Architectural Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Architectural designers are sponsored routinely by top U.S. firms including Gensler, SOM, HOK, Perkins&Will, and KPF, which recruit globally because design talent is inherently international and the role clearly requires a professional architecture degree. Salaries range from $55,000 for entry-level designers to $120,000 or more for senior project architects.
Find Architectural Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 345+ Architectural Designer jobs
See all 345+ Architectural Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Architectural Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsWhy Work at BYU
As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”
Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.
Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Architectural Draftsperson (part-time, 28 hours/week)
The Architectural Draftsperson provides architectural drafting, space planning, facility documentation, and project support services for campus renovation, maintenance, deferred maintenance, and capital improvement projects. Assists Facilities Planning architects and project managers by developing construction documents, maintaining campus facility records, conducting field verification, and supporting project planning and execution.
What you’ll do in this position:
- Architectural Drafting and Document Production
- Facility Documentation and Record Drawing Management
- Project Planning and Design Support
- Project Coordination and Construction Support
- Code, Accessibility, and Standards Support
- Space and Facilities Data Management
What qualifies you for this role:
Required
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU
- Associate degree in Architectural Drafting, Architectural Technology, Building Design, or related field.
- Three years of experience in architectural drafting, facility planning, construction documentation, or related work.
- Experience using AutoCAD and Revit in a professional environment.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.
- Knowledge of architectural drafting standards and construction documentation practices.
- Understanding of building construction methods, materials, and systems.
- Ability to perform accurate field measurements and building assessments.
- Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Studies, Construction Management, or related field.
- Experience with higher education, institutional, healthcare, or public-sector facilities.
- Experience preparing renovation and tenant improvement construction documents.
- Familiarity with facility management and space planning practices.
- Knowledge of building codes, ADA accessibility requirements, and life safety regulations.
- Experience with Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and facility management software.
- Familiarity with campus planning, space management, and asset documentation systems.
- BIM certification or advanced Revit experience.
What we offer in return:
This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:
- 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
- Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
- Tuition benefits after two years
- Access to athletic facilities
- Access to the library
- Free on-campus parking
- Free UTA passes for employee, spouse, and qualified dependents
- Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU
Pay Grade: 52
Typical Starting Pay: $31.25 to $40.50 an hour
If the job has a post-end date, the last day to apply is the day before. If the job doesn’t have a post-end date, the job could close at any time on any day.
Required Documents:
All Staff positions require a resume.
Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!
Why Work at BYU
As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”
Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.
Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Architectural Draftsperson (part-time, 28 hours/week)
The Architectural Draftsperson provides architectural drafting, space planning, facility documentation, and project support services for campus renovation, maintenance, deferred maintenance, and capital improvement projects. Assists Facilities Planning architects and project managers by developing construction documents, maintaining campus facility records, conducting field verification, and supporting project planning and execution.
What you’ll do in this position:
- Architectural Drafting and Document Production
- Facility Documentation and Record Drawing Management
- Project Planning and Design Support
- Project Coordination and Construction Support
- Code, Accessibility, and Standards Support
- Space and Facilities Data Management
What qualifies you for this role:
Required
- A firm commitment to the mission of BYU
- Associate degree in Architectural Drafting, Architectural Technology, Building Design, or related field.
- Three years of experience in architectural drafting, facility planning, construction documentation, or related work.
- Experience using AutoCAD and Revit in a professional environment.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.
- Knowledge of architectural drafting standards and construction documentation practices.
- Understanding of building construction methods, materials, and systems.
- Ability to perform accurate field measurements and building assessments.
- Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Studies, Construction Management, or related field.
- Experience with higher education, institutional, healthcare, or public-sector facilities.
- Experience preparing renovation and tenant improvement construction documents.
- Familiarity with facility management and space planning practices.
- Knowledge of building codes, ADA accessibility requirements, and life safety regulations.
- Experience with Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and facility management software.
- Familiarity with campus planning, space management, and asset documentation systems.
- BIM certification or advanced Revit experience.
What we offer in return:
This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:
- 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
- Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
- Tuition benefits after two years
- Access to athletic facilities
- Access to the library
- Free on-campus parking
- Free UTA passes for employee, spouse, and qualified dependents
- Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU
Pay Grade: 52
Typical Starting Pay: $31.25 to $40.50 an hour
If the job has a post-end date, the last day to apply is the day before. If the job doesn’t have a post-end date, the job could close at any time on any day.
Required Documents:
All Staff positions require a resume.
Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!
