Job Openings at Propel Studio

Although we are not actively looking to bring on any new employees at this time, Propel Studio is always looking for exceptional design talent that would be a great fit for our growing studio.

We are a design focused firm, aiming to create beautiful architecture that positively impacts our city and communities. Our office works on a variety of projects including ADUs, Custom homes, Public Interest Design, Tactical Urbanism, Public Art Installations, Multi-family Housing, and a variety of Commercial Projects. Based in Portland, we have completed projects in Oregon, Washington, Japan, and are currently expanding our international work and have active projects across the USA.

Our team is always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our values, are exceptional designers and have 2-10 years of experience working in the architecture and design field. An ideal candidate would have experience working on projects of a variety of scales, is passionate about a triple bottom line approach to sustainable design, is knowledgeable about building science, gets inspired by researching creative uses of materials, and is interested in alternative approaches to practicing architecture (development, design-build, fabrication, product design, etc.). An entrepreneurial spirit is a big plus as we are always looking for new business models and revenue streams to break out of the typical service role of architects.

The ideal candidates will posses the following qualities:

  • Exceptional design skills with strong graphic and technical abilities

  • Strong communication and social skills - Comfortable with public speaking, giving presentations, and leading meetings

  • Ability to effectively and professionally communicate directly with clients

  • Self-Motivated, collaborative and creative problem solver with a strong work ethic

  • Strong time-management skills with an emphasis on hitting tight deadlines

  • Willing to both receive and give constructive and critical feedback

  • Attend industry and community events as a representative of Propel Studio

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit - thinking of creative business ideas beyond the traditional practice of architecture

  • Passionate about design excellence and creating beautiful places

  • Interest in pursuing competition entries

  • Attention to detail and interest in architectural tectonics, details, and materiality

  • Understanding basic business operations and practices

  • Comfortable with project management and working with deadlines.

  • Interest in Business Development - bringing in new work to the office

  • Engaged with the community (participation in neighborhood associations, community groups, volunteer positions)

  • Engaged with the design profession (participation in professional organizations like the AIA, ULI, CNU, AFO, UO + PSU Schools of Architecture, etc.)

  • Interested in Public Interest Design

  • Strong writing and research abilities

Job duties will include:

  • Develop and modify design concepts, production drawings and construction documents according to established standards both collaboratively and independently

  • Assist in design, research, building & systems, programming, site and building analysis

  • Specify building materials, finishes, fixtures and equipment, both exterior and interior

  • Develop design presentations and other graphics

  • Assist in basic organizational tasks and administrative duties as needed

  • Assist with marketing efforts (RFP/RFQ responses, writing blog posts, conducting research)

Required Technical Proficiency:

  • Revit

  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

  • Bluebeam

  • Rendering Abilities

  • Hand Drawing and sketching

  • Graphic Design

Optional:

  • Second Language (other than English - particularly Spanish, Japanese and/or Vietnamese)

  • Rhino and Grasshopper

  • Model Making

  • Virtual Reality visualization

  • Architectural License

Compensation will be based on experience and abilities. Along with salary, we offer health care, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, a flexible schedule and casual work environment.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and work samples - both academic and professional - to info@propelstudio.com. Please include examples of Construction Documents you have worked on. If you have relevant, design-driven website, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or other social media accounts, please include links in your email. No telephone calls or personal visits please (unless you bring chocolate or whisky).