Architectural Associate
Website Environmental Works Community Design Center
We Plan, Design and Advocate for Community-Centered Environments
Environmental Works Community Design Center is seeking an Architectural Associate with 2-4 years of experience to be a member of our collaborative, community-focused, design team.
About Us:
Environmental Works is a nonprofit Community Design Center that provides architectural design services throughout Washington State. We envision an equitable future that integrates the built and natural environments to support healthy, connected and joyful communities. Our mission is to plan, design and advocate for community-centered environments. Our work includes affordable housing, community facilities, childcare centers, shelters, accessible renovations, and community engagement in which social, economic and environmental design are the primary focus.
Our Values:
- Design processes and projects should uplift human dignity
- Building equitable, healthy communities requires advocacy and action
- Under-resourced communities must be equal partners in our design solutions
- High quality design balances the needs of our clients, end-users, and the natural environment
Qualifications:
- 2-4 years of professional architecture experience.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to project deliverables across multiple project phases, including SD, DD and CD’s
- Proficiency in Revit (required), other visualization tools is a plus
- Some working knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations and accessibility requirements
- Strong graphic, drawing and documentation skills aligned with industry standards
- Ability to manage assigned tasks independently while coordinating with project teams
- Ability to explore and present design options to team and client for review
- Flexibility to work on a variety of projects as needed
Desirable qualities include:
- Curious, engaged and motivated to understand the “why” behind design decisions and documentation
- Collaborative team player who communicates openly and contributes positively to studio culture
- Comfortable asking questions, receiving feedback and incorporating lessons learned into future work
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, coordinated work
- Experience with community-centered participatory design
- Strong interest in and commitment to the Environmental Works’ mission (above)
Role and Responsibilities:
- Produce architectural drawings, models, diagrams and presentations materials with moderate direction and independence
- Apply office and industry graphic standards consistently across project documentation
- Collaborate with project architects and managers to develop design solutions and refine details
- Assist with internal quality control by checking own work and addressing markups efficiently
- Support consultant coordination by reviewing drawings, identifying needed information and sharing updates with the team
- Participate in internal and external meetings; assist with meeting agendas, and follow-up items as assigned
- Maintain organized project files and adhere to established file management standards
- Seek mentorship proactively while beginning to support and guide less experienced staff when appropriate
- Track progress on assigned tasks and communicate schedule impacts to team leaders
- May act as project manager/project architect on small projects depending on experience
Benefits Summary: We offer competitive salary and benefits (see benefits summary below). Environmental Works values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced housing instability to apply. Applicants for employment will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
- Salary range for this position: $33.75-$36.00/hour
- Base medical, vision, disability, and life insurance are 100% employer paid for employee only coverage. Where available, plan upgrades and dependent coverage are paid by employee.
- Voluntary dental insurance is available, employer pays 30% of employee only premiums.
- Flexible paid time off of up to 5 weeks per year – our benefit is lumped into one accrual (including sick, vacation and holiday) and can be used at the employee’s discretion
- 403b Retirement with 3% employer match. Employer match is vested 20% after each year and fully vested after 5 years.
- Support for licensure exams, continuing education, professional membership dues, and licensure fees
- Flexible work location and hours, expected in office times for meetings and collaboration
- Orca pass paid in full by employer
- Supplemental pay during Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave
Application Requirements:
Please email the following items to hiring@eworks.org. Deadline: March 4th 2026, 5pm
- Cover letter-PDF- Cover letter should answer the following questions:
- What about our work and organization intrigues you?
- We are continually working to further equity and inclusion in our office and larger community through our work. How would you support this effort?
- Describe your personal goals and interest in Architecture
- Resume- PDF format
- Portfolio- PDF or Weblink- Minimum of 3 projects. Please provide examples of drafting and detailing experience in addition to rendering and presentation drawings.
