Position Type: Full time
State: VA
City: Arlington
Zip Code: 22203

Overview

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term.

Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.

The Role

Job Summary:
Design Associate is responsible for developing, managing, and enforcing corporate standards related to design, building products, construction specifications, accessibility, and sustainability. This role ensures compliance through the review of project submittals and serves as the primary liaison between internal teams, consultants, and vendors. Key responsibilities include managing databases and SharePoint sites, supporting product research, and assisting with Request for Proposal (RFP) processes. The ideal candidate will collaborate effectively to align products and materials with company standards, create design resources, and provide organizational support to the design team.

Essential Job Functions:

Develop and Manage Standards

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to establish and maintain corporate guidelines on design, building products, construction specifications, accessibility, and sustainability.

Review and Approve Project Submittals

• Evaluate and approve project product submittals and substitutions, ensuring they meet company design and product standards through consultation with subject matter experts.

Manage Product Catalog Database

• Oversee the Product Catalog database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of community attributes, features, and amenities.

Administer Design and Product Standards Site

• Maintain the Design and Product Standards SharePoint site, ensuring current content and streamlined user access.

Support Product Research and RFP Processes

• Assist with product research and coordinate design reviews and standards assessments during the RFP process.

Serve as Primary Liaison

• Act as the main point of contact between internal teams, external design consultants, and vendors, ensuring product development aligns with company standards.

Create and Maintain Design Resources

• Develop and update design resources, including policies, procedures, presentations, and communications.

Support Internal Design Team

• Coordinate tasks and provide general support to the internal design team.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in a design or technical role, preferably in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Product R&D, Procurement, Engineering, Development, or Building Operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint; familiarity with Photoshop and AutoCAD is a plus.

• Technical and Analytical Skills: Strong technical and analytical abilities related to building materials, systems, and CSI divisions.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Architecture and Construction Knowledge: Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, architectural and engineering reports, and relevant building codes and regulations.

• Certifications: LEED AP/GA designation preferred.

This role is ideal for candidates passionate about design, sustainability, and construction, with a detail-oriented mindset and strong organizational skills.

How AvalonBay Supports You

Additional Info

AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated. With this we know we can do great things.

AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics or testing), citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.

For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice (https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california-personnel-privacy-notice/)

Job ID JR103245