Sustainable Designer - Mission Critical

Hksinc is seeking a Sustainable Designer - Mission Critical in Seattle, WA. The role involves independent judgment in sustainable project design, collaboration with teams, and delivering strategic improvements. Responsibilities include managing ESG objectives, project certifications, and client presentations. Candidates should have a degree in architecture or related fields, 5+ years of experience, and sustainable design accreditation. Proficiency in design software and knowledge of building standards is preferred.
Overview:

Exercises independent judgment in evaluation, selection and use of standard techniques, and solves problems when encountered. Collaborates on exceptional sustainable project design and delivery for clients to complete assignments with originality and ingenuity. Anticipates job expectations and contributes to delivering sustainable project and design solutions, and elevating high-performance knowledge and ability at HKS.

Responsibilities:
• Performs respective responsibilities including creatively engaging project teams as the visible "go-to" for sustainability in the region and/or practice, delivering strategic enterprise improvements, assisting with staff promotion advocacy and annual review and identifying business opportunities for service expansion
• Coordinates in creating annual ESG objectives, key results and actions with team
• Collaborates in project integrative process and workshops including team member coordination, Nature of Place research and development, identification of sustainable/high-performance project goals and strategies
• Successfully delivers project certifications for third-party rating systems applying best practice, integrated design and performance analysis as needed
• Coordinates technical and analytic needs with Director of Building Engineering Physics and staff
• Completes project workload and assists with the preparation of proposals for HKS internal and stand-alone external project services
• Delivers project outcomes that align with firm objectives in collaboration with team
• Works with geographic offices and/or practice to support ESG objectives and align with design, research and process enterprise objectives
• Provides project focused commentary and usability feedback on data systems
• Carries out or assists with specialized research activities
• Prepares client presentations and assist with presenting design concepts to clients and internal teams
• Maintains open communication with client and may provide guidance through projects
• Maintains awareness of risk management for potential project issues and involves PIC/PM if needed
• Participates in team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
• May attend on-site visits, field reviews and project meetings and documents as needed
• Travel will be required

Qualifications:
• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Professional licensure in architecture, engineering, or related field strongly preferred
• Typically 5+ years of experience
• Sustainable design accreditation required
• Experience in wholistic integrative design delivery including charette facilitation and systems thinking
• Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360, Energy Plus, EnergyPro preferred
• Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign graphic software preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Experience in LEED, WELL, Living Building, etc. submission and regulatory compliance energy modeling
• Knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines
• Knowledge in interpreting and applying high-performance building standards such as ANSI, ASHRAE, IESNA and ASTM as well as building energy codes such as IECC and T24
• Strong knowledge of architectural building systems and building science
• Knowledge of QA/QC and specification process
• Knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships
• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment
• Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

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.

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