals solving complex problems
• Someone who has the ability to project-manage multiple streams of a complex project, and keep themselves, the team, and the workstreams organized
• Handle multiple projects of varying size, scale and complexity
• A creative, collaborative individual who isn’t afraid to think outside the box
• Someone with strong graphic, organizational, and communication skills
• A problem-solver, both individually and with project teams including consultants
• Someone who can both design conceptually and detail thoroughly, with an ability to zoom in and out along the project timeline from the macro to the micro and back again

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Benefits and Perks:

Generous options for medical, dental, vision insurance

Location flexibility and unlimited paid time off (PTO)

Tax-deferred savings through FSA, parking and transit allocations

401K with employer contribution

Complimentary One Medical memberships

New hire referral bonus

Phone stipend