DS Architecture is committed to building a team of multi-disciplined staff, with diverse talents and expertise in a variety of project typologies. Working with clients at the forefront of their industries, we continually strive to be a premier design firm in Northeast Ohio.

WE DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE AND HUMANITY
Facilities should naturally support human engagement in collaboration, service and discovery. Our goal is to enhance these experiences by breaking down both physical and perceived barriers to create a place in which individuals and groups can produce results and inspire together.
A functional space with flexible uses and a comfortable environment enables people to take ownership of their surroundings, stimulating focus and creativity. Because productivity is the health of a building, we will work to understand all respective needs and goals so that each project is successful.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Professional Architectural degree from an accredited university
• Minimum architectural firm experience – 7 years beyond graduation
• Proficient in productivity software including Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NOT MANDATORY)
• Adobe Creative Cloud competency (Primarily InDesign and Photoshop)
• NCARB certificate holder
• LEED Accredited Professional
• PMP Certification

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to manage (often hands-on) all aspects of project design including: Feasibility analysis, program development, cost evaluations, site planning, schematic design, design development, interior design, construction documents, specifications, bidding and negotiations, and construction administration
• Knowledgeable in methods and materials of construction technology
• Experience in client coordination and presentations
• Experience in consultant coordination and management of a broad consultant team
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills to develop and implement a “team approach” as well as a cooperative attitude
• Ability to effectively manage budgets, schedules and teams

ACCOUNTABILITIES
Leadership + Management = Accountability (LMA): Leadership creates a vacuum for success while management provides the necessary tools for achievement.  These two critical success factors generate accountability for the team and will result in a successful project. 

Project Management and Accountability Process (PMAP): Oversight of this organizational tool provides the pathway of required elements for a project.  Based upon our technical fee proposal it breaks down each task for a project, allowing the Project Manager to assign appropriate accountability for each component.  Tasks include but are not limited to schedules, consultant coordination, submittal review, meeting minutes, design process and general project oversight.

Project Huddle Leadership: A weekly project huddle creating an opportunity, once a week, for the project team to coordinate the current status of the project.   The use of a standard huddle meeting agenda, to create consistency within the firm, is encouraged.

Primary Client Contact (PCC): A good working relationship between the project manager and client is crucial to the success of any project. As professionals we have a responsibility to coach our clients about the architect’s role and responsibility as well as the design and construction process. Cultivating an environment of education fosters trust, creates good communication, relieves frustration, and builds successful relationships with our clients.  We should be initiating 80% of client communication ensuring a great client experience (Cx).

Software Proficiency: Have a working understanding of Revit modeling / drafting tools and features required to open, navigate, and review a project in Revit.  Key abilities include manipulating visibility graphics, creating views and sheets, annotation using dimensions / keynotes / text notes, and printing.  General knowledge of Revit’s capabilities and limitations as they pertain to managing / maximizing the team’s productivity.  Ability to utilize Bluebeam tools and studio sessions to review project documentation and provide real-time markups to production staff.  Familiarity with spreadsheet platforms such as Microsoft Excel.

 Benefits & Perks at DS Architecture
Inspiring Together for Design Excellence.

We invest in the people who do the work, with real employer-funded retirement, time to actually rest, and one of the most concrete commitments to licensure and professional growth you’ll find at a firm our size.

Retirement (the firm funds it, even if you don’t)

• 3% Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution. We contribute 3% of your pay to your retirement every year you receive it whether or not you contribute anything yourself. It’s real money from the firm, vested and yours.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) so you choose how to save.

Health & Insurance

• Medical coverage through Medical Mutual, with multiple plans to choose from, including an HSA-eligible option that allows for tax-free healthcare savings. The firm covers a substantial share of your premium.
• Firm-paid life insurance and short-term disability through The Standard.
• Group dental and vision available through Anthem.
• Voluntary supplemental coverage, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, additional term life insurance for you and your spouse, and identity theft protection, is available to help you build the safety net that fits your life.

Time Off Built Around You

• 22 days of flexible, front-loaded paid time off that is available to use immediately rather than accrued over time and increases with tenure. Because it isn’t locked into a fixed holiday calendar, you decide which days matter most to you.
• A firm-wide year-end closure, during which we shut down between the winter holidays and the new year as a dedicated Mental Health Respite, so everyone disconnects and recharges at the same time, guilt-free.
• Paid sick time, summer hours, and paid parental leave with disability support for birthing parents.
• Bereavement leave (including reproductive loss) and a full range of protected leaves: military, jury, voting, witness, volunteer firefighter/EMS, and more.

Real Support to Grow (and Get Licensed)

This is where we go further than most.

• Licensure support that’s structured, not just encouraged, with dedicated AXP supervision and ARE exam support to help you get licensed faster.
• AIA membership and professional dues, covered.
• A dedicated professional-development and conference budget.
• Structured mentorship with experienced architects and designers.

How We Work

• Hybrid and flexible scheduling, including the ability to work from other locations when life requires it – but when you’re in the office, we’ll pay for your parking.
• A culture-first firm run on EOS, with clear priorities, real accountability, and a process we live by: We Listen. We Lead. We Innovate.
• Community engagement and pro-bono design opportunities.
• Reimbursed business travel and expenses, with a company card.
• Accommodations for lactation, religious observance, and disability or pregnancy, because a good workplace works for everyone.

We’re always interested in meeting people who embrace design excellence and share our core values, even outside of posted positions. 

Please email us at: careers@dsarchitecture.com to contact us and submit your resume.