Intermediate Designer
S9 Architecture, a 55+ person NYC design studio, is hiring an Intermediate Designer to lead concept-through-execution design work on multifamily, mixed-use, workplace, and cultural projects, mentoring junior designers alongside Design Principals. Role requires 5-10 years of experience in design-forward architecture studios and an in-studio presence in New York City.
- Compensation
- $85K–$125K / yr
- Location
- New York, NY
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Must have
- 5-10 years of experience in design-forward architecture studios
- Experience in design-oriented offices with a strong culture of critique, collaboration, and craft
- Demonstrated ability to develop strong architectural concepts and carry them through multiple project phases
- Strong understanding of urban context, zoning, massing, spatial sequencing, and architectural systems
- Clear verbal, graphic, and visual communication skills
- Comfort working within regulatory, structural, and programmatic constraints as part of a collaborative process
- Interest in mentorship, collaboration, and long-term growth within a studio environment
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States
- Submit resume and portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual work, design development, and collaborative project experience
Full description
About S9 Architecture
S9 Architecture is a 55+ person design practice grounded in modern contextualism—believing that architecture must engage its cultural, social, and environmental surroundings with intelligence and care. Our work spans a broad range of project types throughout New York City and across North America, including multifamily residential (100% affordable, market-rate rental, and luxury condominium), mixed-use developments, office and workplace design, adaptive reuse and repositioning, and cultural and institutional projects.
We are an open studio that encourages conversation, curiosity, and shared growth. Design direction is led collaboratively by our leadership but evolves through meaningful input and disciplined contributions from all levels. We value teaching, mentorship, and supportive critique, and we operate as a meritocracy where thoughtful ideas and strong performance are recognized.
At our core, we believe architecture carries a profound responsibility to improve neighborhoods and enhance the daily lives of the people who live in, work in, and use our buildings. Many of our projects have been recognized for design excellence and for enriching the human experience.
We work in person, side by side, because design is a dialogue—and the studio is our shared classroom, workshop, and laboratory.
INTERMEDIATE DESIGNER
New York City | In-Studio
Position Overview
S9 Architecture is seeking an Intermediate Designer to play a central role in shaping and advancing architectural ideas across a diverse range of project types and scales. This position is ideal for a design-driven architect with strong judgment, conceptual rigor, and a deep interest in architecture as a contextual, collaborative, and iterative practice.
Intermediate Designers at S9 work closely with Design Principals and project teams in an open, dialogue-driven studio environment. The role involves generating and refining ideas from early concept through execution, while helping guide junior designers through shared authorship, critique, and mentorship. This is a long-term opportunity for a designer who wants to grow design leadership within a thoughtful, design-intensive studio culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design exploration across multiple scales and project types, including massing, urban response, spatial organization, design narrative, and architectural detail.
- Guide multiple projects alongside junior designers, in close collaboration with Design Principals and technical teams.
- Coordinate with the team to ensure design intent is thoughtfully carried through design development.
- Mentor and support junior designers through critique, guidance, and example.