Junior Architectural Designer Jobs in Reston, VA

An award-winning architecture firm is seeking a Junior Architectural Designer to support the design and documentation of complex embassy campus projects across the globe. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career architect to strengthen technical skills, gain exposure to high-profile international work, and contribute to projects that span the full architectural design process.

Working alongside experienced Project Architects, Project Managers, and senior technical staff, you will assist with project production, construction documentation, consultant coordination, and design development. The role provides structured mentorship, long-term growth opportunities, and valuable experience supporting government and federal projects.

• Create, update, and revise architectural drawings in Revit throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Assist in the development of construction documents and coordinated technical drawing packages for complex international projects.
• Accurately implement design revisions, markups, and project updates while maintaining established project standards.
• Prepare floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and other architectural documentation.
• Maintain organized project files and ensure drawing updates are properly documented throughout the project lifecycle.
• Produce high-quality work that meets project requirements, quality expectations, and established deadlines.

• Contribute to schematic design and design development efforts by supporting design studies and project solutions.
• Assist with graphic production, presentations, and visual materials for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Help translate design concepts into coordinated and constructible documentation.
• Participate in project meetings and interdisciplinary coordination sessions.
• Support consultant coordination and assist with multidisciplinary drawing reviews.
• Help organize project information, track deliverables, and support day-to-day project administration.
• Work closely with architects, designers, and consultants to maintain project progress and resolve documentation challenges.

• Take advantage of mentorship opportunities and structured learning experiences.
• Build technical expertise and project knowledge to assume greater responsibility over time.
• Support team initiatives while developing the skills needed for future Project Architect or Project Management career paths.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 2 to 5 years of professional architectural experience.
• Proficiency in Revit, including experience updating and coordinating architectural models.
• Experience preparing construction documents and technical drawing sets for commercial, institutional, or similar projects.
• Understanding of architectural detailing, building systems, and construction document development.
• Familiarity with schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, coordinated work.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented and fast-paced environment.
• Desire to learn from experienced professionals and grow into expanded project responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, if required by project assignments.

• Experience supporting institutional, federal, civic, or international projects.
• Exposure to construction administration processes and project delivery activities.
• Experience assisting with consultant coordination and interdisciplinary project reviews.
• Strong graphic communication and presentation skills.
• Interest in pursuing architectural licensure and continued professional growth.
• Willingness to travel for project-related site visits when needed.
• Enthusiasm for participating in structured mentoring and professional development programs.

This role offers a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-focused environment within a highly respected architecture practice. The team works from a modern office and follows a flexible hybrid schedule, typically spending two to four days per week on site to encourage collaboration and mentorship.

Employees benefit from a culture that emphasizes continuous learning, including regular team events, lunch-and-learn programs, and professional development opportunities. With a strong backlog of projects, the firm provides stability while offering exposure to impactful government, federal, and international assignments.

New team members are paired with experienced mentors who help guide career development, whether focused on technical architecture, project management, or professional licensure. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated designer looking to build a strong architectural foundation while contributing to meaningful projects around the world.

• Gain experience on high-profile embassy and international projects.
• Work directly with experienced architects and technical leaders.
• Receive structured mentorship and professional development support.
• Develop expertise across all phases of architectural project delivery.
• Join a collaborative team with strong long-term growth opportunities.
• Contribute to impactful government and global projects while advancing your architectural career.



This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.