Senior Project Architect

Overview

A nationally recognized San Jose architecture firm with a global presence is seeking a Senior Project Architect to lead complex projects from early design through construction close-out. The firm's diverse portfolio spans residential, affordable housing, hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, higher education, and civic work across offices in California, Texas, the East Coast, and Shanghai. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative, design-driven studio in the heart of San Jose and make a meaningful impact across a growing portfolio.

Overall Responsibilities 

As a licensed Architect, you will guide integrated design teams through design and technical development on multiple concurrent projects or large, complex assignments. You will own the technical execution of the work, lead risk management reviews, and ensure that documentation is coordinated, code-compliant, and aligned with design intent through every phase of construction.

Leadership Duties

• Serve as a firm-wide resource by providing training, mentorship, and internal workshops or seminars.

• Champion and elevate the studio's reputation as a design-focused, innovation-driven practice.

• Stay current on technical innovations and project-type trends and proactively promote continuing education for staff.

• Partner with Principals, Project Managers, and Designers to develop marketing materials and project narratives.

• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and other marketing efforts as a key voice of the firm.

• Represent the practice in professional organizations, industry events, and community forums.

• Contribute thought leadership through white papers, articles, and presentations for industry platforms.

Design Leadership

• Lead design exploration, help define project scope, and guide the development of innovative concepts and methodologies.

• Manage and coordinate a broad team of consultants, delegate responsibilities, and provide clear direction to junior and intermediate staff.

• Resolve complex technical issues, oversee the design and review of production drawings, maintain project records, and coordinate with planning, building, fire, and other authorities having jurisdiction.

• Support staffing, scheduling, fee estimating, and payment review while focusing primarily on design and technical refinement.

• Direct the development and review of construction documents for alignment with design intent, building systems, detailing, and specifications.

• Respond to bidding inquiries and coordinate with agencies, committees, and officials for presentations, approvals, and permits.

• Conduct site observations, prepare field reports, and collaborate with construction teams to resolve issues.

• Lead project close-out, including punch lists, occupancy and substantial completion documentation, and final deliverables.

• Oversee technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal requests, change orders, scope revisions, and close-out records.

Risk Management

• Perform comprehensive check-set and risk management reviews at key project milestones.

• Maintain detailed records of design decisions, material selections, and detailing strategies and keep project manuals current.

• