Architectural Designer I — Washington, DC STV is seeking an entry-level Architectural Designer to join our Buildings practice in Washington, DC. This role is intended for a recent architecture graduate or emerging designer who wants to build a strong foundation in both design thinking and project delivery. The selected candidate will support architectural work across a range of project types, including transit stations, transit-oriented development, civic and institutional facilities, federal and education projects, industrial facilities, multidisciplinary infrastructure, renovations, and adaptive reuse. This is a strong opportunity for someone who is serious about growing into a well-rounded architect. The role will include meaningful exposure to design, but it is also production-driven. The successful candidate should be excited to develop strong Revit modeling, documentation, coordination, and technical communication skills while learning how design ideas are translated into constructible projects. Role Overview As an Architectural Designer I, you will work closely with architects, project managers, designers, and engineering disciplines to support the development of drawings, models, diagrams, presentations, and technical documentation. The ideal candidate is a strong designer, fast learner, and disciplined team contributor with an interest in public-facing work, especially transit, TOD, civic, and infrastructure-related architecture. This role is best suited for someone who is curious, humble, organized, and eager to learn how architecture is delivered in a multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities Responsibilities may include:
Support architectural design and documentation from early concept through construction documents. Develop Revit models, plans, sections, elevations, details, diagrams, and presentation materials. Assist with design studies, massing options, visualization, and project graphics. Coordinate architectural work with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, transportation, and planning disciplines. Support the development of technical details that are clear, coordinated, and constructible. Assist in preparing presentation materials for internal reviews, client meetings, and public-facing project discussions. Learn applicable codes, standards, accessibility requirements, and STV documentation practices. Participate in team coordination meetings and contribute to issue tracking, model updates, and drawing revisions. Support project delivery with a strong attention to quality, clarity, and deadlines. Desired Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will have: A professional degree in Architecture. 0-2 years of relevant internship or professional experience. Strong design ability and visual communication skills. Interest in transit, TOD, civic, institutional, and infrastructure-related architecture. Strong willingness to learn technical documentation and project delivery. Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Good communication skills and a professional attitude. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to receive and act on feedback. Interest in professional growth, licensure, and long-term development as an architect. Required Software Skills Candidates should have working knowledge of: Revit Rhino Enscape Adobe Creative Suite Microsoft Office Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, BIM 360 / ACC, Grasshopper, or other visualization and coordination tools is a plus. Growth and Development STV supports the professional development of emerging architects through mentorship, multidisciplinary project exposure, licensure support, continuing education, and involvement in local professional organizations. This role offers early responsibility and the opportunity to learn how architecture connects with engineering, infrastructure, client needs, constructability, and long-term public value. Candidate Fit This position is best suited for someone who wants to become a capable architect, not only a renderer or visual designer. Strong visualization skills are valuable, but this role requires a candidate who is equally committed to production discipline, technical learning, coordination, and project execution. Location Washington, DC Sponsorship This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Compensation Range:
$63,557.00 - $72,223.00 STV offers the following benefits
- Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable)
- Disability insurance
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- 401(k) Plan
- Retirement Counseling
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days)
- Paid Holidays (9 days)
- Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year)
- Parental Leave (up to 80 hours)
- Continuing Education Program
- Professional Licensure and Society Memberships STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner.
The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications. Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow. STV is one of the top infrastructure-focused professional services firms in North America. Founded in 1912, STV advises, plans, designs, engineers and delivers the infrastructure that powers local economies, including transportation systems, buildings, water and other facilities. Headquartered in New York City, the company has more than 65 offices and 3,300 employees who reimagine the solutions and structures that connect our communities. The firm is ranked 32nd in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms survey and is 11th in its transportation category. STV is deeply committed to investing in its people and creating a world-class employee experience. We are passionate about mentoring, coaching and cultivating our talent because we know they are destined to become the next generation of industry leaders. We're also committed to delivering formative career experiences - and we do that by providing challenging and unique work experiences, by mapping multiple ways to advance (beyond the traditional career ladder!) and by recognizing those who successfully chart new and exciting paths for the firm. We value a wide range of perspectives and experiences, without regard to any factor or characteristic, regardless of whether it is a category protected by federal, state and/or local law, making them an integral part of how we work. Our approach ensures that every individual is respected, heard, and given opportunities to contribute meaningfully. We remove barriers and create pathways for growth, embedding fairness into our daily operations. Learn more at stvinc.com. STV exists to make communities better through innovative solutions that connect people, places and the present to the future. Our local teams throughout the country deeply understand the needs of their communities and have the expertise to provide solutions. We are also committed to giving back to our communities and our neighbors through volunteering and philanthropic activities; fundraising events; scholarships, internships, and mentoring; and sustainability and community improvement projects. Learn more. STV provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.