Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher

Company: LPA, Inc.

Location: Irvine, California, United States; Sacramento, California, United States; San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Research & Development / Sustainability Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conducts multidisciplinary research to inform architectural, engineering, and interior design teams on human behavior, user needs, and the impact of the built environment.

• Translates complex research findings into clear, digestible insights and actionable recommendations for design professionals and clients.

• Develops and refines research tools and methodologies to ensure consistent application across diverse projects.

• Supports pre-design research, stakeholder engagement, and post-occupancy evaluations to inform design decisions and measure outcomes.

• Contributes to building and maintaining LPA's internal research knowledge base, facilitating access to past studies and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Design Researcher," the description explicitly clarifies it is not UX/UI focused. The emphasis is on research related to the built and natural environment within the Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, and Planning (AEIP) industry, aligning with LPA's core business. This distinction is crucial for candidates to understand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive literature reviews to gather, evaluate, and synthesize multidisciplinary research relevant to project-specific and broader research questions.

• Develop and present research briefs, compelling visuals, and other resources that effectively translate research findings into practical implications for designers and clients.

• Identify recurring patterns, emerging opportunities, and critical questions across multiple projects and research initiatives for further investigation.

• Contribute to the growth and organization of LPA's internal research repository, enhancing accessibility and reusability of past studies and data.

• Assist in the creation and refinement of standardized research tools and methodologies for consistent application across various project types.

• Facilitate pre-design research activities and stakeholder engagement, employing methods such as surveys, interviews, and workshops to understand user needs and behaviors.

• Support and coordinate post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), managing outreach, data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess design performance.

• Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to identify significant patterns, themes, and actionable insights.

• Collaborate with design teams to establish measurable project goals and define methods for evaluating design outcomes against these goals.

• Explore innovative approaches to investigate research questions when standard methods or data sources are insufficient.

• Communicate research findings and lessons learned through internal presentations and, as experience grows, external publications, presentations, and thought leadership contributions.

• Undertake other duties as assigned to support the Sustainability + Applied Research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for both rigorous academic research skills (literature reviews, data analysis) and practical application in a design context. The emphasis on translating insights for non-expert audiences is a key differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's or PhD degree in Environmental Psychology, Applied Research, Design Research, Social Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.

• Postgraduate degree is a strong requirement, indicating a need for advanced research methodology and analytical capabilities. Experience:

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in research, preferably within or related to the built environment, sustainability, or social sciences applied to design.

• Experience in conducting mixed-methods research, literature reviews, and data analysis is essential. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in conducting literature searches and synthesizing multidisciplinary research findings.

• Demonstrated experience with mixed-methods research design and execution.

• Strong written communication skills for developing research briefs, reports, and presentations.

• Excellent verbal presentation skills for effectively communicating complex findings to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel for project management and data analysis.

• Experience with online research tools and databases.

• Basic descriptive statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.

• Data visualization or other graphic skills for communicating data effectively.

• Awareness of current research ethics, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) topics.

• Entrepreneurial energy and comfort with ambiguity in research questions and project scopes.

• Proactive attitude, initiative in asking questions, and a drive for continuous improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Additional research training or certifications.

• Human Subjects Research Training (current certification not strictly required, but beneficial).

• LEED, WELL, EDAC, or similar certifications related to sustainable building or healthcare design.

• Design or engineering training or certifications.

• Experience with GIS, Power BI, AI for research, research in AR/VR/XR, grant writing, or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Experience or demonstrated interest in facilitating meetings and workshops.

• Understanding of the architectural design process, from concept through post-occupancy.

• Knowledge of or eagerness to learn about sustainability topics (energy performance, carbon emissions, material impacts, resiliency) and their connection to human-environment research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an MS or PhD in specific fields, combined with practical experience in mixed-methods research and data analysis, positions this as a role requiring advanced analytical and academic rigor applied to real-world design challenges. The preference for LEED/WELL certifications and architectural process understanding points to a direct application in the firm's core business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing research projects focused on the built and natural environment, human behavior, or sustainability.

• Include examples of research briefs, literature reviews, and methodologies employed.

• Showcase translated research findings into clear, actionable insights and design recommendations.

• Present case studies that illustrate the impact of research on design outcomes or decision-making processes.

• Highlight experience with data analysis and visualization, presenting findings in an accessible format. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining research tools and methodologies.

• Examples of supporting pre-design research and stakeholder engagement processes.

• Documentation of involvement in post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), including data collection and analysis.

• Contributions to building internal knowledge bases or research repositories.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio requirement" isn't explicitly stated in the raw job description, a Design Researcher role at a firm like LPA, especially one focused on applied research, would heavily rely on a portfolio to demonstrate practical research capabilities, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex information. Candidates should prepare to showcase their research process, findings, and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.

• Retirement and financial planning services.

• Wellness initiatives to support employee well-being.

• Flexible work/life programs designed to promote balance.

• Eligibility for an annual bonus.

