Job DescriptionOverview:
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 solutions
Develops computational design tools and libraries for spatial analytics and generative design
Works 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 analysis
Assists project teams as needed in all stages of design, documentation, and fabrication
Develops and applies computational design work plan and implementation strategy
Develops new toolsets for modeling techniques, software platform interoperability and environmental simulation/analysis
Modifies or creates implementation documents, applying standard architectural techniques and procedures and according to written and verbal specifications with general supervision
Produces graphic presentations, 3D renderings and implementation documents
Assists in preparing schedules and reviewing implementation documents and samples as needed
Compiles data and performs design computations in collaboration with project team
Collaborates on design and technical resolution and coordination for a defined portion of a project
Works with senior designer(s) and project team(s) on conceptual designs, presentations, design development and production to deliver projects on time and within budget
Assists in preparing client presentations and presents project design intent
Performs product research; assists project designers with material selection and system research
Communicates with other disciplines, vendors and contractors to incorporate information into design, project requirements and documents as needed
Understands industry standard construction techniques, building regulations and engineering principles to apply to project plans
Collaborates on the development of design throughout appropriate phases of the project
May participate in project proposals to develop design solutions
Supports design effort and client presentations to develop client relationships
May support research of code and zoning requirements
Assists in the research of material requirements and costs for projects
Prepares presentation/design drawings and may build models for client/project team review
Coordinates with consultants, contractors and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives
Collaborate to resolve complex design issues with innovative and practical solutions
Works with team to manage client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination
May attend on-site visits, field reviews and client and/or project meetings and documents these visits as appropriate
Provides guidance and direction to entry-level staff as appropriate
Participates in team meetings to discuss project issues, design and technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
Travel may be required
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field, post-graduate or MSc with fabrication-oriented research concentrations preferred
Typically 5+ years of experience, with a minimum of 3 years on mission critical / data center projects.
Licenses and Certifications
Architectural registration strongly preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Advanced - expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
Intermediate - experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
Basic - familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and can perform elementary functions
Advanced skills in Rhino, Grasshopper and Dynamo or Rhino.Inside required
Intermediate skills in Revit and Bluebeam required
Basic skills in Twinmotion, Enscape or other visualization tools required; intermediate preferred
Basic skills in Navisworks required
Intermediate experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign required; advanced preferred
Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite required
Strong 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 required
Basic working knowledge of advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing required
Intermediate knowledge of the processes of design, fabrication and construction of complex projects and their impact on the built environment required
Intermediate knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required; advanced preferred
Intermediate knowledge of materials, construction techniques, building codes and QA/QC process required; advanced preferred
Intermediate experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy required; advanced preferred
Intermediate presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required; advanced preferred
Intermediate ability to work iteratively across a variety of project typologies and among multiple BIM platforms required
Intermediate ability to conduct design studies with minimal supervision required
Basic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
Basic ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions required
Basic ability to work and collaborate in a team environment required
Basic ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required
Basic ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityrequired
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
HKS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, advancement, compensation, and termination. HKS’ policies, including its Affirmative Action Programs, are designed to not only ensure legal compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination and retaliation laws, but to carry out the principles of equal employment opportunities in all job categories. Deliberate and conscious effort is made to make employment decisions that are consistent with these equal employment opportunity principles. HKS will recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status or disability; and ensure that all employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements. Employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination for filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance evaluation or hearing, opposing and/or exercising any other right made unlawful by Executive Order 11246, Sections 503 and 38 USC 4212, as amended, or their implementing regulations, or any other Federal, State or local laws requiring equal opportunity.