Architectural Staff III

About Penney Design Group:

Penney Design Group is a national, award-winning architecture, design, and planning firm based in Bethesda, MD. We are a relationship-driven firm focused on delivering creative, cost-effective solutions for clients across diverse sectors, including automotive, mixed-use, office, and residential design. We believe that great design and thorough, complete working drawings are the best form of marketing. We are seeking talented, dedicated professionals to join our team-oriented environment.

Position Summary:

The Architectural Staff Level III is a critical professional role responsible for executing foundational architectural assignments and high-quality technical documentation. Operating under the supervision of a licensed Architect or Project Manager, this position focuses on accelerating firm efficiency and ensuring rigorous adherence to production standards to support project profitability.

What You'll Do:

Translate conceptual sketches, redline corrections, and mark-ups from senior staff into technically compliant digital plans, sections, and details using Revit and AutoCAD. Maintain a high individual utilization rate by focusing on billable, revenue-generating project work. Execute sheet setups, view placements, and meticulous technical drawing conventions. Track all project time daily against specific Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) codes. Perform quality self-tests using firm-standard checklists to verify dimensioning accuracy and internal consistency before senior review. Proactively notify Project Managers if assigned work packages are anticipated to exceed allocated labor budgets. Conduct supervised site visits to document existing conditions and record construction progress. Attend internal design and coordination meetings to document key decisions and task assignments. Assist in drafting preliminary responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and conducting code research.

What You'll Bring:

Education:

A mandatory Professional Degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from a NAAB-accredited university.

Licensure & AXP:

Active enrollment in the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) with consistent progress toward licensure; while a license is not required, you must be prepared to complete the ARE.

Experience:

3 to 6 years of verifiable, full-time experience in an architectural practice, including significant time in Design Development (DD) and Construction Documents (CD) for complex, large-scope projects.

Technical Proficiency:

Demonstrable expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu for digital markups and documentation.

Code Knowledge:

Foundational knowledge of regional building codes and zoning ordinances (Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions) related to life safety and spatial requirements.

Judgment & Discipline:

Proven ability to make independent technical decisions, apply rigorous QC processes, and maintain strict financial discipline regarding time tracking and budget monitoring.

Communication:

Excellent verbal and written skills for collaborating with consultants and drafting formal technical consultations.

Risk Mitigation:

A proactive approach to practice that prioritizes meticulous documentation and contractual clarity.

Nice-to-Haves:

None specified.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range:

$95,000 - $125,000.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; firm-paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life, and AD&D insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution; and paid parking.

Work-Life Balance:

Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, a paid week-long closure between Christmas and New Year's, "Summer Fridays" schedule, and the option to work remotely every Friday.

Other Compensation:

Eligibility for the firm's discretionary bonus program (mid-year and year-end) based on firm and individual performance. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Penney Design Group, LLC is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, ancestry, creed, marital status, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable federal and State laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Reasonable Accommodation Statement Penney Design Group, LLC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at info@penneydesigngroup.com .

Pay:

$95,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Architectural Practice:

3 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Bethesda, MD 20814 (Required)

Work Location:

In person