The buildingcommunityWORKSHOP ([bc]) is a nonprofit community design center seeking to improve the livability and viability of communities through the practice of thoughtful design and making. We are currently seeking a Design Associate to work in our Dallas, TX office supporting projects nationally.
Position Role/Title: To be determined based on candidate experience
Start Date: February 1st 2025
Main Purpose and Function
We are looking for an individual with a strong desire to grow as a well-rounded architect and designer who contributes to the broader objectives of our community focused organization. The work we do is impactful; it is also challenging and rewarding. You will work with people in places where design services are typically not accessible and normally do not have access to design thinking. You will be expected to contribute to all aspects of project delivery from community meetings and pre-design through to completion of architecture and creative projects. This will include:
Affordable modular housing delivery, documentation and permitting
Conducting research and analysis on site conditions, building codes and zoning regulations
Schematic design, design development, construction documentation and administration under the supervision of a licensed architect.
This position requires the presence of mind to realize that the communities we work in may be limited in resources but wealthy in knowledge and history. Relational trust that has been built over years is our most valued asset, it can result in transformative urbanism and architecture that challenges typical notions of affordability, desirability and functionality. The ability to manage your time effectively while remaining nimble and focused is essential.
Project tasks will include assisting in the production of modular/prefabricated housing prototypes, multi-family affordable housing, as well as on-going planning and community engagement efforts. While the position is based in Dallas, it will support partnerships across Texas, as well as nationally.
Qualifications
A commitment to people and place with a strong interest in public interest design.
Degree in architecture (B Arch, M Arch) or equivalent work experience.
1-3 years of experience in architectural design and construction
Experience in residential and light commercial typologies.
Strong visual communication skills and graphic talent.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.
Attention to detail and accuracy
Willingness to learn, listen, and grow professionally
Eligible and authorized to work in the USA.
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At [bc], we work in and with communities that bear the legacies of racist practices, policies, and cultural norms. As leaders in public interest design, we believe that there is a better way forward, one where every human has the chance to live to their full potential.
Fundamental to our work is using design to strengthen neighborhoods through access to adequate housing, decent employment, a good education, and quality healthcare. We work to see the reversal of racist policies and practices like redlining and environmental racism so that all people, no matter their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or zip code have equal access to a good standard of living.
We strive to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally in our offices and externally in the communities we work with. To us, diversity means seeking out different voices and leveraging/celebrating the power that comes from that difference. Equity means providing the support — through internal policies and through our work — needed for everyone to be successful. Inclusion means valuing and respecting all people.
We continue to work to achieve this through our hiring practices, our office culture, and by working with residents to achieve their hopes and dreams for their neighborhoods.
We value team members who:
Are strong team players.
Thrive when given independence in project management situations.
Enjoy applying themselves creatively to Architectural and Urban Design challenges.
Enthusiastically support the implementation of architectural and urban design initiatives, and are willing to travel to project sites when required.
Support our clients and partner organizations.
Are deeply committed to their local community as well as supporting work in other geographies.
Benefits
Healthcare coverage paying 100% of the Blue Cross Blue Shield HSA Plan for you as an individual
100% Vision and Dental coverage for you as an individual
Reimbursement not to exceed $500 annually for professional development
80 hours paid vacation
48 hours paid PTO/Sick
Paid Holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day)
Please email one file containing an interest letter, resume, and work samples (15 mb maximum file size) to: Kelsey Menzel (no phone calls please) at admin@bcworkshop.org. Please reference “Design Associate - Dallas, TX” in the subject line of your email.
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer??
The buildingcommunityWORKSHOP is a Texas based nonprofit community design center seeking to improve the livability and viability of communities through the practice of thoughtful design and making. We enrich the lives of citizens by bringing design thinking to areas of our cities where resources are most scarce. To do so, [bc] recognizes that it must first understand the social, economic, and environmental issues facing a community before beginning work.