Architectural Designer I

HD Squared Architects, LLC - Annapolis, MD

About Us

HD Squared Architects, LLC is a boutique woman-owned Architecture, Interior Design, and Consulting firm with a collaborative and casual office atmosphere in beautiful downtown Annapolis. We're a tight-knit team of professionals united by our shared mission to create spaces that bring beauty and function into people's lives; spaces that are healthy and restorative for both people and the planet.

Our Core Values:

• CHARACTER DRIVEN - We operate with integrity, honesty and transparency in all we do

• IMPACT ORIENTED - We deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and firm

• RESOURCEFUL - We challenge ourselves to maintain excellence in every aspect of our work

• COLLABORATIVE PARTNER - We are team players, supporting each other, and succeeding together

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an Architectural Designer I position to join our mission-driven team. This is a full-time position for someone early in their licensure journey, who is confident working independently but also thrives in a collaborative environment. You’ll play a key role in designing and documenting sustainable residential and commercial projects of moderate size and complexity. We’re a growing firm, which means you’ll be exposed to every phase of the architectural process, with real potential to grow in responsibility, leadership, and licensure support.

Growth & Flexibility Highlights:

• Licensure Support: AXP hours, mentorship, and financial support for exams

• Professional Development: Partially paid AIA membership and annual CE reimbursements

• Flexible Work Schedule: Flexible in-office hours, Summer Fridays (Memorial Day to Labor Day), and Alternate Fridays (Labor Day to Memorial Day) to support work-life balance.

• Career Path: Opportunity to grow into more senior design roles over time, with support for licensure if that’s part of your professional goals

What You'll Do

You’ll work directly with our Principal Architect and Design team to:

• From Field to Floorplan: Conduct site visits and utilize Lidar technology to create the "ground truth" for our projects.

• Technical Documentation: Lead the creation of CAD/BIM models and construction documents for sustainable residential and waterfront projects.

• Sustainability & Science: Research high-performance materials and navigate complex zoning and health department constraints.

• Collaborative Design: Work with senior staff to develop construction details, interior elevations, and beautiful renderings.

• Studio Evolution: Help maintain our CAD standards and assist with marketing graphics and design competitions.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Architecture degree from NAAB-accredited program

• 1–3 years of architectural experience, preferably in a U.S.-based firm

• Experience in construction documentation and detailing

• Proficient with at least one of the following: Revit, ArchiCAD

• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials

• Basic understanding of current residential and commercial building codes

• Excellent communication and organization skills

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

• Passion for high-performance design and a values-aligned team culture

Bonus Points For:

• Progress toward licensure (AXP, exams, mentorship welcome)

• Experience with historic preservation or small commercial work

• Graphic design or rendering skills

• Previous work with high-performance building systems and green building certifications

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Generous PTO, 7 paid holidays, plus birthday holiday after 1 year

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (50% employer-funded)

• SIMPLE Roth IRA with 3% employer match

• Professional development support (AIA membership, licensure exams, continuing ed)

• Monthly phone stipend

• Beautiful downtown Annapolis location with parking

• Small collaborative team with direct access to leadership

• Meaningful work on projects that matter for the environment

Our Core Values

• Character Driven – We operate with integrity, honesty, and transparency

• Impact Oriented – We deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and firm

• Resourceful – We maintain excellence in every aspect of our work

• Collaborative Partner – We support each other and succeed together

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you're looking for more than just a job – if you want to be part of building something special while developing your career in a supportive, dynamic environment – we'd love to hear from you.

HD Squared Architects is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.