In a 2019 edition of our Studio Snapshot series, we spoke to BairBalliet founders Kelly Bair and Kristy Bailliet on the subject of computational design. “Our role as contemporary architects is to challenge the conventions of how software is used,” the architects told us.

Throughout 2022, we've highlighted several architects and educators with backgrounds in computational design finding success by rising to this challenge. In the academic community, both the UT Knoxville and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) schools of architecture have both appointed new directors with strong backgrounds in the subject. While UT director Carl Lostritto specializes in theories around drawing and computational design, FAU’s director Joseph Choma grounds his work on material innovation, experimental construction, and complex geometries.

In Dubai, meanwhile, February saw the opening of the long-awaited Museum of the Future. Designed by local studio Killa Design, the “living laboratory” is defined by its distinctive parametrically-designed form. The same can be said of the BEEAH Group headquarters recently completed in Sharjah, UAE by Zaha Hadid Architects. The flowing scheme is said to be the last designed by Zaha Hadid; herself a pioneer in the fields of computational design.

As the prevalence of computational design grows in architectural spheres, it has led to the creation of a defined role in the architectural process: the computational designer. Following on from our look at the role of building scientists in May, we are using our Job Highlights series this week to dissect open roles for positions involving computational design on Archinect Jobs.

At present, there are several roles on Archinect Jobs revolving around the computational designer role; a role which may include creating new patterns, forms, structures, and systems through digital and physical techniques, writing script and programs to generate parametric architectural systems, and developing engineering details.

In Dallas, Texas, global architecture firm Populous lists a knowledge of computational design as a plus in their search for an architect or designer to join their team. Among the software applications desired in the role are Rhino, Revit, Unreal Engine, and Grasshopper, in support of a role which will involve the development of designs and drawings of the firm’s sports portfolio.

In New York, meanwhile, CAL (Collaborative Architecture Laboratory) are searching for an intermediate designer / architect to join their team, with an ability to use computational design tools such as Grasshopper or other parametric architectural software.

The skillsets in both roles align with previous adverts for computational designers we have seen on Archinect Jobs, which have included Rhino and Grasshopper scripting skills, experience in programming languages such as Python, VB, or C#, strong graphic and layout skills, and degrees in architecture, interior design, or computational design.

The roles are not the first in our Job Highlights series to focus on computational design. Back in April, we highlighted Nike's search for a computational designer to join the brand's NXR Digital Innovation Team; a role that asked for expertise in 2D and 3D software design tools, script writing, and digital fabrication.

Want to be the first to find out about upcoming roles in computational design? Just save this search to get new opportunities sent directly to your inbox as they become available. 

Stay tuned for future curated job highlights and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more exciting opportunities on Archinect's industry-leading job board. Recent editions of our Job Highlights series have seen career opportunities for a Modular Studio Architect at EVstudio, a Passive House specialist at Co Adaptive, and an architect/design thinker at Terreform ONE.