Architectural Designer

About Primer

Primer is expanding a connected network of K–8 schools focused on bringing back the core foundations of American education. The schools are built around small, tight-knit learning communities, strong educators, and a culture that treats children as serious learners and future leaders.

The organization draws inspiration from the early teaching primers that helped shape generations of readers, thinkers, and builders, with the goal of preparing students for the future while staying rooted in what has historically worked well.

About the Role

Each new Primer campus begins as an empty facility in a city where the organization has not operated before. The responsibility of converting that space into a functioning school falls to this role. The work must be completed quickly, within budget, and in a way that feels authentically aligned with Primer from the moment students arrive.

This is not a support function attached to real estate. The speed at which campuses open depends heavily on how efficiently and effectively this role manages the process, and the standards established here become the template for future campuses.

What You'll Do

• Evaluate potential sites before lease signing by reviewing feasibility, code requirements, zoning, traffic, parking, test layouts, and space programming, then make the final recommendation on whether a location should move forward. You will also create the evaluation process so future reviews can be completed much faster.
• Oversee permitting work across different jurisdictions, including building permits, fire and life safety approvals, ADA compliance, zoning exceptions, and changes of use. You will coordinate civil engineers, fire/life safety specialists, and local architects of record, and manage several active projects at once without missing deadlines.
• Source, specify, and research furniture, equipment, and branded campus materials for each Primer location. You will also build a vendor network and product catalog that other teams can use, while identifying cost-saving opportunities that preserve the student experience.

What We're Looking For

• At least 5 years of experience in architectural project management, interior design, or a closely related field, with hands-on ownership from design through construction.
• Prior experience creating design standards or prototype models for rollout across multiple locations is a strong advantage.
• Exposure to schools, retail, or hospitality environments, or other settings where the physical space directly affects the user experience.
• Strong working knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, fire and life safety rules, zoning, and permitting across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or a comparable design platform, along with comfort using project management tools.
• Ability to create standards and playbooks that others will build from in future projects.
• Capacity to coordinate multiple projects and vendors simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and momentum.

Why This Role May Not Be a Fit

• If you prefer to focus on a single building for an extended period, this role may feel too fast-moving because it spans many sites at once.
• If you want permitting and consultant coordination handled by someone else, this position may not suit you, since you will be expected to manage those details directly.
• If you need a fully defined process before starting, this may be a mismatch because part of the job involves creating the playbook as you go.

Mission and Culture

Primer describes itself as a mission-driven organization that prioritizes work directly tied to its educational mission. The company keeps work focused on mission execution and avoids workplace activism or political activity that is unrelated to that mission. Candidates who are energized by that approach are encouraged to apply.