Design Technician (Architecture Studio)

Otak is looking for a creative, motivated, and highly collaborative individual to join our Architecture Studio as a Design Technician in our Denver, CO or Portland, OR office.

Join a dynamic studio as a vital member of our team, you will prepare presentation materials, model buildings, prepare renderings, and construction documents in support of every phase of design. Collaborate with our interdisciplinary design professionals on a variety of project types and sizes, ranging from mixed-use developments, multifamily buildings, and park structures. You will contribute to our vibrant culture of collaboration and innovation, where your ideas and creativity are valued. Under the mentorship of a Project Architect, you will build a foundation to grow and deepen your architectural knowledge of the multifaceted world of design and construction. This is your opportunity to build your career in an interdisciplinary setting, where every day brings new challenges and exciting possibilities!

At Otak, we don’t just create spaces; we craft experiences that elevate the communities where we live, work, and play. Our visionary designers are passionate about shaping a brighter future – our design philosophy is rooted in the present, with a clear vision for the future. We are dedicated to enhancing the human experience through innovative and thoughtful design. For over 40 years, we’ve cultivated a dynamic, award-winning team renowned for its multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, and construction management. Join us as we continue to imagine, plan, and create extraordinary places that inspire and enrich lives.

How You'll Contribute:

• Contribute to projects as a fully integrated member of the design team, participating at all phases of design.
• Develop a thorough understanding of a project’s design philosophy and provide input in developing a design and building performance strategy.
• Work alongside project team members to create BIM models, technical drawings, renderings, colored elevations, and other graphic documents for meetings, presentations, and submittals.
• Collaborate with internal and external team members to define the overall design direction, coordinate building systems, develop architectural design details, and prepare documents to support the design review and construction processes.
• Hone problem solving skills through iteration and development of innovative solutions to solve technical and design challenges.
• Research materials and systems that support project goals, including sustainability, aesthetics, constructability, and building enclosure performance.
• Assist in field verification, including field measurements and record documentation.
• Review submittal drawings and material samples for conformance with design.
• Participate in maintaining contact with clients, consultants, and contractors during all project phases, including marketing and client/owner presentations as required.
• Gain experience in a professional setting, working with team members, consultants, clients, and other Otak disciplines.

The Strengths You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or related field.
• 3 to 8 years of professional architectural experience.
• Strong passion for developing innovative design solutions that meaningfully improve people’s lives.
• Collaborative communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Resourcefulness, self-motivation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate in a variety of mediums, including written, computer modeling, hand sketching, model building, rendering, etc.
  • Experience using Revit and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) is required.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, V-ray, or other 3D modeling software is a plus.
  • Proficiency with Bluebeam and Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of architectural principles including:
  • Knowledge of principles of sustainability and integrated design.
  • Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Project Delivery methods.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with diverse project team members.
  • Knowledge of building materials and systems and able to develop construction details.
  • Knowledge of basic structural systems and MEP systems to ensure proper coordination of the work produced by such disciplines.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $87,000 per year

Benefits

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firm — you’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding — and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

All employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak’s People Services Department at

GRPHumanResources@otak.com

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!