Architectural Designer (On-Site)

As an Architectural Designer at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers & Planners, Inc., your core responsibilities will include assisting in the production of construction documents and specifications, coordinating effectively with engineering disciplines, and ensuring that designated scopes of work are completed within project timelines. You'll also participate in the permitting process and help answer comments while supporting the administrative aspects of bidding procedures.

To qualify for the Architectural Designer position at Cuhaci & Peterson, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in architecture, with a master's degree preferred. Additionally, relevant experience ranging from 1 to 7 years in an architectural firm/field is essential. A strong general knowledge of architectural software such as REVIT, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Sketch Up is also required, along with excellent communication skills.

Working at Cuhaci & Peterson will allow you to hone various skills as an Architectural Designer. You will build on your technical skills with software like REVIT and AutoCAD, strengthen your project management abilities through coordination with team members, and enhance your communication skills through site visits and client interactions. You'll also have opportunities for continuing education and potential leadership roles.

The work environment at Cuhaci & Peterson is described as casual and collaborative, often referred to as 'uncorporate'—allowing for comfortable work attire like jeans and casual shoes. The team enjoys a friendly and supportive atmosphere while also maintaining a high level of professionalism in producing quality architectural designs across various project sectors.

Cuhaci & Peterson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for Architectural Designers, including generous PTO, a 401(K) plan with company matching, tuition reimbursement, and fully paid license and membership renewals. They focus on promoting a healthy work-life balance while investing in their employees' professional growth and well-being.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've been involved in, detailing your role in preparing construction documents and any tools you used, such as AutoCAD or REVIT. It's also useful to mention any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

Explain your strategies for keeping up with industry trends, such as attending webinars, workshops, or networking events. Mention specific resources you rely on, such as architectural publications or professional organizations that provide updates on building codes and design innovations.

Discuss any relevant software you are familiar with, such as REVIT, AutoCAD, Photoshop, or Sketch Up. Provide examples of projects where you utilized these tools effectively, highlighting how they helped you deliver quality designs and meet project deadlines.

Emphasize the importance of communication and teamwork. Offer a specific example of a project where you collaborated with engineers or other designers. Highlight any tools or processes you used to facilitate collaboration, such as regular check-in meetings or project management software.

Describe a situation where you encountered a design problem, detailing your thought process and the steps you took to arrive at a solution. Include how you considered feasibility in terms of costs, codes, and practical implications while maintaining design integrity.

Share your understanding of good architectural principles such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and safety. Provide examples from your own work that illustrate how you've applied these principles in your designs.

When answering this question, share a specific project that had stringent deadlines. Explain how you managed your time, prioritized tasks, and collaborated with your team to ensure the project was completed successfully and within the designated time frame.

Highlight the importance of receiving feedback positively. Share your process for incorporating constructive criticism into your work, and mention how it has led to improved designs. It's also valuable to discuss any situations where feedback significantly transformed a project for the better.

Express your enthusiasm for architecture by discussing its impact on communities, personal motivations, or specific experiences that ignited your passion. Sharing your long-term goals can also resonate well with the interviewer, showcasing your drive to contribute to innovative architectural solutions.

Define the role of an Architectural Designer by discussing the balance between creativity and technical proficiency. Mention the responsibilities of producing construction documents, collaborating with teams, and ensuring designs meet client requirements and codes, reflecting your grasp of the position’s significance in the architectural process.