About Penney Design Group

Penney Design Group is a national, award-winning architecture, design, and planning firm based in Bethesda, MD. We are a relationship-driven firm focused on delivering creative, cost-effective solutions for clients across diverse sectors, including automotive, mixed-use, office, and residential design. We believe that great design and thorough, complete working drawings are the best form of marketing, and we seek talented, dedicated professionals to join our team-oriented environment.

Position Summary

We are seeking Architect/Designers at multiple levels to serve as pivotal technical leaders responsible for the precise execution and coordination of complex architectural projects from conceptualization through construction administration. Depending on the level, you will independently exercise technical judgment to ensure design integrity, manage project financial health, and provide mentorship or supervision to junior staff to safeguard project profitability and quality.

What You'll Do

• Execute and Lead Technical Design: Independently manage the technical documentation process across all project phases, applying sound architectural principles to produce precise, coordinated construction document sets.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Conduct exhaustive research and ensure all designs strictly adhere to federal, state, and local building, fire, and life safety codes, including IBC and ADA standards.
• Coordinate Interdisciplinary Teams: Lead the seamless integration of architectural concepts with structural, MEP, and civil engineering consultants to ensure holistic technical cohesion.
• Manage Project Financials: Actively monitor labor-hour budgets and fee utilization to meet project profit margin targets while maintaining a high billable utilization rate.
• Maintain Quality Control: Implement and enforce rigorous, multi-stage quality control protocols and peer reviews to mitigate professional liability and improve documentation consistency.
• Perform Construction Administration: Manage RFIs, submittals, and shop drawing reviews with rapid turnaround times, and conduct periodic site visits to observe progress and ensure conformance with plans.
• Mitigate Scope Creep: Proactively identify and document client directives that exceed the contracted scope of work, ensuring fee adjustments are secured before proceeding.
• Mentor and Supervise Staff: Provide daily direction, technical guidance, and formal mentorship to junior staff and interns to foster professional development and firm-wide production standards.

What You'll Bring

• Education: A professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an NAAB-accredited program or a recognized international equivalent.
• Professional Licensure:
• Architect Levels: Current, active Architectural Registration/Licensure in a U.S. jurisdiction (required for Levels I, II, and III).
• Designer Levels: Active progression through the AXP/licensure pathway (Level I) or equivalent experience (Levels II and III) with a commitment to achieving professional registration.
• Experience:
• Level I: Minimum of 5 years of continuous, full-time professional experience in all architectural phases.
• Level II: Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience, including technical leadership on medium-to-large scale projects.
• Level III: Minimum of 10 years of verifiable experience leading the development and coordination of highly complex, large-scale projects.
• Technical & Software Competencies:
• Expert Proficiency: Autodesk Revit, BIM 360/Cloud collaboration, and BlueBeam Revu.
• High Proficiency: Autodesk AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Excel for scheduling and PowerPoint for presentations).
• Specialized Tools: Capability in utilizing Rhino/Grasshopper for parametric design and high-level performance simulation (Level III).
• Standards: Strict adherence to BIM Execution Plans (BEP) and internal data management standards.
• Professional & Behavioral Competencies:
• Independent Judgment: Proven ability to resolve complex design, code, and coordination issues autonomously.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of project financial dynamics, including labor allocation, utilization rates, and profit margins.
• Communication: Superior verbal, written, and graphic communication skills for collaborating with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate high-stakes technical or contractual disputes among project stakeholders (Level III).

Nice-to-Haves

• Professional accreditations such as LEED AP, Passive House certification, or NCARB certification.
• Construction Documents Technologist (CSI CDT) or specialized certifications in building envelope and sustainable design.
• Experience in new commercial construction with building types such as automotive, data center, or complex Mid-Atlantic regional projects.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $108,000 – $195,000 (dependent on level, experience, and licensure)
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; firm-paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life, and AD&D insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution; and paid parking.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, firm-wide week-long winter closure, "Summer Fridays" schedule, and remote work options on Fridays.
• Professional Development: Robust support for continuing education, licensure, and professional growth.
• Other Compensation: Eligible for participation in the firm’s discretionary bonus program (mid-year and year-end) based on firm and individual performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Penney Design Group, LLC is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, ancestry, creed, marital status, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement Penney Design Group, LLC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at info@penneydesigngroup.com.

Pay: $108,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Architectural Practice: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Architecture License (Preferred)
• LEED Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bethesda, MD 20814 (Required)

Work Location: In person