• Access to Professional Development Grants program ($1.19M+ invested historically).

• 8 paid hours of volunteer time annually.

• In-house training through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks.

• Mentorship from senior team members across disciplines. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, likely based on a standard 40-hour work week.

• The company culture and flexible work/life programs suggest potential for some flexibility within structured working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within the typical mid-level range for specialized research roles in California. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing professional development and employee well-being, which is attractive for operations and research professionals seeking a supportive environment. The mention of geographic location influencing base salary is standard practice.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, and Planning (AEIP), with a strong focus on sustainability and high-performance design. LPA is recognized as a leader in sustainable architecture, evidenced by their 2025 AIA Firm Award.

Company Size: LPA is a significant firm, indicated by the mention of offices in California and Texas, substantial investment in employee development ($1.19M+ in professional development grants), and a large number of employees impacted by this program (848). This suggests a well-established organization with dedicated resources for its staff.

Founded: LPA has a history that allows for significant investment in its people and programs, though the specific founding date is not provided. Their longevity and growth indicate stability and a commitment to their mission.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Sustainability + Applied Research team, indicating a specialized group focused on data-driven insights and environmental performance.

• This team likely collaborates closely with interdisciplinary design teams (architects, engineers, interior designers, planners) across various market sectors.

• The reporting structure would likely involve a Research Lead or Director overseeing the applied research function. Methodology:

• LPA emphasizes an "No Excuses" integrated design approach, focusing on sustainability, high-performance architecture, and tackling major issues like carbon emissions.

• The research team plays a crucial role in translating human-environment research into practical design applications, supporting this integrated approach.

• Data analysis, literature reviews, and stakeholder engagement are key methodologies employed to inform design and measure outcomes.

Company Website: https://lpadesignstudios.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: LPA's recognition by the AIA as a trailblazer in sustainable design is a significant differentiator. This positions the Design Researcher role as integral to the firm's core mission and a unique opportunity to influence sustainable practices in the built environment. The company culture appears to be collaborative, innovative, and people-centric.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level "Design Researcher" with 2-5 years of experience. It's an applied research position, not a traditional operations or sales ops role, but it requires similar analytical, process-oriented, and cross-functional collaboration skills. The scope involves translating research into tangible design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will report to a leader within the Sustainability + Applied Research team, likely a Research Manager or Director. They will collaborate extensively with various design disciplines and project teams across the firm.

Operations Impact: The research conducted directly influences design decisions, project goals, and the overall sustainability performance of LPA's projects. By informing teams about user needs and environmental impacts, this role contributes to creating more effective, sustainable, and human-centered built environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of environmental psychology, sustainability research, or specific research methodologies (e.g., GIS, AI for research).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Design Researcher or Research Lead roles, managing projects, mentoring junior researchers, and driving research strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Influence: Expand influence across projects, potentially leading research initiatives for major projects or contributing to firm-wide sustainability strategies.

• External Recognition: Opportunities to contribute to external publications, presentations, and thought leadership, enhancing professional profile.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through LPA+U courses, Tech Talks, and Professional Development Grants, covering both research and design-related topics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct RevOps/SalesOps role, the career path for a Design Researcher in an integrated firm like LPA offers significant opportunities for impact and growth through specialized knowledge and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on professional development grants and internal training supports continuous learning and career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This is typical for a firm that values in-person collaboration and integrated design processes.

Office Location(s): Irvine, Sacramento, and San Diego, California. These are significant urban centers in California, offering access to a vibrant professional community and diverse project opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as collaborative, fostering creative ideas and valuing input from all team members.

• As an "integrated design firm," expect access to various design software and tools, though specific operations tools are less relevant here than design and research platforms.

• Opportunities for interaction with architects, engineers, interior designers, and planners are inherent to the role's function. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM), with potential for flexibility as supported by the company's work/life programs.

• The on-site nature means daily presence in the office is expected, facilitating immediate collaboration and engagement with design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. LPA's culture emphasizes collaboration, suggesting the office environment is designed to support teamwork and knowledge sharing, which is beneficial for research and design integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and research experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect discussions focused on research methodologies, data analysis techniques, literature review experience, and your understanding of the built environment. You may be asked to walk through specific research projects from your portfolio.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your problem-solving skills, initiative, ability to work with ambiguity, collaboration style, and how you translate research into practical applications.

• Team/Culture Fit: Interviews with potential team members and leadership to gauge cultural alignment with LPA's values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

• Presentation: You might be asked to prepare a presentation on a past research project or a hypothetical research challenge related to sustainable design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest research projects that best align with LPA's focus on the built environment, sustainability, and user behavior.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your research questions, methodologies, data collection, analysis, and findings. Emphasize how you arrived at your conclusions.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify or clearly describe the impact of your research. How did it inform design decisions, influence stakeholders, or lead to better outcomes?

• Translate Insights: Demonstrate your ability to translate complex research into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non-expert audiences (designers, clients). Use strong visuals.

