Design Staff II – Junior Designer
Website Mahlum
Mahlum is an architectural and interior design firm that envisions a world where healthy human and environmental systems thrive. Across our work in community, cultural, healthcare, PK-12, and higher education facilities, we value inclusivity and strive to nurture underrepresented voices through collaborative engagement and thoughtful design.
Who We Hope To Find
Grounded in our shared values of Impact, Craft, and Presence, you may see yourself in some of the following:
- A lover of learning; motivated to grow design and technical skills, seek feedback, and continue developing a design voice
- A thoughtful collaborator; listens actively, communicates clearly, and contributes ideas in support of shared goals, timelines, and team success
- A purpose-driven designer; seeks to understand project vision and how their work supports clients, communities, and meaningful outcomes
- A developing professional; applies sound judgment within assigned tasks, builds craft through tools and materials, and stays engaged by communicating progress and needs
What The Role Will Be Doing
Design Staff II supports project teams across multiple phases of design, working closely with team members and project leadership to advance the overall project vision. Responsibilities include:
- Contributing design ideas, research, and potential solutions as part of a collaborative project team
- Supporting community and client engagement efforts through analysis, visual materials, and presentation support
- Participating in stakeholder meetings, site observations, and documentation to understand project context and user needs
- Coordinating program requirements and supporting studies of space planning and project needs
- Preparing 2D and 3D drawings, diagrams, renderings, and graphic assets that communicate design intent
- Assisting with the integration of building codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines into design studies
- Supporting coordination with consultants, engineers, vendors, and other project partners
- Researching and assisting with selection of architectural materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment
- Supporting the development of design and construction documentation including plans, sections, elevations, details, and reports
- Participating in construction administration tasks, documentation, and as-needed project support
- Building physical models and material boards to support design exploration and communication
The Experience We Are Hoping For
We value diversity in experience and perspective and recognize that early-career paths are not all the same. If you believe you bring relevant skills, a curious mindset, and alignment with our mission, we encourage you to apply.
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience working on architectural in a studio or firm setting
- A professional degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program; Bachelor’s or Master’s
- Experience producing architectural drawings in Revit
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- A solid understanding of architectural principles, construction methods, and materials
- Working knowledge of building codes, standards, and regulations, with the ability to research and apply them with guidance
- Ability to communicate design ideas clearly in writing, verbally, and through diagrams, sketches, drawings, models, and visualizations
What We Can Offer
Mahlum has a culture committed to sustainability, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. As an organization focused on projects that benefit our communities, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve and foster a supportive environment where people can learn, contribute, and grow.
This is a non-exempt position. Starting annual salary ranges are $63,000 – $80,000/yr ($30.29/hr – $38.46/hr) in Portland; and $67,000 -$85,000/yr ($32.21/hr – $40.87/hr) in Seattle, depending on experience and location. Starting salary is based on the experience stated in your resume and application as part of our pay equity analysis. Mahlum employees are eligible for annual discretionary bonus compensation in addition to their salary. Non-exempt employees are entitled to Minimum Wage Act protections, including overtime (1.5x pay for over 40 hours/week).
Mahlum provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401 (k) plan with immediate employer matching; PTO available upon hire; annual continuing education stipends; paid membership dues; and paid licensing costs. We support staff through paid volunteer time, charitable donation matching, and financial assistance for commuting by public transit, bicycle, on foot, or carpooling. Mahlum is committed to an ongoing hybrid flexible work environment and participates in the JUST Label transparency program.
All applicants must live and work in the Seattle or Portland metro areas and be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Please apply with a cover letter, resume, and portfolio.
Please note that Mahlum does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, Mahlum will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. Any unsolicited resumes submitted without Mahlum’s request are considered the property of Mahlum.
