Architect or Architectural Designer
Employer: Fukui Architects PC
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (onsite)
Pay: $45K–$100K / year
Type: Full-time — Architecture / Design
What You’ll Do:
• Contribute directly to a wide range of project types — affordable multi-unit residential, restaurants, breweries/distilleries, non-profit projects, and occasional large-scale distribution work.
• Produce design drawings, participate in project development, and support construction documentation and detailing.
• Work hands-on in a small, multidisciplinary team with opportunities to take ownership of meaningful project components.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and contractors; help shape concepts through to delivery.
• Support project tasks across the lifecycle — schematic design, permitting, production documents, and construction administration as needed.
Why It Stands Out:
• High-impact, varied project portfolio — excellent for designers who want breadth over repetition.
• Small firm environment where contributions are visible and you’re not just a desk cog — strong chance to influence design and practice culture.
• Anti-micromanagement culture and creative autonomy; good for self-starters who want real responsibility early.
• Chance to do socially meaningful work (affordable housing, non-profit clients) alongside commercially viable projects.
Potential Trade-offs:
• Small-firm realities: workload can be variable, roles are broad, and formal career ladders/structured benefits may be limited compared with larger firms.
• Wide pay range ($45K–$100K) — compensation may depend heavily on experience, licensure, and billable productivity.
• May require wearing many hats (specs, production, client management) and working to tight timelines.
• If you prefer strict process or deep specialization, the generalist, fast-moving rhythm here may feel chaotic.
Qualifications / Requirements:
• Listing does not specify formal degree/license requirements (“No Degree Mentioned”).
• Ideal candidate profile: strong portfolio across the noted project types, proficiency in CAD/BIM (Revit/AutoCAD), good construction-document skills, and solid client/consultant communication.
• Licensure (NCARB/State PE/RA) or progress toward licensure is a plus but not explicitly required in the posting.
• Comfortable in a small-team environment and able to take initiative without heavy supervision.
Perks / Benefits:
• Variety of project work that accelerates learning and portfolio growth.
• Direct, visible impact on projects and firm direction — good platform for rapid skill development.
• Creative, anti-micromanaged culture that rewards initiative.
• Opportunity to work on both mission-driven (affordable housing, non-profits) and revenue-generating projects.
Here is the link to view more job details or apply.
Would you take this job?
If you were applying, what would be your top three non-negotiables: (A) confirmed salary + clear benefits/O/T policy, (B) hybrid/remote flexibility or a formal onsite schedule, or (C) clear project ownership + mentorship and a path to licensure/advancement? Which would you pick and why — and what would you ask the hiring manager before accepting (for example: “How is compensation determined across that wide $45K–$100K range?”, “What does a typical week look like onsite vs. remote and are flexible hours allowed?”, “Who mentors junior staff and what support is provided for licensure (exam funding, review time)?”)?