OPT Architectural Designer Jobs
Architectural Designer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, as the role directly aligns with architecture and design degrees required for OPT authorization. Most positions qualify under STEM-adjacent fields, and some roles with a computational or engineering focus may support a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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Get Access To All JobsArchitectural Design Coordinator
- (194603)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
HDR is seeking an Architectural Design Coordinator to join our growing Atlanta studio and support our commitment to achieving a regenerative and carbon-balanced building portfolio by 2030. As a leading voice in Regenerative Design, we envision a world where infrastructure gives back, water is protected, natural systems are valued, biodiversity thrives, health is prioritized, nothing is wasted, development is responsible, renewable energy is accessible to all, and society is just. Join us in turning these goals into reality for every project and the communities we serve. At HDR, Design Coordinators join the professional ranks of designers to gain experience and build knowledge prior to licensure.
As an Architectural Design Coordinator, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience working on exciting projects, including healthcare, water, and master planning.
- Connect with peers and leaders through mentoring programs and our Young Professionals Network.
- Work under the guidance of architects, project managers, and other professionals to evaluate, select and apply architectural techniques, procedures and modifications to architectural construction documents.
- Perform architectural assignments with only general instruction from the Project Architect or Project Manager regarding the expected results.
- May work directly with owners/clients to select and recommend procedures - Write specifications covering architectural matters and perform code reviews.
- Assist Project Architects, other Architectural Project Coordinators or Technicians as needed, and take responsibility for work in all phases of the architectural process.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support project success. Apply today and help shape a regenerative future.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Architecture
- Experience in the areas of healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities
- Experience and/or interest in low-carbon and healthy materials
- Experience and/or interest in regenerative design/LBC
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED/SDGs
- Experience and/or interest in Fitwel/WELL
- Experience and/or interest in AIA Framework for Design Excellence
- Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and 3-D Studio Max
- Rhino and Grasshopper experience
- Local candidates preferred.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
- Must possess credentials to obtain future registration
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
- Desire to pursue growth opportunities and eventually obtain registration
- Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process
- Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
PRIMARY LOCATION:
United States-Georgia-Atlanta
INDUSTRY:
Architecture
SCHEDULE:
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS:
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS:
Health ARC
JOB POSTING:
Aug 7, 2026
Architectural Design Coordinator
- (194603)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
HDR is seeking an Architectural Design Coordinator to join our growing Atlanta studio and support our commitment to achieving a regenerative and carbon-balanced building portfolio by 2030. As a leading voice in Regenerative Design, we envision a world where infrastructure gives back, water is protected, natural systems are valued, biodiversity thrives, health is prioritized, nothing is wasted, development is responsible, renewable energy is accessible to all, and society is just. Join us in turning these goals into reality for every project and the communities we serve. At HDR, Design Coordinators join the professional ranks of designers to gain experience and build knowledge prior to licensure.
As an Architectural Design Coordinator, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience working on exciting projects, including healthcare, water, and master planning.
- Connect with peers and leaders through mentoring programs and our Young Professionals Network.
- Work under the guidance of architects, project managers, and other professionals to evaluate, select and apply architectural techniques, procedures and modifications to architectural construction documents.
- Perform architectural assignments with only general instruction from the Project Architect or Project Manager regarding the expected results.
- May work directly with owners/clients to select and recommend procedures - Write specifications covering architectural matters and perform code reviews.
- Assist Project Architects, other Architectural Project Coordinators or Technicians as needed, and take responsibility for work in all phases of the architectural process.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support project success. Apply today and help shape a regenerative future.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Architecture
- Experience in the areas of healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities
- Experience and/or interest in low-carbon and healthy materials
- Experience and/or interest in regenerative design/LBC
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED/SDGs
- Experience and/or interest in Fitwel/WELL
- Experience and/or interest in AIA Framework for Design Excellence
- Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and 3-D Studio Max
- Rhino and Grasshopper experience
- Local candidates preferred.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
- Must possess credentials to obtain future registration
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
- Desire to pursue growth opportunities and eventually obtain registration
- Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process
- Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
PRIMARY LOCATION:
United States-Georgia-Atlanta
INDUSTRY:
Architecture
SCHEDULE:
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS:
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS:
Health ARC
JOB POSTING:
Aug 7, 2026
See all 117+ OPT Architectural Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Architectural Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Architectural Designer
Target firms that already file H-1B petitions
Firms that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to hire OPT students. Search Department of Labor disclosure data for architecture firms with a history of LCA filings before applying.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Let hiring managers know your OPT start date and expiration. Firms plan project staffing months ahead, and a clear timeline helps them evaluate whether sponsorship makes sense before your work authorization expires.
Emphasize software skills that justify sponsorship
Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, ArchiCAD, or computational design tools like Grasshopper signals specialized value. Firms are more willing to sponsor candidates with technical skills that are genuinely difficult to replace.
Pursue licensure milestones to strengthen your case
Passing ARE sections or enrolling in the AXP program demonstrates long-term commitment to the profession. Firms investing in your visa sponsorship want confidence you're building a career, not just filling a short-term role.
Focus on firms with active project pipelines
Mid-size firms with ongoing commercial, healthcare, or civic projects have sustained hiring needs. Consistent project backlog means they need reliable staffing, which makes sponsoring a strong OPT candidate a practical business decision.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly architecture roles
Browse Migrate Mate to find Architectural Designer positions posted by employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves time and connects you directly with firms that understand your situation.
Architectural Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Architectural Designer role qualify for OPT?
Yes, Architectural Designer positions qualify for OPT when your degree is in architecture, architectural engineering, or a closely related design field. Your job duties must directly relate to your major field of study. USCIS requires a practical connection between your degree and the work you perform, so a role focused on design development, construction documentation, or project coordination with an architecture background meets that standard.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as an Architectural Designer?
It depends on your degree classification. A Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture is not always listed under the official STEM designated degree program list, but degrees in architectural engineering, computational design, or urban systems often are. If your diploma falls under a STEM CIP code, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Do architecture firms commonly sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Large and mid-size firms with institutional, commercial, or healthcare portfolios sponsor H-1B visas more often than small residential studios. Firms like Gensler, HOK, and Perkins&Will have consistent H-1B filing histories. Smaller firms may be willing but lack the HR infrastructure to manage the process without outside counsel. Sponsorship is most common when you've built demonstrable value during your OPT period.
How should I explain my OPT status to architecture firm recruiters?
Be direct and specific. Tell recruiters your OPT authorization period, your STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and when you'd need H-1B sponsorship. Avoid vague language like 'I'll need a visa eventually.' Firms that have sponsored before respond better to candidates who present their timeline clearly and come prepared with basic knowledge of what the H-1B process involves for the employer.
Where can I find Architectural Designer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and international candidates seeking U.S. roles with visa sponsorship. You can browse Architectural Designer listings from employers who are open to OPT work authorization and understand the sponsorship process. Searching general job boards often surfaces roles where the employer hasn't considered sponsorship at all, which wastes application effort during a time-sensitive OPT window.