Computational Designer | Mission Critical

Overview

We are seeking a Computational Designer with strong software development skills and deep knowledge of architectural workflows to lead the integration of advanced computational methods into the design and delivery of mission critical and data center projects. This hybrid role bridges design technology, custom tool development, and project-specific innovation. It requires not only fluency in parametric design and automation but also a strong understanding of the technical rigor, systems coordination, and performance-driven goals of the mission critical typology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of computational design strategies across mission critical/data center projects, from concept through delivery.
• Create custom digital tools, scripts, and parametric workflows to optimize spatial planning, systems integration, resiliency modeling, and MEP coordination.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and delivery teams to embed performance and automation into project workflows, particularly for high-volume, speed-to-market, or prototypical deployments.
• Contribute to architectural concept design, especially where geometry, environmental systems, or data-driven insights inform spatial or systems decisions.
• Develop data visualization tools and dashboards that help stakeholders understand operational, energy, and systems performance scenarios.
• Maintain fluency in software such as Revit, Rhino + Grasshopper, Dynamo, Python, and C#, while also advancing cloud-based and web-integrated tools when appropriate (e.g., through APIs, JSON, .NET or Flask/Django).
• Translate design intent into computational logic that supports fabrication, documentation, and quality control.
• Mentor junior designers and technologists, fostering a culture of innovation and iterative testing across project teams.
• Carry out computational design methodologies including advanced environmental simulation workflows and generative design solutions.
• Develop computational design tools and libraries for spatial analytics and generative design.
• Work within the team to develop advanced workflows for control of 3D geometry, design modeling techniques, digital fabrication, and simulation and analysis.
• Assist project teams as needed in all stages of design, documentation, and fabrication.
• Develop and apply computational design work plans and implementation strategies.
• Develop new toolsets for modeling techniques, software platform interoperability, and environmental simulation/analysis.
• Modify or create implementation documents, applying standard architectural techniques and procedures according to written and verbal specifications with general supervision.
• Produce graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and implementation documents.
• Assist in preparing schedules and reviewing implementation documents and samples as needed.
• Compile data and perform design computations in collaboration with the project team.
• Collaborate on design and technical resolution and coordination for a defined portion of a project.
• Work with senior designers and project teams on conceptual designs, presentations, design development, and production to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Assist in preparing client presentations and present project design intent.
• Perform product research; assist project designers with material selection and system research.
• Communicate with other disciplines, vendors, and contractors to incorporate information into design, project requirements, and documents as needed.
• Understand industry standard construction techniques, building regulations, and engineering principles to apply to project plans.
• Collaborate on the development of design throughout appropriate phases of the project.
• May participate in project proposals to develop design solutions.
• Support design effort and client presentations to develop client relationships.
• May support research of code and zoning requirements.
• Assist in the research of material requirements and costs for projects.
• Prepare presentation/design drawings and may build models for client/project team review.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives.
• Collaborate to resolve complex design issues with innovative and practical solutions.
• Work with the team to manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination.
• May attend on-site visits, field reviews, and client and/or project meetings and document these visits as appropriate.
• Provide guidance and direction to entry-level staff as appropriate.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss project issues, design and technical issues, and coordination with other disciplines.
• Travel may be required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field, post-graduate or MSc with fabrication-oriented research concentrations preferred.
• Typically 5+ years of experience, with a minimum of 3 years on mission critical / data center projects.

Licenses and Certifications

• Architectural registration strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced skills in Rhino, Grasshopper and Dynamo or Rhino.Inside required
• Intermediate skills in Revit and Bluebeam required
• Basic skills in visualization tools; intermediate preferred
• Basic skills in Navisworks required
• Intermediate experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign required; advanced preferred
• Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite required
• Strong portfolio showcasing applied computational design within high-performance or technically intensive environments.
• Demonstrated software development skills (e.g., Python, C#, JavaScript) and experience building internal tools or plugins for design teams.
• Experience integrating computational tools with BIM environments, particularly for large-scale, technically complex typologies.
• Ability to balance design innovation with code compliance, systems coordination, and uptime/redundancy requirements typical in data center projects.
• Proven track record collaborating within interdisciplinary teams and translating abstract ideas into actionable solutions.
• Passion for automation, optimization, and data-informed decision making in architectural practice.
• Basic to intermediate ability to construct, navigate, and manipulate complex data structures.
• Basic knowledge of computational design methodologies such as development of advanced environmental simulation workflows and generative design solutions.
• Basic working knowledge of advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
• Intermediate knowledge of the processes of design, fabrication and construction of complex projects and their impact on the built environment.
• Intermediate knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines; advanced preferred.
• Intermediate knowledge of materials, construction techniques, building codes and QA/QC process; advanced preferred.
• Intermediate experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy required; advanced preferred.
• Intermediate presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required; advanced preferred.
• Intermediate ability to work iteratively across a variety of project typologies and among multiple BIM platforms required.
• Intermediate ability to conduct design studies with minimal supervision required.
• Basic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
• Basic ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions required.
• Basic ability to work and collaborate in a team environment required.
• Basic ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required.
• Basic ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality.

Salary information: Base Salary Range: $77k - $97k annually (applies to Chicago, Seattle and Washington DC locations only).

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired at the above locations only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long-term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits, visit this page.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran

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