Basecamp Design Workshop

Entry-Level Architectural Designer

About the Role:

Basecamp Design Workshop is seeking a driven, design-focused Entry-Level Architectural Designer to join our collaborative studio in Portland, Maine. In this role, you will working in a hybrid remote capacity directly alongside our leadership team on custom residential and commercial projects, contributing to all project phases from initial site analysis and massing to detailed construction documentation and marketing. We are looking for someone who shares our deep reverence for the New England landscape, a passion for regional vernacular design, and a strong commitment to building science and sustainable design.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Developing design studies, architectural concept diagrams, and visual representations for client presentations.

  • Modeling and drafting drawing sets across all design, permitting, and construction documentation phases.

  • Assisting in crafting graphic representations, project case studies, and digital media for firm marketing and client outreach.

  • Participating in site visits, zoning reviews, field documentation, and construction administration support.

  • Developing and documenting practice wide standards for future coordination with project teams.

  • Integrating Passive House principles, thermal bridging mitigation, and sound building science through iterative studies throughout the design process.

Qualifications & Desired Attributes:

  • Education: Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).

  • Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp. Proficiency with TwinMotion and Adobe Creative Cloud or Affinity Suite (Photoshop/Affinity Photo, Illustrator/Affinity Designer, InDesign/Affinity Publisher). Experience with WUFI Passive and THERM is encouraged.

  • Building Science: Foundational knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for high-performance building envelope assemblies and Passive House standards. Familiarity with the PHIUS Standards and Guidebook is encouraged.

  • Experience: Educational or practical exposure to custom residential design and construction methodologies. Experience developing marketing materials is a plus.

  • Licensure & Growth: Actively pursuing licensure (enrolled in AXP / actively preparing for the ARE)

  • Residency: Based in the greater Southern Maine geographic area with the ability to collaborate in our Portland studio a few times each week at least.

  • Design Mindset: A passion for regional vernacular architecture—creating site-specific structures uniquely designed to respond to local topographies, microclimates, and context.

  • Culture Fit: An authentic passion for spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, fitting right into our New England lifestyle and active studio culture.

Compensation & Benefits

This position is structured as a trial-to-permanent role, providing both parties an opportunity to evaluate fit, workflow, and project integration before long-term commitment:

Initial Trial Period (Months 1–4)

  • Status: 1099 Independent Contractor.

  • Compensation: Competitive hourly contractor rate commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with New England architectural benchmarks. 

  • Benefits: Benefits are not offered during the 4-month trial period.

Full-Time Conversion (Month 5 Onward)

  • Salary: Competitive yearly salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with the AIA Small Firm Compensation & Benefits Report benchmarks for the New England region, plus potential annual discretionary cash performance bonuses.

  • Health & Wellness: Employer-subsidized medical coverage, with optional dental and vision care coverage. 

  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) / defined contribution retirement savings plan with firm match. 

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Three weeks of combined paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days) plus twelve company holidays. 

  • Licensure & Professional Development Support:

    • Full financial support for NCARB record fees, PassivHausMaine membership, PHIUS Alliance membership, and AIA membership contingent on involvement. 

    • 100% coverage for passed ARE exam fees, access to ARE study materials/classes, and dedicated paid time off to prepare for and take professional licensure exams. 

    • Full financial support for passed Certified Passive House Consultant Exam, access to study materials, and dedicated paid time off to prepare for and take CPHC exams.

    • Direct funding stipend for professional development seminars, workshops, and building science conferences. 

    • In-house mentorship programming and direct exposure to all project phases. 

  • Workplace Flexibility: Flexible working hours (flex-time), hybrid remote work flexibility, and casual dress environment.

How to Apply

We will be accepting applications until the end of November. Interviews will be scheduled between November and December and the hired candidate is expected to begin the role in January 2027.

To apply, please submit your resume, portfolio (PDF or web link under 20MB), and a brief cover letter describing your interest in high-performance architecture and why you’d like to work in Portland, Maine to Tmass@BaseCampDesignWorkshop.com


Kelli Shedd