Mission | What we do and why we do it

BuildingWork is committed to the idea that architecture, design, and preservation can strengthen our communities. We design projects and places in a meaningful way with a deep respect for context, craft, and detail. As an architecture firm focused on civic and community spaces, creative workplaces, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation, we are driven by discovering the humanity, layers of history, and stories that make places special.

We’re a nimble and creative small firm, and yet we have a depth of established expertise that enables us to address complex architectural challenges with elegance and pragmatism. Our team brings enthusiasm and passion to every project, regardless of scale. Our clients value the built environment and we respect their investment by delivering exceptionally thoughtful architecture in response.

Values | Which guide our actions and inform our decisions

Respect, Teamwork, Curiosity, Engagement, Equity, Excellence

Vision | What we aspire to become

BuildingWork helps create cities and communities that are healthy, life-sustaining, and that protect and support natural systems. To the public, we are regarded as thought and action leaders in civic project design and adaptive reuse design. We create incredible spaces that are accessible to all, and we bring the same care and detail to projects of all scales and sizes.

Internally, we’re highly regarded and fun to work with. We support greater equity and inclusion in our workplace, our lives, and the world. We bring an intentional focus on these values to our firm culture and to our work.

Our team has strategically grown into a well-balanced, supportive, and diverse group, including project managers and other firm leaders. We understand that exceptional architecture is drawn from a wide range of sources, and that the best work is created through research, inspiration, thoughtful engagement, collaboration, and above all, teamwork.

BuildingWork is hiring for a Project Architect / Project Manager.

BuildingWork is a ten-person architecture firm with a studio on the Seattle waterfront. We specialize in the design of civic buildings, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and environmentally responsive design. Our project types include public libraries, office work places, multi-family residential, and community, arts, and culture spaces. We are looking to grow our team with thoughtful and creative people who share our values of Respect, Teamwork, Curiosity, Engagement, Equity, and Excellence.

Responsibilities for the Project Architect/Project Manager position include development of project design and documentation, technical detailing, consultant coordination, preparation of project deliverables, management of entitlement and permit processes, and construction administration. Project management skills such as oversight of fee allocation, project schedule, workflow, deadlines, and effective client communication will also lead to success in the role. 

Qualifications for this position include:

  • An accredited professional architecture degree (B. Arch or M. Arch)
  • Eight (8) years or more of professional architecture firm experience
  • Architect license or in process of licensure
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience working in BIM 3D design and documentation (ArchiCAD is a plus)
  • Demonstrated experience leading the documentation, coordination, and delivery of mid-size projects from schematic design through construction administration
  • A passion for community-focused design projects, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design
  • Able to work on site in Seattle WA

In addition, candidates should have strong graphic, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively both in teams and independently. Candidates should be self-motivated and be interested to participate in a collaborative and creative studio environment with a culture of learning and excellence.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for this position that includes:

  • Annual salary range of $85,000 and $100,000, depending on experience
  • Four weeks (20 days) of paid time off
  • Ten (10) paid holidays
  • Firm provided health insurance plan including medical and dental coverage
  • AIA membership dues paid by the firm ($900/year)
  • $300 annual stipend for continued education and professional development
  • 401k retirement savings plan with a 4.0% matching firm contribution
  • Discretionary bonuses based on firm profitability and individual performance

Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and work samples to:

matt@buildingwork.design, attention Human Resources.

BuildingWork is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply. Please see www.buildingwork.design for more information about our firm.

BuildingWork is hiring for an Office Administrator.

BuildingWork is a ten-person architecture firm with a studio on the Seattle waterfront. We specialize in the design of civic buildings, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and environmentally responsive design. Our project types include public libraries, office work places, multi-family residential, and community, arts, and culture spaces. We are looking to grow our team with thoughtful and creative people who share our values of Respect, Teamwork, Curiosity, Engagement, Equity, and Excellence.

Candidates for the Office Administrator position should have experience with general office management and administration for small to medium sized firms in the design or engineering industries. In addition, candidates should have excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal), possess strong organizational and information management skills, and have proficiency with software and digital technology.

Candidates should be self-motivated and interested to participate in a collaborative and dynamic work environment with a culture of learning, service, and excellence. The position provides opportunities for professional growth, to implement operational improvements for the firm, and to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve. The primary responsibilities for this position are outlined below.

General Office:

  • Front desk reception, incoming phone calls, greet clients and visitors, receive and distribute deliveries and mail, organization and upkeep of studio environment
  • Purchase and maintain office supplies, coffee, beverages, and snacks
  • Coordinate firm events (team lunches, celebrations, continuing education events, etc.)
  • Coordinate with outside vendors such as copier, internet, and office cleaner
  • Maintain office filing systems
  • Coordinate with IT consultant and manage software purchases and subscriptions
  • Manage firm profile on client rosters
  • Maintain and update CRM database

Administration:

  • Maintain firm’s Employee Manual and HR files
  • Assist with on-boarding of new staff
  • Coordinate with firm’s insurance and benefits providers
  • Manage the time keeping and project management platform (BQE Core)
  • Receive and track invoices from subconsultants
  • Prepare and send out monthly invoices to clients (BQE Core)
  • Make bank deposits, coordinate with bookkeeper, and track accounts payable.

Qualifications for the position include:

  • An associate degree or a bachelor’s degree
  • Three (3) years or more experience in an office administrator role
  • Proficiency with digital technology and a variety of software
  • Familiarity with basic accounting, invoicing, and financial data management
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for this position that includes:

  • Salary range of $70k-78k, depending on experience
  • Four weeks (20 days) of paid time off
  • Ten (10) paid holidays
  • A health insurance plan including medical and dental coverage
  • An annual $300 stipend for continued education and professional development
  • 401k retirement savings plan with a 4.0% matching firm contribution
  • Discretionary bonuses based on firm profitability and individual performance

Applicants should email a letter of interest and a resume to:

Chelsea Swanson, chelsea@charrettevg.com, Attention: BuildingWork Office Manager Application.

BuildingWork is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply. Please see www.buildingwork.design for more information about our firm.