Architectural Designer – Entry Level – ZGF Architects
ZGF Architects is a nationally recognized architecture firm with 700+ professionals across offices in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC — consistently recognized for design excellence, sustainability leadership, and a deeply thoughtful approach to the built environment. ZGF has won the AIA Architecture Firm Award (the profession's highest honor), the Bulfinch Award, and numerous COTE (Committee on the Environment) Top Ten awards for sustainable design. ZGF's diverse portfolio spans civic, academic, healthcare, transportation, and research laboratory typologies — all united by ZGF's commitment to architecture that serves people and respects the natural world. We are hiring Entry-Level Architectural Designers in Portland.
Responsibilities
- Develop architectural design across project phases for ZGF's civic, academic, healthcare, and research laboratory projects
- Produce Revit architectural models and construction documents to ZGF's high standards for technical quality and design integrity
- Create sustainable design documentation — LEED credit tracking, energy modeling coordination with ZGF's sustainability team, and material health assessments
- Develop compelling design visualizations and presentation graphics that communicate ZGF's design intent to civic clients and public stakeholders
- Contribute to ZGF's research and thought leadership — material innovation studies, post-occupancy evaluations, and typology research
- Support community engagement and public review processes for ZGF's civic and public building projects
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's of Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program
- Revit proficiency required; sustainability design skills (LEED, energy modeling) are highly valued
- Genuine passion for sustainable, environmentally responsible architecture
- Strong design portfolio demonstrating craft, sustainability thinking, and technical competence
- LEED GA credential is a plus; ZGF supports LEED AP BD+C accreditation
Benefits
- Competitive salary with ZGF annual bonus
- Exceptional design culture and mentorship from ZGF's award-winning principals
- ARE reimbursement and LEED accreditation support
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with ZGF matching