Expanding Career Horizons for Emerging Architects through Small A, Big E Firms

When most architecture graduates step into the professional world, the destination seems clear: join a design studio or a large architecture firm and create beautiful buildings. It’s a rewarding path—but it’s not the only one. There’s an entire world of opportunity that often goes unnoticed: roles within engineering firms and small architectural practices that contribute to large-scale infrastructure projects.

This blog introduces the concept of “Small A, Big E”—a framework that invites architecture graduates to look beyond traditional design firms and discover roles where their expertise drives transformative, interdisciplinary work in the public and technical sectors. Whether it is shaping a transit hub, designing a water treatment facility, or planning a high-performance warehouse, the opportunities are boundless.

What is “Small A, Big E”?

• Small A refers to architects working in small practices or embedded within engineering-led teams.

• Big E refers to large-scale engineering projects: civil, transportation, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental, where architects play a supporting but essential role.

In these settings, architects may not lead the design narrative, but they offer critical value: integrating aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, and human-centered thinking into infrastructure systems.

Architecture Roles Within Engineering Firms

Engineering firms are increasingly hiring architects for roles that differ from conventional design jobs but still leverage core architectural skills. These include, but are not limited to:

• Project management | Coordination 

• Façade | Envelope design

• Urban | Site planning

• Spatial Design Planners   

• Sustainable | Resilience coordination 

• BIM | Digital modeling

• Construction Management | Owners Representative  

• Specification writers  

While these roles may not involve designing entire buildings, they offer exposure to large-scale, high-performance projects that shape built infrastructure. The experience gained in these roles is broad, technical, and highly transferable that prepare professionals for a wide variety of future opportunities.

My journey: From Small Firm to Big Infrastructure

Early in my career, I worked in two small, award-winning architectural firms where every detail mattered and creativity was pushed to its limits. It was exhilarating, but over time, something shifted.

I noticed a pattern. Despite the richness of design work, my role plateaued at the Project Architect / Project Manager level. The tasks became repetitive with Revit drawings, detailing, and coordinating with consultants. The next obvious step of becoming a principal felt distant and uncertain, as it takes years to step into that position. It wasn’t just about ambition; it was about impact. I wanted to be a leader and influence projects that ran beyond the individual buildings. 

That’s when I made a bold move: I joined an AE (Architecture | Engineering) firm known for designing roadways, bridges, and horizontal infrastructure. At first, it felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory. The architectural presence was modest, and most of our work was incidental, including small renovations, office reconfigurations, and facility assessments. But slowly, we have carved out an identity for architecture within the firm. What started as minor upgrades evolved into full-scale government projects, new construction, and infrastructure initiatives. 

While technical projects are sometimes viewed as “boring,” I have found that even in modest scopes, there are countless opportunities to be creative. The skills we learn in architecture school, such as spatial thinking, problem-solving, and design sensitivity, are just as relevant in these contexts, with an impact that is broader and lasting.

How Graduates and Emerging Architects Can Embrace This Path

To unlock these opportunities, architecture programs and students can take proactive steps:

• Pursue interdisciplinary internships in engineering or multi-disciplinary firms

• Highlight technical coordination, sustainability, and public impact in your portfolio

• Engage in cross-sector networking through events hosted by ASCE, USGBC, ACEC, or AIA

• Tailor applications to emphasize collaboration, digital tools (e.g., BIM, Adobe Suite), and infrastructure literacy

The Big Picture

Architecture isn’t limited to design studios. It thrives at the intersections: where art meets engineering, where buildings connect with systems, and where aesthetics align with performance. By embracing “Small A, Big E,” emerging architects can unlock exciting, often overlooked career paths that still help shape cities and communities.  For me, choosing this path expanded my career, opened doors to leadership, innovation, and impact, redefining what it truly means to be an architect.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR