Architectural Designer Job Description

KMD, a premier architectural design and fabrication firm, is looking for a designer that can make a big impact working with our talented and diverse group of designers, woodworkers, metalworkers and finishers.

Our team is known for creating unique elements that become the feature and focus of our clients projects. As specialists in challenging one-of-a-kind projects, we’re a trusted partner to the Bay Area’s leading architects, designers, and general contractors. We’re in search of someone that can help us build on this reputation in a fun and collaborative environment.

This is a job for someone who’s excited to take on diverse design prompts. The day to day responsibilities are constantly changing. One day you’ll be in the shop working on a prototype with our fabricators, the next you’ll be creating concept renderings, and next might be creating a marketing presentation. This isn’t the place where you’ll spend two-weeks doing the same thing (no window schedules!) 

Projects range from one-off furniture pieces to large scale architectural installations that feature hand-crafted wood, metal, glass, kinetic elements, and lighting to name a few. 

Responsibilities:

  • Work with Principal on design development and client presentations

  • Create shop-ready fabrication drawings

  • Work with shop staff to QC projects under construction

  • Site visits for surveying and installation assistance

  • Help with estimating new work

  • Marketing assistance - graphic design, photography oversight, website updates, etc.

  • Communicate with design partners to clarify details, submit RFI’s, etc. 

  • Organize and maintain project notes

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3-years of experience in design. Ideally, some of that time was spent learning the ropes and best practices at an upstanding architectural firm or similar. 

  • Expertise in working in Rhino. Other 3d modeling programs are a plus.

  • Insatiable appetite for learning about new processes, new materials, and new tools. 

  • A knack for problem solving and creating elegant design solutions.

  • Stellar written and verbal communication skills. 

  • Capable of traveling to job sites around the Bay Area. 

  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship at this time.

Bonus points

  • Fluent in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

  • Deep understanding of the material properties of steel, aluminum, and wood.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of wood and metal fabrication. 

  • Graphic design experience.

  • Experience exporting for CNC - both 2D cut lines, and 3D shapes.

We’re open to this being a full-time or part-time position, with a minimum of 24-hours per week, up to 40-hours. This position is based out of our San Francisco office. Occasional remote work is possible, but the collaborative and physical nature of our work requires our team to be together under the same roof. 

We offer competitive salary, profit sharing, health care stipend, holiday and paid time off and sick leave as well as education reimbursement. We want you to grow, be supported and succeed with us!

Feel like you’re a good fit? Get in touch.

Please reach out to info@KyleMinorDesign.com with the following

  • Identify a project on our website that you would be most excited to take on as a designer and tell us why

  • Send us your resume 

  • Send us sample drawings for three different projects you’ve spearheaded