Deceder Group is searching for an Architectural Designer // Designer with 0 to 3 years of experience to join a talented, close-knit group of architects and interior designers. This is an entry-level role on a team that will teach you how a commercial project goes together, from field measurements and code research to construction documents and site visits. Recent graduates are welcome.
Both titles describe the same role. Architecture candidates hold the architectural title; interior design candidates hold the design title. The titles Architect and Interior Designer are reserved for team members who hold the license or certification.
About Deceder Group
Deceder Group is a next-generation design firm that balances creativity with dependability. We embrace technology exploration, recognize the value of diverse perspectives, and hold ourselves to a high standard—so you can too.
We provide progressive ideas and unwavering trust rooted in a shared desire to return personalized attention and service to the design process. Our teams are built around individual expertise, work ethic, and culture, bringing a distinct experience and result to each unique project. We believe practical solutions don’t need to come at the expense of experimentation and collaboration. Discover the Deceder difference on your next project.
As an expanding firm, there is plenty of room to grow. We support certifications, continuing education, and networking, and every team member has a voice in the firm’s direction. Project types include:
- Commercial Workspaces (professional services, non-profits and associations, tech and corporate headquarters, government contractors, and law firms)
- Secure Spaces (SCIF design to ICD-705) and GSA / Government projects
- Capital Expenditure (spec suites, roof terraces, conference centers, lounges, and building lobby renovations)
- Building Modernization (building additions, façade renovations, and core element reconfiguration)
- Light Medical, Retail, Restaurants, and Hospitality
What you’ll do
- Field verify and document existing building conditions
- Under senior direction, develop construction documentation, interior detailing, and materials and furniture selections
- Incorporate redlines; draft standard elevations, sections, and details from the project templates
- Model in the firm Revit template; set up views and sheets as directed
- Help assemble material boards, finish palettes, and presentation pages; produce Enscape renderings as directed
- Research code requirements under direction and learn where to find them in IBC, ADA, NFPA, and local amendments
- Sit in on programming and visioning sessions and capture client requirements
- Take part in construction administration: walk the site, help review submittals, and draft RFI answers for review
- Work with several project managers on projects of various sizes
- Update AutoCAD and Revit templates as directed
- Act as a team player in a growing firm by taking on additional responsibilities as needed
What you’ll bring
Experience and education
- 0 to 3 years of experience in an architecture or interior design practice; internships count
- Architecture path: bachelor’s degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited or similar program
- Interior design path: bachelor’s degree in interior design from a CIDA-accredited or similar program
Technical skills
- Working knowledge of Revit; AutoCAD fundamentals; familiarity with Enscape and InDesign
- Ability to work inside templates and the shared model without disrupting others
- Logs time daily in Monograph and flags tasks running over plan
- Firm tools: Revit 2023 or later (every Deceder Group project is done in Revit), AutoCAD Architecture 2024 or later, Enscape, InDesign, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Monograph, and Microsoft Office
- Familiarity with Claude and other AI tools is a plus; Claude is used on approved firm accounts only
Licensure and certifications
- No certification required
- Architecture path: begin logging AXP hours
- Interior design path: begin logging hours toward NCIDQ and sit the IDFX when eligible
- We encourage you to explore LEED, WELL, NCARB, and NCIDQ, and the firm supports you along the way
Business development
- Attend one (1) industry event each quarter, ideally alongside a more senior colleague
- Shadow senior staff at events, office tours, and client meetings
- Produce portfolio-ready work and act professionally in every client interaction
Communication and growth
- Responds to the team quickly and proactively; keeps your lead informed and copies them on anything external
- Takes feedback openly and uses it; manages time well and asks for help when needed
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical, disciplined approach to work
Our values
We look for people who share our five core values: Approachable, Clever, Dependable, Intuitive, and Progressive.
Benefits
- Paid time off with no set annual limit, available from your first day
- Paid company holidays
- Health insurance with a firm contribution toward your premium; dental and vision coverage paid by the firm for employee-only plans
- 401(k) with a company match, starting after six (6) months
- Twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave at full salary after one year with the firm
- Paid bereavement leave
- Monthly tax-free commuting and parking reimbursement
- Continuing education and certification maintenance paid by the firm; exam fees (ARE, NCIDQ) reimbursed when you pass; a salary increase when you earn a credential such as LEED or WELL
- A current laptop, a work iPhone, and the software you need to do your best work
Deceder Group embraces a hybrid environment, with up to two (2) work-from-home days a week. We believe in the importance of in-person collaboration while balancing the ability to complete other tasks from the location of your choice. Our office is in an exciting and accessible location in the Ballston area of Arlington, complete with snacks, Nespresso, and additional onsite amenities. New team members are expected in the office more often while they get to know the team and our projects.
How to apply
Apply through our LinkedIn job listing, or send your resume and portfolio to Dan Deceder at dan@decedergroup.com.