Grow Fast. Solve Real Problems. Build Housing That Matters.
At MODE, we help mission-driven professionals grow into expert problem-solvers by working on real urban housing challenges that matter.
We offer a collaborative, high-standards environment where you’ll be supported to grow, push your skills, and do your best work—while contributing to a meaningful mission to build more housing in walkable, sustainable cities.
At MODE, we’re not just designing buildings—we’re shaping the future of cities. We specialize in residential infill architecture and engineering for the greater Seattle area, helping developers, builders, and real estate investors create housing that’s smart, efficient, and urban.
We work fast, think deeply, and care about getting the details right—because that’s what makes good design buildable.
We’re growing and looking for people who want more than just a job. If you’re someone who’s hungry to learn, eager to solve real-world problems, and excited to see your work get built—you might be a great fit.
Who We Are
At MODE, we specialize in residential infill development across the greater Seattle area — townhouses, ADUs, small multifamily, and the “missing middle” housing types that cities need most. We work with developers, builders, and real estate investors to unlock the full potential of their land through creative zoning and construction solutions and tightly coordinated, buildable drawings.
We’re hands-on problem solvers who learn by doing. We study how buildings get built in the real world, so our designs are efficient, pragmatic, and easy to construct. We value clarity, craftsmanship, and simplicity in design—timeless work that balances beauty with buildability.
How We Work
Curious. Hands-on. Technically rigorous.
We don’t stop at code compliance or schematic ideas. We dig into the details, learn how things are really built, and constantly evolve our tools and standards to improve clarity, efficiency, and buildability.
We:
Think like builders and speak their language
Work fast, but don’t skip steps
Share lessons learned and improve with every project
Value iteration over perfection
Treat constraints as creative fuel
You won’t be redlining someone else’s designs here. You’ll be solving real problems from day one.
What You’ll Find Here
A place for thinkers who want to move fast.
MODE is built for people who want to push themselves, take ownership, and grow into leaders—not followers. We create the space and support to do your best work.
You’ll find:
Real Autonomy — You’ll be expected to think critically, take initiative, and lead your work.
Real Impact — Your designs will get built, and your decisions will shape real neighborhoods.
Support to Grow — We’ll help you sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue what lights you up.
Zero Ego Culture — We care more about the right answer than who gave it. Collaboration wins here.
We’re looking for people who:
Are obsessively curious about how things work
Love technical depth and real-world constraints
Think practically, not just theoretically
Want to make a visible, lasting impact
Our Mission: Urban Housing as Climate Action
Urban Housing is Climate Action.
We believe that dense, walkable neighborhoods are the foundation of a sustainable future. Instead of chasing flashy green features, we focus on what actually moves the needle: building more housing in the places where people want to live.
Our mission is to:
Enable urban living through better housing supply
Help builders and developers bring more units to market
Use design and process to remove friction and reduce waste
Show how great design can go hand-in-hand with buildability
If you believe cities are the solution—not the problem—you’re in the right place.
Who We’re Looking For
We want A-players—people who are humble, curious, and hungry to learn. You might thrive at MODE if:
You love solving messy, technical, or zoning challenges
You want to work on mission-driven infill housing
You value tight production and coordinated drawings
You’re comfortable taking ownership and proposing better ways to work
You care about urbanism, sustainability, and the public impact of design
What You’ll Get
Competitive compensation
Flexible, remote-friendly work schedule
Deep involvement in all phases of projects
Close mentorship and direct access to leadership
A mission you can believe in—and real, visible impact
Clear path to growth and leadership
Our Employer Promise
At MODE, we help smart, driven professionals become deeply skilled problem-solvers—while doing work that matters.
Mission with Impact
You’re not just drawing plans—you’re enabling housing and shaping better cities.
Challenge and Growth
You’ll be pushed to think deeply, work smart, and level up fast.
High Standards, Low Ego
We do things the right way, take pride in our work, and support each other without ego.
Supportive Culture
You’ll be surrounded by collaborative, curious, and kind teammates.
Autonomy and Recognition
Your initiative is noticed. Your ideas shape our future.
Tools & Processes
Systems that support excellence.
We’re serious about quality, and we build systems to back it up. You’ll be working in:
- Revit — Deeply customized with templates, libraries, and checklists
Open Roles
Voices from the Team
Deep Dive (Optional for the Curious)
You’re the kind of person who wants to understand how things work. So here’s more if you want it:
🧠 MODE Playbook: How We Work
📐 Sample Zoning Case Study: Unlocking a 4-Pack on a 3,000 SF Lot
📚 Reading List: Books That Shaped Our Philosophy
✍️ Inside Our Drawing Standards: A Before/After Breakdown
A Day in the Life (“typical Monday” story)
What’s Next?
Here at MODE we are always looking for better ways to do things, and that includes hiring. We don’t care where you went to school or how glossy your portfolio is. We care how you think. How you solve problems. How you work with others.
Hi, I’m Ian. I’m the principal and hiring manager here at MODE. If you’re excited by what you’ve read and think you’d be a good fit, I want to hear from you.
Here’s how to stand out when you apply:
Step 1 – Loom Video
Step 2 – (Optional) Share a drawing set. Don’t overthink it. We want to see how you communicate clarity in your documents.
Or, if you want to know more first, just send me a message. Let’s talk.
ian@modearchitecture.com
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