Building Enclosure Designer

Lerch Bates Company: Studio | LB

Bridging Design Intent and Technical Excellence

At Studio | LB (a Lerch Bates company), we believe that high-performance building enclosure design is integral to the architectural vision. We are seeking a Building Enclosure Designer who wants to master how buildings are put together, ensuring complex facades and exterior systems not only perform but perform beautifully in the real world.

In this role, you will work closely with our leadership team to support the development of high-quality enclosure solutions, technical details, and specifications, 3D models, and design graphics. You will apply building science principles to both modern new construction and historic restoration projects, translating sophisticated concepts into coordinated, constructable, functional, and beautiful design.

This position is with Studio | LB, part of the Lerch Bates family of companies.

Become an Employee-Owner

One of the biggest advantages of working at Lerch Bates is that we are 100% employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Unlike many companies that offer only a salary and retirement plan, eligible employees receive company-funded ESOP shares at no cost to them as part of their long-term retirement benefits.

As Lerch Bates grows, employee-owners share in the company's success. For many employees, the ESOP becomes one of the most valuable financial benefits of their career by helping build meaningful long-term wealth in addition to their salary and traditional 401(k).

When you join Lerch Bates, you are not just building better buildings. You also have the opportunity to build your financial future alongside the company's success.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP. That means when the company succeeds, our employee-owners share in that success. It's more than a retirement benefit—it's an ownership mindset backed by the opportunity to build long-term financial value while helping shape the future of the company.

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Time Allocation

• Approximately 80% of the role is focused on billable technical project delivery, design review, and building science solutions.

• Approximately 20% supports practice growth, business development, client relationship-building, project priming opportunities, proposal support, and service-line advancement.

Technical Design & Building Science

• Produce accurate, detailed work product using Revit, Bluebeam, and Rhino alongside Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), and related tools.

• Develop enclosure system assemblies and details across façade, glazing, curtain wall, roofing, waterproofing, and air/vapor barrier assemblies.

• Interpret architectural and structural drawings to support coordinated, constructable design solutions.

• Apply building science principles (thermal, moisture, air, durability) to support system performance and code compliance.

• Assist with code research, system analysis, and evaluation of enclosure design options, material compatibility, and performance considerations.

Specifications, Materials & Technical Research

• Research and evaluate enclosure materials, systems, and products to support design decisions.

• Assist in drafting and compiling technical specifications and documentation.

• Support product selection, system comparisons, and recommended design approaches.

• Stay current with the latest industry developments, materials, building science practices, and emerging technologies.

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and project teams to support coordinated project execution.

• Participate in design reviews, coordination meetings, and project production efforts.

• Communicate progress, risks, and technical questions clearly and proactively.

• Support and coordinate delivery of projects aligned with scope, schedule, quality, and documentation expectations.

Construction Administration, Field Support & Practice Development

• Support construction administration, including construction meetings, shop drawing reviews, RFIs, submittals, and field-related coordination.

• Assist with site visits, field observations, mockups, and performance testing support.

• Document field conditions and contribute to reports and quality verification efforts.

• Contribute to internal standards, technical libraries, and continuous improvement of design practices.

• Support preparation of graphics, diagrams, and deliverables to communicate technical design intent.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in architectural drafting, construction document production, technical enclosure detailing, or related design work.
• Foundational understanding of building enclosure systems, architectural detailing, construction documentation, and building science principles.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop architectural drawings, wall sections, details, elevations, plans, and specifications.
• Proficiency with Revit, Rhino, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other project documentation tools.
• Strong drafting, modeling, documentation, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to research and apply building codes, energy codes, technical standards, and product requirements.
• Detail-oriented approach with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and document coordination.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn, seek feedback, and continuously develop technical expertise.
• Interest in building science, enclosure performance, façade systems, roofing, waterproofing, restoration, and high-performance building design.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, clients, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record if project-related travel is required.
• Ability to walk active construction sites and safely navigate project environments as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active enrollment in NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or similar professional development path.
• Experience with building enclosure systems including façades, glazing, curtain walls, roofing, waterproofing, cladding, and air/vapor barrier assemblies.
• Experience supporting construction administration, field observations, investigations, or technical report preparation.
• Familiarity with building codes, energy codes, ASTM, FGIA, AAMA, IIBEC standards, LEED, Passive House, BECx, or other building enclosure industry frameworks.
• Exposure to building envelope testing, roofing systems, waterproofing systems, façade restoration, or historic preservation projects.

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• 100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term success)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This position is primarily performed in a professional office or remote office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional travel for meetings, training, conferences, or company events may be required depending on business needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Demands:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer, along with frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment. Employees regularly communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.

Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying office materials weighing up to 20 pounds may be required.

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Employees must be able to prioritize multiple assignments, maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business priorities.

The role requires sound judgment, professionalism, problem-solving abilities, confidentiality, and effective collaboration with colleagues, clients, and external partners.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.