Entry to Mid-Level Design Staff

Backen & Backen is focused on creating enduring places that elevate daily life, strengthen connection to landscape, and leave a lasting legacy for our clients and communities.
Our work spans residential, hospitality, and agrarian environments, with each project informed by a shared commitment to regenerative design principles, craftsmanship, wellness, and experiential richness. We believe architecture should foster meaningful human experiences while restoring ecological relationships and reinforcing a deeper sense of place.
Our studio values curiosity, humility, technical rigor, and thoughtful collaboration. We work closely across project typologies, allowing ideas and innovations developed in one area of practice to inform another.
Position Overview We are seeking a hybrid/in‑person Entry to Mid Level Designer to join our firm in either our Sausalito, Los Angeles, or Salt Lake City studios. This role is ideal for an emerging professional with strong design sensibilities, technical aptitude, and a desire to contribute to thoughtful, detail-oriented work across a variety of project types.
The Designer role will support project teams through all phases of design and documentation, contributing to production drawings, 3D modeling, detailing, consultant coordination, and project visualization. This role offers significant opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and hands‑on experience within a collaborative studio environment.
The ideal candidate is motivated by both design excellence and technical execution, as well as eager to contribute to projects that merge architecture, landscape, agriculture, hospitality, and wellness.
Responsibilities Support project teams across schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration
Produce drawing sets, architectural details, diagrams, presentation materials, and code analysis
Develop 3D models and visualizations to communicate design intent
Coordinate with Consultants, Fabricators, Contractors, and internal team members
Assist with material research, product selection, and technical documentation
Participate in site visits, field verification, and construction observation
Contribute to maintaining project quality, organization, and studio standards
Engage actively in design reviews, pin‑ups, and collaborative problem solving
Qualifications Professional degree in Architecture
0–7 years of professional experience preferred
Strong proficiency in Revit required
Experience with Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, with experience in AI/Agentic tools preferred
Understanding of building systems, detailing, and construction documentation
Strong graphic communication and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively within a highly design‑focused environment
Interest in regenerative design, materiality, landscape integration, and wellness‑centered environments
Desire to pursue architectural licensure encouraged
What We Offer Opportunity to work on meaningful, design‑driven projects across diverse typologies
Collaborative and mentorship‑oriented studio culture
Exposure to all phases of project delivery
Professional development and licensure support
Competitive compensation and benefits package
Salary range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience
To Apply Please submit:
Brief cover letter describing your interest in the role and our practice
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about thoughtful, place‑based design.
Backen & Backen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

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