Mid-Level Architect K-12

Are you an architect passionate about designing spaces that shape the future of public education? Join Shive-Hattery’s K–12 architectural studio  in our West Des Moines or Iowa City office location, where you’ll reimagine existing school environments and design new facilities that directly impact students, educators, and communities.

What We Offer:

Design Variety: Collaborate with multiple local school districts on both renovations and new construction projects.

Mentorship & Growth: Work alongside experienced architectural mentors while leading your own projects and mentoring emerging talent.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Be part of a collaborative team that includes architecture, interior design, and engineering professionals.

Impactful Work: Help create inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring learning environments for K–12 students.

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• Licensed architect in the State of Iowa or on track to obtain licensure within one year.
• 5–8 years of professional experience, with a strong portfolio of K–12 projects.
• Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Lumion, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or 3D Studio. 
• Familiarity with Iowa Department of Education facility requirements.
• Experience with community engagement and participatory design processes.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices; LEED or WELL accreditation is a plus.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and inclusive design principles in educational settings.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams through all phases of design and construction
• Engage in proposal development, site evaluations, programming, schematic design, construction documentation, and administration.
• Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams, acting independently on tasks aligned with project goals.
• Prepare design presentations, construction documents, and specifications.
• Participate in client meetings, community engagement sessions, and school board presentations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and educational facility guidelines.
• Assist in construction administration, including site visits, RFIs, and submittal reviews.

Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.

Benefit Highlights

•             Medical, Dental, Vision – 4 tiers of coverage
•             Voluntary Life Insurance – Employee, Spouse, and Child 
•             Voluntary Insurance Plans – Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
•             FSA – Medical & Dependent Care
•             8 Paid Holidays + PTO 
•             Paid Parental Leave
•             401K/Roth 401K with Company Match 
•             Overtime Bonus 
•             Profit Sharing Bonus
•             First Time License Bonus
•             Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
•             Professional Development Opportunities 
•             Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
•             …And Many More! 

Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.