Designer (Level 3) in Cambridge

About us

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better.

Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design.

KPMB has designed and delivered projects totaling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solving today’s challenges and unlocking new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

The role / What are we looking for?

KPMB is seeking a Designer (Career Level 3) with a passion for architecture, drawing, and design excellence to join our new office in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

This role involves working closely with project leads to deliver high-quality architectural solutions from concept through to construction for projects ranging in size and complexity.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent technical and design capabilities, with meticulous attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of the construction process.

The ideal candidate will be a Designer who strives for design excellence and has experience working end-to-end on architectural projects.

This role requires a natural orientation towards collaboration and teamwork, and the ability to work independently on deliverables.

Select key responsibilities

Technical expertise and execution

• Recognize and deliver aspirational design work/concepts that elevate project deliverables across project phases.
• Lead the production of and produce detailed technical drawings, ensuring design intent is clearly communicated and aligned with project goals.
• Apply advanced knowledge of building technology, construction methodologies, and materials to guide design execution and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Independently interpret and integrate building codes, zoning regulations, and architectural standards into design documentation with minimal oversight, ensuring compliance.
• Refine and coordinate design documentation, incorporating redlines, field measurements, and site conditions.
• Champion Revit and BIM standards and requirements, including digital file management, development of standards, and ownership of model accuracy and error resolution.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of drawings in relation to design intent, project scope, constraints, and budget, contributing to cost analysis.
• Prepare presentation materials and generate plans, sections, elevations, and details aligned with SD, DD, and CD phases.
• Integrate multidisciplinary inputs (MEP, structural, lighting, etc.) into design solutions.
• Demonstrate skills in construction administration including providing and coordinating RFI responses, reviewing submittals, and performing site observations and reports.
• Participate in and facilitate design discussions, providing strategic input, mentoring junior designers, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive design culture.

Project coordination and support

• Work collaboratively with project teams, including architects, engineers, consultants on project coordination, and clients, to deliver comprehensive and cohesive project documentation that ensures alignment across disciplines.
• Participate in contract administration and shop drawing review processes, contributing to the alignment with project specifications and client expectations, inviting the contribution of other more junior staff members.
• Maintain and organize project documentation and files, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with firm standards.
• Monitor project milestones, resource allocation, and deliverables, proactively communicating status updates and identifying potential risks or inefficiencies.
• Support project leads, as required, in financial management by tracking resource usage, identifying budget concerns, and seeking workflow improvements.
• Team development & Accountability
• Model accountability by consistently evaluating the impact of your work on project outcomes and team dynamics and proactively adjusting your approach to elevating design quality and collaboration.
• Guide day-to-day project tasks for junior staff, helping them understand project goals and their role in achieving them.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment, encouraging open communication and diverse perspectives.
• Provide clear, candid, and timely feedback to support the development of others, while remaining empathetic and supportive.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing lessons learned, participating in post-project reviews, and supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Innovation and sustainability
• Stay current with industry trends and technical innovations, incorporating new ides, models, and technologies into projects.
• Advocate for and implement sustainable design practices, ensuring adherence to the projects and firm’s environmental standards,
• Participate in post-project reviews to identify areas of improvement and implement lessons learned in future projects.
• Candidate profile & qualifications
• Master’s Degree (M. Arch) in architectural studies with 5+ years of professional experience in an architectural role.
• Actively pursuing or possesses architectural registration in Massachusetts and/or AIA membership
• Working proficiency in 3D modelling software including Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, familiar with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Auto CAD, MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud (Affinity a bonus), and 3D visualization software including Enscape (Twinmotion is a bonus)
• Working proficiency with the Massachusetts State Building Code (MSBC) or, where applicable, International Code Council (ICC)
• Demonstrated ability to create thorough design documentation and renderings, supported by examples from completed architectural projects.
• Strong demonstratable knowledge of building technology and assembly, construction methodology, and materials application as it relates to functional design.
• Prior experience in mentoring and guiding junior team members, contributing to their growth and development.
• Ability to manage project tasks, coordinate with consultants, and support end-to-end project delivery, with experience ranging from concept design through to CA.
• Excellent attention to detail, accountability, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment, as evidenced by consistent quality of work and effective time management.
• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills, demonstrated in the delivery of clear project presentations, reports, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a creative team environment as well as independently.
• Active participation in professional development, knowledge sharing, and practice improvement initiatives, as demonstrated by involvement in training, committee work, or internal knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Why work with us

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has evolved a diverse portfolio of architectural projects with a focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities.

KPMB has grown to 130+ employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative, supportive staff possessing a wide variety of experience and education.

Some of our team members began their careers with the firm and have grown to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their careers and bring new ideas and approaches.

We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration are an essential part of our DNA.

At KPMB, there are many opportunities to share your skills, get involved in firm activities outside of project work, and contribute to initiatives that give back.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve.

KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

If you require any accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know when you submit your application.

KPMB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.