Architectural Designer, Community Design Assistance Center

The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC), an outreach center within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD), is seeking a talented and motivated Architectural Designer for a restricted, non-tenure track Administrative and Professional (A/P) faculty position. Reporting to the Director and working closely with the Project Manager, this role involves contributing to interdisciplinary teams composed of faculty, staff, and student employees to develop conceptual architectural designs that serve community needs.

The Architectural Designer will be instrumental in advancing community-centered projects through design development, visualization, and engagement processes. This position offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful impact in communities while gaining valuable hands-on experience in architectural design, participatory processes, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Job Summary:
The Architectural Designer will be responsible for developing conceptual architectural designs and site plans at various scales, accompanied by renderings, sections, physical models, and animated walkthroughs. Familiarity with site layout design and corresponding landscape layout knowledge. The role includes preparing for and participating in community meetings, compiling project reports, and mentoring student employees engaged in design work.

This position requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and direct engagement with community stakeholders, addressing real-world challenges in areas such as historic preservation, planning, and sustainable development.

Additionally, this role will serve as the primary liaison for CDAC’s internal IT needs, coordinating with AAD IT as necessary.

Other responsibilities may include supporting special initiatives, assisting in project investigations, helping with project team formation, contributing to strategic planning efforts, and engaging in advancement activities.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player who can also work independently, manage multiple deadlines, communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing), and demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Willingness to travel regularly—including some evening, weekend, and overnight trips—is required.

About CDAC:
The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) is an outreach arm of the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech. CDAC offers conceptual-level design services in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community groups.

Through participatory design processes and creative collaboration with student and staff designers, CDAC helps communities transform their ideas into visual concepts. This process not only brings visions to life but also enhances community capacity and positions stakeholders to seek future funding and implementation support.

• Master of Architecture degree with a minimum of 2 years professional experience, or a Bachelor of Architecture (5-year professional degree) with at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the architectural design process.
• Intermediate proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools such as Enscape and Lumion.
• Experience developing physical models, 3D renderings, and animated design walkthroughs.
• Reliable internet access to support occasional remote work responsibilities.

• Proficiency with GIS software.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and historic preservation practices.
• Familiarity with site design
• Experience facilitating or organizing community engagement meetings.
• Familiarity with digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
• Active interest in pursuing architecture licensure.

For full consideration, applicants should submit: