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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At CRB, we design and build some of the most powerful facilities in the world — those that change people's lives. We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.
Job Description
The Architectural Designer performs their job functions under the supervision of a project’s Architect of Record. Responsibilities include assisting with 3D modeling and design, conducting field investigations, and producing discipline specific deliverables. The Designer will work on a variety of architectural assignments, including initial programming, planning, scope and concept development and construction documentation. Close coordination with architectural, engineering and construction staff will be needed to ensure assignments are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Generate design and construction models and associated documentation, including floor and ceiling plans, elevations, sections and details utilizing Revit or other BIM software.
- Generate drawings based on markups provided by Architectural staff.
- Perform drawing reviews to confirm compliance with CRB Documentation Standards.
- Work closely with Engineering and Construction personnel to develop and ensure coordinated designs.
- Assist with field investigations and information gathering.
- Participate and contribute during drawing reviews, coordination meetings and quality checks.
- Assist in development and generation of studies, presentations and reports.
Qualifications
- Accredited Professional Degree in Architecture (B.Arch, M.Arch, and/or D.Arch) or Canadian / International equivalent) preferred
- Applicable Associate Degree or Technical Trade School Certification accepted
- Minimum three years professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in Revit and Microsoft Office suite
- Experience with Enscape, Navisworks and AutoCAD
- Flexibility for moderate travel in support of project-based or training activities
- LEED Accreditation, WELL Certification or similar sustainability credentials
- Experience developing, coordinating and executing architectural design and documentation
- Knowledge of, and/or experience with advanced technology industry projects including R&D labs, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food & nutrition and/or consumer products
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening.
CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CRB without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CRB. Please, no phone calls or emails.
CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Company Description
At CRB, we design and build some of the most powerful facilities in the world — those that change people's lives. We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.
Job Description
The Architectural Designer performs their job functions under the supervision of a project’s Architect of Record. Responsibilities include assisting with 3D modeling and design, conducting field investigations, and producing discipline specific deliverables. The Designer will work on a variety of architectural assignments, including initial programming, planning, scope and concept development and construction documentation. Close coordination with architectural, engineering and construction staff will be needed to ensure assignments are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Generate design and construction models and associated documentation, including floor and ceiling plans, elevations, sections and details utilizing Revit or other BIM software.
- Generate drawings based on markups provided by Architectural staff.
- Perform drawing reviews to confirm compliance with CRB Documentation Standards.
- Work closely with Engineering and Construction personnel to develop and ensure coordinated designs.
- Assist with field investigations and information gathering.
- Participate and contribute during drawing reviews, coordination meetings and quality checks.
- Assist in development and generation of studies, presentations and reports.
Qualifications
- Accredited Professional Degree in Architecture (B.Arch, M.Arch, and/or D.Arch) or Canadian / International equivalent) preferred
- Applicable Associate Degree or Technical Trade School Certification accepted
- Minimum three years professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in Revit and Microsoft Office suite
- Experience with Enscape, Navisworks and AutoCAD
- Flexibility for moderate travel in support of project-based or training activities
- LEED Accreditation, WELL Certification or similar sustainability credentials
- Experience developing, coordinating and executing architectural design and documentation
- Knowledge of, and/or experience with advanced technology industry projects including R&D labs, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food & nutrition and/or consumer products
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening.
CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CRB without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CRB. Please, no phone calls or emails.
CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
See all 118+ 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.