Practice (formerly GGA+)Designing Joyful Places for Social Change
Practice is an ideas and research-based, human-centered studio, with a mission of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive urban environments. We believe in holistic design that is deeply rooted in community. Our studio culture supports every individual and values curiosity, humor, and life balance as much as rigor and expertise. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, flexible work schedules, and work-from-home options, Practice has a dynamic, collaborative design culture that encourages personal growth and learning through an informal, collegial, safe environment that fosters inclusivity, encourages risk taking, and, above all else, thinking big!
Values and Responsibilities
Design. This role plays a central part in shaping design excellence across all project phases—from early concept through detailed documentation. Exceptional modeling, graphic, and design development skills are essential, alongside the ability to generate and evolve creative ideas both independently and in collaboration with others. Responsibilities include leading and participating in internal design charrettes, coordinating the iterative development of design concepts, and preparing clear, compelling presentation materials. Research into materials, systems, and finishes will also inform the work, with thoughtful selections made in alignment with the project’s vision and the firm’s values. Through this role, curiosity, inclusion, social responsibility, and craftsmanship are not only practiced—but embodied.
Project Execution. Successful design is inseparable from clear, rigorous execution. This position supports all phases of project delivery, contributing to the development of technical documentation, specification coordination, and construction administration. Working in close collaboration with Project Architects and Project Managers, this role helps ensure timely, accurate progress across design milestones, including input on schedules, material reviews, and quality control. Depending on project scope and scale, responsibilities may also include aspects of project management. A spirit of mentorship, collaboration, and accountability is essential, as is a commitment to firmwide delivery standards and an inclusive, growth-oriented studio culture.
Team Leadership. Leadership is cultivated through trust, clarity, and care. This role supports the organization and direction of project teams, helping to coordinate workflows and uphold standards across disciplines and collaborators. Strong communication skills are key, fostering cohesion across teams while promoting open dialogue and shared purpose. Mentorship is a core expectation, with senior staff encouraged to guide, support, and empower emerging designers. Through active engagement, this position plays a role in championing the studio’s mission and values, building a practice where listening, learning, and meaningful impact are part of the everyday.
Quality Control and Technical Leadership. At the heart of design excellence is precision. This role ensures that project documentation reflects both the firm’s technical rigor and each client’s specific requirements, contributing to a body of work that is consistent, resilient, and visionary.
Marketing and Business Development. Practice thrives on deep and lasting relationships and partnerships with a wide and diverse network of clients, colleagues, and collaborators. It is incumbent on all of us at Practice to develop and maintain positive connections with internal and external collaborators, and to deepen our relationships by seeking opportunities to engage with industry and professional events. This role is particularly critical in that context as it requires significant interface with clients and external collaborators.
Culture Stewardship. More than a workplace, Practice is a platform for shared values and collective aspiration. This role helps nurture and embody the studio’s mission and guiding principles – Co-Creation, Inclusive Impact, Holistic Sustainability, Joy, Listening, and Optimism. Through everyday actions and long-term commitments, the firm’s culture is carried forward – purposefully, authentically, and with care.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6-8 years of postgraduate professional experience.
- Professional degree in architecture (MArch or BArch).
- DSA, or experience in affordable housing, is a plus.
- Experience with Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite, Lumion, digital fabrication, Microsoft Office, hand sketching, etc.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
- Compensation is commensurate with experience. Annual salary ranges from $80,000 to $115,000 + benefits package.
- Email inquiries to jobs@practicela.com
- In the subject line, please use the following format:
PROJECT CAPTAIN_YOUR NAME - Please include a cover letter, CV, and portfolio of professional and personal work (file not to exceed 10mb).
Practice values the individuality of every person. We believe that a safe, inclusive, and transparent environment—where authenticity is welcomed—fuels curiosity, drives innovation, and strengthens our work, our clients, and the communities we serve. We are committed to equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
