Sr. Regenerative Designer

Overview:

A recognized leader who works with HKS experts to deliver regenerative design solutions and advance regenerative design strategies across multiple disciplines and project types.

Focuses on creating built environments that restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, social equity, human wellbeing, and contribute to climate-positive outcomes.

Possesses deep experience in sustainability and design innovation, with a deep understanding of nature-based solutions, circular economy principles, and emerging technologies that support a regenerative future
Holds strong communication skills, a flexible attitude, ability to solve problems creatively and ability to foster and manage effective client relationships.

Coordinates with design talent across the firm and industry to elevate the quality of work overall.

Endorses the firm’s values by personally influencing client service, innovation and communication.

Acts as subject matter expert for design solutions.

Responsibilities:

Drives the integration of regenerative design principles across HKS projects, advocating for innovative approaches that move beyond industry sustainability standards to assist in making HKS the most influential firm in the industry and a leader in regenerative design

Collaborates with design teams to develop cutting-edge regenerative design solutions that prioritize carbon neutrality, water-positive strategies, and social well-being

Leads sustainability and regenerative design efforts on projects, ensuring solutions align with client goals and HKS’s sustainability vision

Stays at the forefront of emerging trends in biomimicry, circular design, net-positive development, material innovation and translates research into actionable design strategies

Works with internal teams, external partners, and clients to foster a culture of regenerative thinking, and provides mentorship to junior designers and sustainability specialists

Educates and assists in guiding project teams through certifications such as LEED (v4/v5), WELL, Living Building Challenge (LBC), Passive House, and SE2050 to meet or exceed environmental performance targets, in collaboration with HKS’ DesignGreen

Works with HKS subject experts to integrate Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), Embodied Carbon Analysis, Circular Economy Strategies, and Advanced Energy Modeling into the design process.

Represents HKS, alongside HKS’ DesignGreen and the Innovation Practice in industry forums, conferences, and research collaborations related to regenerative design, climate resilience, and sustainability policy

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Accredited degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, Sustainable Design, or related field; master’s degree or higher preferred

Typically 10+ years of experience in architecture, urban design, or sustainability consulting, with a strong focus on regenerative design

Experience with AIA 2030 Commitment and SE2050 Carbon Reduction Framework strongly preferred

Licenses and Certifications

Architectural registration, professional engineer license, or equivalent preferred

Professional accreditation in LEED AP (BD+C, O+M, or ND), WELL AP, and Living Future Accredited (LFA) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
 

Advanced – expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
Intermediate – experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
Basic – familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and may perform elementary functions depending on role

Advanced knowledge of parametric modeling (Grasshopper and Dynamo) required

Advanced knowledge of climate modeling, Tally, Once Click LCA required

Advanced knowledge of energy analysis tools (Cove.Tool, IES, Sefaira or similar) required

Intermediate skills in in MS Office Suite required; advanced preferred

Intermediate knowledge of geospatial analytics, regenerative agriculture practices, and circular economy principles required

Intermediate knowledge of and engagement with broad holistic place-based context that may serve as the foundational understanding for regenerative design required, including an understanding of regional ecosystems, human wellbeing, and global supply chains

Intermediate understanding of the relationship of the built and natural environments, and fierce passion for creating harmony and regeneration

Advanced experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy required

Advanced knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required

Advanced knowledge of the appropriate use of building systems, materials and technologies record required

Advanced knowledge of architectural building systems, applicable codes and regulations required

Advanced presentation skills and graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required

Advanced organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required

Advanced ability to develop strong, candid, open working relationships with core consultants including MEP engineers, structural engineers, urban designers, and ecological landscape designers

Advanced ability to articulate the connections, implications, and impact between building systems, the building industry and contextual implications such as thriving human communities and regional or global ecosystems

Advanced ability managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment required

Advanced leadership abilities with a track record of driving high-impact projects required

Advanced ability to collaborate across disciplines and navigate complex problem-solving scenarios required

Intermediate ability to facilitate an open integrated team dynamic that explores and delivers greater value through wholistic systems synergies required

Advanced ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships required

Advanced ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing required

Advanced ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions required

Advanced ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality required

Travel may be required

Base Salary Range: $120k - $175k annually – applies to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. locations only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired at the Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. locations only.

We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role.

Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees.