Description
Job Title: Architect 3
AIA Equivalent: Architect 3
FLSA Status: Architect 3 Exempt (Salaried)
Wage Range: Architect 3 $96,000 – $117,000
Job Posting Closing: April 28, 2026
Interviews Anticipated: Week of April 27th and May 4th
SMR Architects is a 36-person architectural firm with a mission to design, preserve, and advocate for affordable housing. Our vision is to craft inspired environments where communities want to live, learn, work, and play, and we operate under the ethic that everyone deserves enduring, quality design based on conscientious planning and principles of sustainability. Our practice focuses on community-centered affordable housing, renovation & historic preservation, sustainable design, and mixed-use developments.
SMR Architects is seeking a Design Staff 3 / Architect 3 individual to join our practice in Pioneer Square, Seattle. SMR recognizes great design comes from a wide variety of perspectives. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and the benefits they provide to our company, our clients, and our community. SMR continues to diversify our workforce to enrich design perspectives and methodologies. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. SMR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The ideal candidate has an architectural degree and a minimum of 8 years’ work experience; licensure is required. We are seeking someone who is proactive, independently solves problems, seeks guidance when needed, and enjoys collaborating in a team-oriented environment. Other valued skills include the ability to lead projects, engage professionally with clients and team members, and mentor staff in support of their professional growth. Experience should include new construction and/or renovation and rehabilitation projects, with involvement from preliminary design through post-construction. Candidates should be familiar with AIA contracts, project scheduling, construction drawing production, including envelope detailing, specifications, staff resourcing, and invoice review for both clients and consultants. A solid understanding of current building, accessibility, and energy codes is expected, including experience with Type I, III, V, and high-rise construction. Additional strengths include experience leading meetings, coordinating consultants, and working on multifamily housing, building renovation, and/or historic preservation projects. Proficiency in Revit is required; experience with Bluebeam and Microsoft Project is also expected.
In addition to providing a creative and collaborative work environment, we currently offer the following benefits: medical, dental, vision and long-term disability insurance, with employee premiums fully covered; ten paid holidays; two weeks’ vacation; 8 hours of paid community service; ORCA transit pass; 401(k) retirement plan with 3% Safe Harbor match and discretionary profit sharing. SMR’s current policy requires a minimum of 80% in-office working days: Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays may be conducted remotely or in-office at the employee’s discretion. Opportunities for continuing education, seminars, and mentorship are provided and encouraged. SMR supports NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and provides opportunities to work on all phases of projects of varying size, scope, and style. We encourage the pursuit of licensure and provide support for the Architecture Registration Exams (ARE) and provide reimbursement of half the yearly dues for AIA membership.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, a list of completed projects managed, and be prepared to bring examples of your professional, relevant work product and references if asked to interview to resume@smrarchitects.com. For more information about our firm, please visit our website: www.smrarchitects.com.
