Designer I

Description RIOS is an international design collective. We are actively in pursuit of wonder within the design of the built environment. We believe design is an act of optimism through which invention and ideas change the world. We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and experience design to define design as a continuum.

We follow a process that begins with attunement, where program and context shape strong conceptual thinking to establish a holistically informed big idea through which we develop form, confirm function, and define experience. This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic expression. We are known for bold solutions that are inclusive of the wider context and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, resulting in resilient, innovative, and meaningful design outcomes.

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project teams through design exploration, visualization, documentation, and technical development. Designer I team members actively participate in the RIOS design process while building foundational expertise in project delivery, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Essential Duties Include

• Participate in the design process through ideation, modeling, drafting, visualization, and technical production across project phases.
• Assist in the preparation of graphics, diagrams, renderings, presentations, and early technical documentation aligned with project goals and design intent.
• Communicate design concepts and thinking through visual, written, and verbal presentations.
• Contribute innovative ideas and proactively engage in project tasks and team discussions.
• Participate in research, precedent studies, sustainability investigations, and early technical explorations.
• Support project teams in maintaining organized project files, documentation, and collaboration platforms.
• Support project teams through digital modeling, visualization, documentation, and presentation development.

All positions at RIOS are hybrid with three days in office. Requirements The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong design sensibility and passion for creativity and innovation.
• Strong graphic communication and visualization skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• High degree of self-motivation, curiosity, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative and interdisciplinary team environments and contribute to positive office culture.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Commitment to sustainable and responsible design practices.
• Eagerness to learn and grow an understanding of project documentation standards, BIM workflows, file organization, and model management best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional experience.
• 0–3 years of professional experience in architecture
• Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and other visualization or modeling tools.
• Working knowledge of BIM workflows preferred.
• Experience with Lumion, Grasshopper, Dynamo, SignAgent, or similar design technologies is a plus.

Benefits & Perks: RIOS offers a variety of benefits that support work-life balance, professional growth and personal well-being. This includes a hybrid work environment, comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401k matching, PTO package, and reduced summer work hours.

Equal Opportunity Statement: RIOS is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified candidates with arrests/ conviction records will not be excluded from consideration.