Architectural Designer I 

HD Squared Architects, LLC - Annapolis, MD 

About Us 

HD Squared Architects, LLC is a boutique, woman-owned architecture, interior design, and consulting firm with a collaborative, casual office in beautiful downtown Annapolis. We are a tight-knit team united by a shared mission: to create spaces that bring beauty and function into people's lives — spaces that are healthy and restorative for both people and the planet. 

The Opportunity 

We're seeking an Architectural Designer I to join our mission-driven team. This is a full-time role for someone early in their licensure journey who is confident working independently and thrives in a collaborative environment. You'll help design and document sustainable residential and commercial projects of moderate size and complexity, with exposure to every phase of the architectural process and real room to grow in responsibility and licensure. 

Growth & Flexibility Highlights: 

• Licensure Support: AXP hours, mentorship, and financial support for exams 

• Professional Development: Partially paid AIA membership and annual CE reimbursements 

• Flexible Work Schedule: Flexible in-office hours, Summer Fridays (Memorial Day to Labor Day), and Alternate Fridays (Labor Day to Memorial Day) to support work-life balance.  

• Career Path: Opportunity to grow into more senior design roles over time, with support for licensure if that’s part of your professional goals 

What You'll Do 

• Conduct site visits and use Lidar technology to establish the “ground truth” for projects 

• Create CAD/BIM models and construction documents for sustainable residential and waterfront projects 

• Research high-performance materials and navigate zoning and health-department constraints 

• Develop construction details, interior elevations, and renderings with senior staff 

• Help maintain our CAD standards and assist with marketing graphics and design competitions 

What We're Looking For 

•  Architecture degree from a NAAB-accredited program 

• 1–3 years of architectural experience, preferably U.S.-based 

• Experience in construction documentation and detailing 

• Proficiency with Revit or ArchiCAD 

• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials 

• Basic understanding of current residential and commercial building codes 

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills 

• Passion for high-performance design and a values-aligned culture 

Bonus points: working toward licensure; historic preservation or small commercial experience; rendering or graphic skills; green building certification experience.  

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary range: $62,000 – $74,000 per year, depending on experience and demonstrated capability. 

Growth in pay: defined raises as you advance — including a raise upon achieving architectural licensure and raises for earning approved sustainability credentials (such as LEED AP or Passive House Certification). 

Other compensation: eligibility for a discretionary year-end profit share based on firm performance, and a spot bonus for helping bring in new work. 

Benefits include: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (50% employer-funded) 

• SIMPLE Roth IRA with 3% employer match 

• Generous PTO, 7 paid holidays, plus a birthday holiday after one year 

• Professional development support: AIA membership, licensure exam support, and continuing education 

• Flexible schedule with Summer Fridays and alternate Fridays 

• Monthly phone stipend; downtown Annapolis studio with parking 

Our Core Values  

• Character Driven – We operate with integrity, honesty, and transparency  

• Impact Oriented – We deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and firm  

• Resourceful – We maintain excellence in every aspect of our work  

• Collaborative Partner – We support each other and succeed together 

Ready to Grow With Us? 

If you're looking for more than just a job – if you want to be part of building something special while developing your career in a supportive, dynamic environment – we'd love to hear from you. 

HD Squared Architects is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.