Computational Designer | Mission Critical

Overview:We are seeking a Computational Designer with strong software development skills and deep knowledge of architectural workflows to lead the integration of advanced computational methods into the design and delivery of mission critical and data center projects. This hybrid role bridges design technology, custom tool development, and project-specific innovation. It requires not only fluency in parametric design and automation but also a strong understanding of the technical rigor, systems coordination, and performance-driven goals of the mission critical typology.Responsibilities:Lead the development and implementation of computational design strategies across mission critical/data center projects, from concept through delivery.Create custom digital tools, scripts, and parametric workflows to optimize spatial planning, systems integration, resiliency modeling, and MEP coordination.Collaborate with architects, engineers, and delivery teams to embed performance and automation into project workflows, particularly for high-volume, speed-to-market, or prototypical deployments.Contribute to architectural concept design, especially where geometry, environmental systems, or data-driven insights inform spatial or systems decisions.Develop data visualization tools and dashboards that help stakeholders understand operational, energy, and systems performance scenarios.Maintain fluency in software such as Revit, Rhino + Grasshopper, Dynamo, Python, and C#, while also advancing cloud-based and web-integrated tools when appropriate (e.g., through APIs, JSON, .NET or Flask/Django).Translate design intent into computational logic that supports fabrication, documentation, and quality control.Mentor junior designers and technologists, fostering a culture of innovation and iterative testing across project teams.Carries out computational design methodologies including advanced environmental simulation workflows and generative design solutionsDevelops computational design tools and libraries for spatial analytics and generative designWorks within team to develop advanced workflows for the control of 3D geometry, techniques for design modeling, techniques for digital fabrication and techniques for simulation and analysisAssists project teams as needed in all stages of design, documentation, and fabricationDevelops and applies computational design work plan and implementation strategyDevelops new toolsets for modeling techniques, software platform interoperability and environmental simulation/analysisModifies or creates implementation documents, applying standard architectural techniques and procedures and according to written and verbal specifications with general supervisionProduces graphic presentations, 3D renderings and implementation documentsAssists in preparing schedules and reviewing implementation documents and samples as neededCompiles data and performs design computations in collaboration with project teamCollaborates on design and technical resolution and coordination for a defined portion of a projectWorks with senior designer(s) and project team(s) on conceptual designs, presentations, design development and production to deliver projects on time and within budgetAssists in preparing client presentations and presents project design intentPerforms product research; assists project designers with material selection and system researchCommunicates with other disciplines, vendors and contractors to incorporate information into design, project requirements and documents as neededUnderstands industry standard construction techniques, building regulations and engineering principles to apply to project plansCollaborates on the development of design throughout appropriate phases of the projectMay participate in project proposals to develop design solutionsSupports design effort and client presentations to develop client relationshipsMay support research of code and zoning requirementsAssists in the research of material requirements and costs for projectsPrepares presentation/design drawings and may build models for client/project team reviewCoordinates with consultants, contractors and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectivesCollaborate to resolve complex design issues with innovative and practical solutionsWorks with team to manage client expectations, team communication and consultant coordinationMay attend on-site visits, field reviews and client and/or project meetings and documents these visits as appropriateProvides guidance and direction to entry-level staff as appropriateParticipates in team meetings to discuss project issues, design and technical issues and coordination with other disciplinesTravel may be requiredQualifications:Education and ExperienceAccredited professional degree in Architecture or related field, post-graduate or MSc with fabrication-oriented research concentrations preferredTypically 5+ years of experience, with a minimum of 3 years on mission critical / data center projects.Licenses and CertificationsArchitectural registration strongly preferredKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAdvanced - expert-level experience, knowledge or skillsIntermediate - experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or workBasic - familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and can perform elementary functionsAdvanced skills in Rhino, Grasshopper and Dynamo or side requiredIntermediate skills in Revit and Bluebeam requiredBasic skills in Twinmotion, Enscape or other visualization tools required; intermediate preferredBasic skills in Navisworks requiredIntermediate experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign required; advanced preferredIntermediate skills in MS Office Suite requiredStrong portfolio showcasing applied computational design within high-performance or technically intensive environments.Demonstrated software development skills (e.g., Python, C#, JavaScript) and experience building internal tools or plugins for design teams.Experience integrating computational tools with BIM environments, particularly for large-scale, technically complex typologies.Ability to balance design innovation with code compliance, systems coordination, and uptime/redundancy requirements typical in data center projects.Proven track record collaborating within interdisciplinary teams and translating abstract ideas into actionable solutions.Passion for automation, optimization, and data-informed decision making in architectural practice.Basic to Intermediate ability to construct, navigate, and manipulate complex data structures.Basic knowledge of computational design methodologies such as development of advanced environmental simulation workflows and generative design solutions requiredBasic working knowledge of advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing requiredIntermediate knowledge of the processes of design, fabrication and construction of complex projects and their impact on the built environment requiredIntermediate knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required; advanced preferredIntermediate knowledge of materials, construction techniques, building codes and QA/QC process required; advanced preferredIntermediate experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy required; advanced preferredIntermediate presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required; advanced preferredIntermediate ability to work iteratively across a variety of project typologies and among multiple BIM platforms requiredIntermediate ability to conduct design studies with minimal supervision requiredBasic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writingBasic ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions requiredBasic ability to work and collaborate in a team environment requiredBasic ability to work on multiple projects at the same time requiredBasic ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityrequiredBase Salary Range: $77k - $97k annually - applies to Chicago, Seattle and Washington DC locations onlyThe estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired at the above locations only. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long-term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits, visit this page.If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17