See all 345+ Architectural Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Architectural Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Architectural Designer
Top Design Firms Sponsor Routinely
Gensler, SOM, HOK, Perkins&Will, NBBJ, KPF, Zaha Hadid Architects, and BIG all sponsor architectural designers through H-1B. These firms recruit globally because design talent is inherently international and they value diverse design perspectives. Apply through their career pages and attend AIA and design conference recruiting events where these firms interview candidates.
Revit and BIM Proficiency Is Non-Negotiable
Every major U.S. firm runs on Revit for production work, and advanced BIM coordination skills (Navisworks, Dynamo scripting, clash detection) are in acute demand. If your training emphasized hand-drawing or other platforms, invest in Revit proficiency before applying. Computational design skills in Grasshopper and Dynamo add a premium that differentiates you from domestic candidates.
Pursue ARE Exams and Licensure Track
Architectural Registration Examination (ARE) completion and progress toward state licensure dramatically improve your sponsorship prospects and long-term career trajectory. Licensed architects can stamp drawings and take project-level responsibility, making them significantly more valuable to employers. Start NCARB AXP hours as soon as possible and begin ARE divisions during your first U.S. position.
Healthcare and Data Center Architecture Are Fastest Growing
Healthcare facility design (hospitals, ambulatory care, research labs) and data center architecture are two sectors with the most urgent hiring needs. Firms specializing in healthcare architecture (HDR, HKS, Perkins&Will) and tech companies building data centers (Amazon, Google, Microsoft) are expanding design teams. Experience with FGI healthcare guidelines or critical facility design gives you a niche advantage.
Computational Design Skills Command a Premium
Firms increasingly seek designers who can bridge traditional architecture with parametric modeling, environmental simulation, and generative design using Grasshopper, Dynamo, Ladybug, and custom Python scripts. If you have computational design training from programs like SCI-Arc, MIT, or the AA, you fill a niche that most U.S. graduates cannot. This specialization justifies sponsorship and accelerates career advancement.
TN Architect Category Works for Canadian and Mexican Designers
The Architect profession on the USMCA treaty list covers architectural design roles. Canadians can apply at the border for same-day approval with no lottery or cap. Even if you are not yet licensed, the TN Architect category can apply to designer roles where the duties and degree align with the professional classification. Work with your employer's immigration counsel to frame the petition correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for sponsored Architectural Designer roles in the U.S.?
Entry-level architectural designers earn $55,000 to $75,000 depending on firm size and market. Mid-level designers with 5 to 8 years of experience earn $75,000 to $100,000, with senior designers and project designers at top firms in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles earning $100,000 to $130,000. Design directors and principals at firms like Gensler, SOM, and KPF earn significantly more. H-1B visa LCA filings for architectural roles typically show base salaries of $60,000 to $95,000.
Which visa types do Architectural Designers typically use?
H-1B is the most common pathway and has strong approval rates because architecture roles clearly require a degree in architecture. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican citizens, as Architect is explicitly listed on the USMCA treaty profession list. O-1 visas are used by designers with published work, design awards, or significant built projects. L-1 visa transfers are common at multinational firms like Foster + Partners, BIG, and OMA. E-3 visa serves Australian nationals.
What types of firms sponsor Architectural Designers?
Large architecture firms are the most frequent sponsors. Gensler, SOM, HOK, Perkins&Will, KPF, NBBJ, HKS, and Ennead all sponsor H-1B for architectural designers. International firms with U.S. offices like Foster + Partners, BIG, Zaha Hadid Architects, OMA, and Snohetta also sponsor through H-1B or L-1 transfers. Mid-size firms with 50 or more employees may sponsor for specialized positions, but smaller studios rarely have the resources.
How to find Architectural Designer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Architectural Designer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international talent with sponsoring employers. Focus on architectural firms, construction companies, and engineering consultancies that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, or other work visas. These employers often need specialized design skills and are willing to sponsor qualified international architects and designers.
Do I need a U.S. architecture license to be sponsored?
No. Architectural designer roles do not require licensure, which is why the title is 'designer' rather than 'architect.' You can work on design and documentation under the supervision of a licensed architect. However, pursuing licensure through the ARE (Architect Registration Examination) after gaining U.S. experience significantly advances your career and compensation. NCARB evaluates international credentials for licensure eligibility.
What qualifications strengthen an Architectural Designer's sponsorship case?
A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch from an NAAB-accredited program, or an equivalent international degree evaluated by NCARB or WES) is the baseline requirement. Proficiency in Revit is nearly universal for U.S. practice, and firms also value Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite skills. Experience with sustainability standards like LEED or WELL, healthcare or laboratory design specialization, or parametric design expertise makes you more competitive for sponsorship.