Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Architect / Senior Designer

at ICON

🏢 About ICON

ICON is at the forefront of construction innovation, using 3D printing to build sustainable, affordable homes. The company's mission to revolutionize housing with low-carbon technology makes it a compelling place for architects passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge design.

About This Role

As Senior Architect/Designer, you'll lead the development of ICON's concrete 3D-printed wall system, ensuring it meets high standards for comfort, safety, and sustainability. You'll manage project teams and coordinate comprehensive drawing packages, directly influencing how ICON's technology is applied in real-world construction.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing structural loads on wall panels in Revit, coordinating with engineers on waterproofing details, and leading a team meeting to align on drawing package milestones. You might also prototype a new wall assembly in Rhino, test it with the printing team, and refine details based on site feedback.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ICON Is Looking For

  • 8+ years in complex, multi-disciplinary design projects, ideally with experience in building envelope systems and material innovation.
  • Proficient in Revit and Rhino for detailed modeling and documentation; familiarity with 3D printing or prefabrication is a plus.
  • Strong leadership skills to guide project teams through all design phases, from concept to construction documents.
  • Deep understanding of waterproofing, weatherization, and building science to optimize wall assemblies for durability and comfort.

📝 Tips for Applying to ICON

1

Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects involving innovative materials, prefabrication, or sustainable building systems.

2

Explicitly mention your experience with Revit and Rhino in your resume, and include examples of complex wall assemblies or building envelope details.

3

Showcase leadership in coordinating with structural, MEP, and other consultants across design phases.

4

Research ICON's Vulcan printer and past projects (e.g., Community First! Village) to demonstrate genuine interest.

5

In your cover letter, connect your experience to ICON's mission of low-carbon construction and housing affordability.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your expertise in building envelope design and waterproofing, directly relevant to ICON's wall system.", 'Highlight your leadership in multi-disciplinary teams and ability to produce comprehensive drawing packages.', 'Express enthusiasm for sustainability and how your skills can help ICON achieve its low-carbon goals.', 'Mention specific software proficiency (Revit, Rhino) and any experience with 3D printing or advanced fabrication.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study ICON's published projects, especially the 3D-printed homes in Austin and Mexico, to understand their design language.
  • → Read about their proprietary concrete mix and how it differs from traditional concrete in terms of strength and sustainability.
  • → Review their partnerships (e.g., with BIG, Lake|Flato) to see how they integrate with traditional architecture firms.
  • → Look into their Vulcan printer specifications and the constraints it imposes on wall geometry and detailing.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach optimizing a 3D-printed wall assembly for thermal performance and moisture management?
2 Describe a time you led a project through schematic design to construction documents; what challenges did you face?
3 How do you ensure design intent is maintained when coordinating with structural and MEP engineers?
4 What experience do you have with sustainable materials or low-carbon construction methods?
5 How would you adapt traditional detailing to work with ICON's robotic 3D printing process?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic portfolio without highlighting relevant construction detailing or material innovation.
  • Failing to demonstrate leadership experience; this role requires managing teams, not just individual work.
  • Not addressing sustainability in your application; ICON's core mission is low-carbon housing, so passion for this is key.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to ICON!

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