Kaplan Thompson Architects is a Portland, Maine architecture firm seeking an Architectural Project Designer with 2 to 5 years of professional experience for work on varied projects, all with a creative design and deep sustainability focus.
This is a unique opportunity to get in the door with a mission-based, award-winning firm named to the 2018 and 2019 Architect 50: Top 50 Firms in Sustainability in the U.S. We’re looking for an affable individual with emerging design vision, ambition, and motivation. You must have the ability to push boundaries, think unconventionally, and be interested in growing the design department inside an existing architecture studio. Exceptional creativity, strong communication, writing, and editing skills are vital. You will get the opportunity to work on Living Building Challenge and Passive House projects, with all the rigors and joys they entail.
We believe deeply in working to reverse climate change, including a commitment to Architecture 2030 and the communities we serve, and strive to practice what we preach. We are the only Architecture firm in Maine to have received JUST certification for a socially just and equitable organization.
We maintain an open, collaborative team approach and a collegial studio atmosphere in our offices centrally located in Downtown Portland.
To Whom the Position Reports
Project Managers, Principals
General Responsibilities
Work in a collaborative team structure with other architects and designers, primarily managing single-family and multi-family residential projects, restaurants, and schools; act as primary Project Manager assist with client and builder contact, often responsible for design; resolve many office problems independently and facilitate solutions; provide Building Information Modeling, research, renderings, presentation boards as required; participate in office culture.
Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge Requirements
· Excellent design skills
· Strong communication skills
· Education / interest / experience – and passion – in the field of sustainable design
· BArch or BS completed
· Although not required, preference will be given to candidates who have experience with ArchiCad; 3D Drafting with BIM modeling experience required.
· Although not required, preference will be given to candidates who have achieved licensure.
· Ability to work independently and meet timely goals as set forth
Compensation, Timing and (Excellent) Benefits
Compensation will be based on experience and potential. We offer salaries at or near the top levels for the region.
This offer includes 3 weeks of vacation / personal / sick time annually. Our benefits package also includes 100% medical coverage on Health Insurance and 100% coverage on Disability Insurance. Additionally, KTA offers a SIMPLE IRA benefit plan that allows you to save for retirement. With this plan, KTA will match your contributions up to 3% of your salary. There is no waiting period to receive this benefit; you are eligible to join the SIMPLE IRA plan upon hire.
We also offer 10 paid holidays. A commuting stipend of $60/mo. will be provided, and may be either spent towards a parking space, bus pass or kept by you if an alternate form of transportation is used. Bonuses are distributed in accordance with hours worked and success of the office. Annually, every employee has the opportunity to spend up to $500 and two days pursuing professional development, which might include attending a conference, taking a class, or participating in another approved activity. We also offer one paid Community Day with the entire office and up to 24 matched hours over the year for any a Community Service project you would like to pursue.
Possible Career Path Options
· Should develop into a Leadership Sector position.
To view some of our work and our philosophy, please view www.kaplanthompson.com. Please send a resume, brief cover letter, and examples of work to info@kaplanthompson.com. No calls please.
The Project Designer role may begin as remote but will require eventual relocation to the Portland, Maine area with an anticipated mid-summer timeline.