At Cuningham, we design places that move people emotionally, not just physically. We’re searching for a Project Architect with deep experience in themed entertainment and attraction design to help lead immersive projects that blur the line between architecture, storytelling, and unforgettable guest experiences.
This role is for someone who understands that great themed environments require more than technical skill, they require imagination, collaboration, precision, and the ability to transform creative vision into built reality. As a Project Architect, you’ll lead the design and technical development of projects through all phases from early design concepts through construction administration while helping guide teams and maintain the integrity of the guest experience.
If you’ve worked on theme parks, attractions, immersive entertainment, destination experiences, branded environments, or experiential hospitality projects, we’d love to meet you. Direct themed entertainment and attraction design experience is required.
What you will be doing:
- Lead the architectural design process across all project phases
- Develop and document creative, technically sound design solutions aligned with project goals and governing codes
- Lead medium to large-scale project scopes and support teams with varying experience levels
- Collaborate closely with clients, creatives, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams
- Coordinate multidisciplinary efforts to achieve the best design outcomes
- Lead technical coordination, code review, QA/QC processes, and construction documentation
- Support envelope design validation and technical detailing
- Participate in construction administration activities, site observations, and issue resolution
- Help identify project risks and communicate proactively with project leadership
- Participate in project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and presentations
- Mentor and support the growth of team members through thoughtful leadership and collaboration
- Maintain responsible control over technical submissions and signed/sealed documents where required
What we look for:
- Bachelor’s or master's degree in architecture or related field
- Licensed Architect preferred; candidates not yet licensed may be considered for a Team Leader title based on experience and qualifications
- 8–15 years of professional architectural experience, with significant exposure to themed entertainment, hospitality, experiential design, attraction design, retail entertainment, cultural projects, or immersive environments
- Strong understanding of story-driven design and how architecture supports guest experience, emotional engagement, operational flow, and immersive placemaking (expanded guest experience and placemaking
- Experience collaborating closely with creative directors, show set designers, producers, and technical disciplines to translate narrative concepts into buildable environment
- Proven ability to lead projects through all phases of design and delivery, including concept development, design documentation, consultant coordination, QA/QC, permitting, and construction administration Strong technical knowledge of building systems, constructability, envelope detailing, consultant coordination, and code compliance
- Experience coordinating with specialty vendors, fabricators, scenic elements, lighting, media integration, and show systems preferred
- Proficiency in Revit/BIM 360, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; working knowledge of Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion preferred
- Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
- Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive, design-driven office culture
- Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects while maintaining high design quality and attention to detail
- Passion for themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, guest experience, and experiential design innovation
Why Cuningham?
At Cuningham, we believe the best work happens when people are supported, challenged, and connected. Whether collaborating across teams, engaging with our communities, or shaping meaningful design solutions, we bring pragmatic creativity and disciplined execution to every project — and we support each other through it all.
We nurture an equitable work environment where curiosity is celebrated, craft is valued, and growth is prioritized. Alongside a team that brings low-ego expertise and active leadership day-to-day, you’ll work on complex, high-stakes projects that demand bold thinking and disciplined delivery.
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Cuningham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the strength diversity brings to the workplace when combined with equity and justice. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status.
Skills Required
- Direct themed entertainment and attraction design experience
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or related field
- Licensed Architect (preferred; candidates not yet licensed may be considered for Team Leader title)
- 8-15 years of professional architectural experience with significant themed entertainment or experiential design exposure
- Proven ability to lead projects through all phases including concept, documentation, permitting, and construction administration
- Strong technical knowledge of building systems, constructability, envelope detailing, and code compliance
- Experience collaborating with creative directors, show set designers, producers, and technical disciplines
- Experience coordinating with specialty vendors, fabricators, scenic elements, lighting, media integration, and show systems
- Proficiency in Revit and BIM 360, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office
- Working knowledge of Rhino, Enscape, and Lumion
- Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills in multidisciplinary environments
- Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to positive office culture
- Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects while maintaining design quality and attention to detail
- Ability to maintain control over technical submissions and signed/sealed documents where required
- Passion for themed entertainment, immersive storytelling, and experiential design innovation
What We Do
Founded in 1968 by John Cuningham, Cuningham is based on a model of architecture that is highly inclusive and incorporates extensive client, consultant, engineer, and contractor participation. In 2018 we celebrated 50 years of growth, exciting projects, and collaborative client and partner relationships. Through a collaborative approach both internally and externally, there is no end to the good that we can do together to create a beautiful, balanced world.
