Design Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

Bassetti/HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to design for good drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, Bassetti/HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Why Join Bassetti/HMC

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year—receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

Job Summary

The Design Leader supports the development and coordination of architectural project designs, helping translate design intent into presentation materials, construction documents, and project deliverables. This role collaborates with project designers, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams to resolve design issues, prepare detailed drawings and models, conduct research, participate in design reviews and charettes, and ensure that project work meets technical standards, building codes, and design objectives across all project phases.

This position is located in Seattle, Washington and will support Bassetti Architects, a design studio of HMC Architects. The position requires 3 days in the office and the ability to work from home Mondays and Fridays.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project tasks with team members and consultants to resolve conflicts and align design intent.
• Assist in the development of project interview materials and documentation across all project phases.
• Apply building code concepts related to accessibility, life safety, fire ratings, and egress requirements.
• Prepare plans, elevations, sections, details, and design communication materials such as sketches, renderings, and presentation boards.
• Participate in producing working drawings and support SD, DD, and CD deliverables.
• Coordinate with agencies and utilities and support the plan check process.
• Conduct material, product, and system research and help develop construction details and outline specifications.
• Support 3D modeling and visualization using Revit, Rhino, Enscape, and related tools.
• Participate in design charettes, awards submissions, publication efforts, and internal design dialogue.
• Provide status updates to supervisors and support the delegation and coordination of work with project designers and managers.

Requirements

• Architectural degree from an accredited university or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.
• Minimum five years of architectural design experience, including document production across all project phases.
• Proficiency in Revit with advanced command of editing, file management, and issue resolution; competency in Rhino, Enscape, and AutoCAD workflows.
• Knowledge of building systems, construction terminology, and applicable building codes.
• Ability to collaborate with consultants, government agencies, and team members while maintaining effective working relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to delegate tasks respectfully and effectively.
• Demonstrated motivation, sound judgment, decision-making ability, and willingness to seek new responsibilities and challenges.
• Ability to prepare design documents, presentations, and hand-drawn sketches to communicate design ideas clearly.

The salary range for this position is $65,591 - $95,254 annually.

The actual offered salary for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.