• Address Ambiguity: Include projects where you navigated uncertainty or developed novel approaches to research questions.

• Focus on Built Environment: Prioritize projects related to architecture, urban planning, environmental psychology, or sustainability if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a research challenge related to sustainable building performance, user experience in a specific building type (e.g., healthcare, education), or the impact of design on occupant well-being.

• Practice articulating your thought process, identifying key research questions, and outlining potential methodologies.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of current sustainability trends and how research can inform them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on translating research into design, candidates should prepare to articulate their process and impact clearly. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application beyond theoretical knowledge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Project: For project planning, scheduling, and resource management.

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis, manipulation, and basic statistical calculations.

• Online Research Tools: Databases, academic search engines, and potentially specialized platforms for literature review and data gathering.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in creating charts, graphs, and infographics to present research findings effectively. This could include Excel charts, or preferred tools like Power BI (preferred skill).

• Statistical Software: Basic understanding of descriptive statistics is required; familiarity with more advanced statistical packages might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this research role, as the primary focus is on research methodologies and design application rather than sales/marketing automation. However, familiarity with project management software and collaboration platforms is implied. Other Potential Tools (Preferred Skills):

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

• Power BI

• AI for research applications

• AR/VR/XR research tools

• Adobe Creative Suite (for visual communication)

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite is standard. The preferred skills in GIS, Power BI, and Adobe Creative Suite suggest opportunities for candidates to expand their technical toolkit and contribute more broadly to data visualization and analysis within the firm.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability & High-Performance: A core commitment to designing for a sustainable future and achieving high environmental performance in built environments.

• Collaboration & Integration: The "No Excuses" integrated design approach emphasizes teamwork across disciplines and valuing all input.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a mindset of problem-seeking, asking thoughtful questions, and finding creative solutions.

• Impact & Purpose: A belief that design should tackle big issues and make a positive impact on society and the environment.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Awareness of and commitment to EDI principles in research and design.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with designers, engineers, and planners.

• Open communication and knowledge sharing are likely encouraged, facilitated by internal training programs and cross-disciplinary teams.

• A culture that values feedback and continuous improvement in research methods and design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: LPA's stated values are strongly aligned with contemporary design and research ethics, emphasizing environmental responsibility, collaborative problem-solving, and human-centered design. This creates an environment where research can have a tangible and positive impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Research: Effectively communicating intricate research findings to non-expert audiences (designers, clients) in a clear, actionable manner.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Addressing research questions where established methods or data may not be readily available, requiring creative problem-solving.

• Integrating Research into Design Process: Ensuring research insights are effectively integrated early and throughout the architectural design lifecycle, not treated as an afterthought.

• Demonstrating ROI of Research: Quantifying the impact and value of research interventions on project outcomes, sustainability metrics, and client satisfaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to LPA+U courses and Tech Talks, offering ongoing education in innovative and sustainable practices.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior researchers, facilitating career growth and skill development.

• Professional Development Grants: Financial support for pursuing external training, certifications, or research initiatives aligned with career goals.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to architecture, engineering, and interior design processes provides a holistic understanding of the built environment.

• Research Methodology Advancement: Opportunities to develop and refine research tools and approaches, potentially leading to new internal standards or external publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for applied researchers bridging academic rigor with practical application. LPA's strong commitment to learning and development directly addresses these by providing resources and mentorship to overcome them and foster growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex research project you've undertaken. What was your methodology, what challenges did you face, and how did you translate your findings for stakeholders?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and communication).

• "How would you approach researching the impact of natural light on occupant productivity in an office building?" (Assess ability to frame research questions, propose methods, and consider practical applications).

• "What are your thoughts on the role of user research in sustainable architecture, and how can it inform design decisions related to carbon emissions or material selection?" (Gauge understanding of the industry and research's role). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LPA's integrated design approach and its focus on sustainability?" (Showcase alignment with their mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with individuals from different professional backgrounds (e.g., designers, engineers)?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

• "How do you stay current with research in environmental psychology and sustainable design?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the research problem, your approach, key findings, and the impact or recommendations.

• Visual Storytelling: Use compelling visuals (diagrams, charts, photos) to illustrate your research process and findings.

• Focus on Translation: Emphasize how you made complex research understandable and actionable for design teams or clients.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or specific examples to demonstrate the value and influence of your research.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges, and how your research could be applied to LPA's specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process and its practical implications. Demonstrating an understanding of LPA's mission and a collaborative spirit will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with literature reviews, mixed-methods research, data analysis, and any relevant software (Microsoft Project, Excel). Emphasize academic qualifications (MS/PhD) and any sustainability-related certifications.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your research skills, focus on the built environment, and demonstrate your ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for design teams.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your research process, challenges, and impact for each portfolio project. Be ready to explain your methodology and the significance of your findings.

• Research LPA: Understand their integrated design approach, commitment to sustainability, recent projects, and their AIA Firm Award recognition to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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