The Design Associate supports the Planning and Development staff by assisting with planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects. Responsibilities include interpreting architectural and engineering documents, organizing data for reports, ensuring compliance with standards, and coordinating project activities across various organizational branches. Proficiency in architectural and engineering concepts, research methods, and software tools (MS Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit) is essential.

• Assists Planning and Development staff by providing support services pertaining to the planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects
• Assists in performing routine procedural work related to management of Architectural- Engineering contracts and services, and preparing studies and presentations
• Reads and interprets architectural, engineering and planning documents
• Collects and organizes data for reports and presentations
• Assists in the preparation of reports and minor project research
• Updates and maintains project files with technical information
• Reviews plans and design/construction documentation for compliance with applicable to our client's standard requirements and federal, state and local codes.
• Reviews and prepares internal documentation for completeness and approval by other District branches (i.e.: AE Contracts, AE invoices, etc.)
• Assists in coordinating project activities with other District organizational branches and departments (i.e.: Office of the Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, Furniture + Interiors Group, Project Execution, Local Districts, etc.) in support of design and construction administration functions.
• Participates in community relations and outreach programs to create understanding and acceptance of District building projects within the community
• Performs other related tasks required.

• Architectural, Engineering, or Planning terms, concepts, and symbols
• Architectural characteristics of building materials and technical detailing
• Research methods and techniques, including planning studies and surveys, determining variables, and developing sources of data
• Basic record keeping methods
• Software: Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of computer database and related equipment
• Analyze architectural/engineering/planning problems related to assigned educational facilities projects and recommend appropriate and feasible solutions.
• Interpret federal, state, and local codes related to educational facilities
• Possess knowledge of California Department of Education, Division of the State Architect, applicable building and engineering codes, fire codes and energy codes. (i.e.: ADA, CA Title 24, Cal Green, etc.)
• Make detailed and accurate calculations and surveys
• Compile, interpret/analyze, and summarize data, and recognize the implications of complex documents
• Has the ability to collaborate with other team members
• Ability to multi-task
• A minimum of five (5) years full-time paid professional experience working in an architecture and design setting.
• Experience performing architectural, engineering, or planning design and coordination of design disciplines, conducting surveys and field investigations, and reviewing architectural, engineering, or planning drawings and documentation.
• Three (3) years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency
• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or planning

Salary Range: $110,000 to $120,000 per year

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Environment: Onsite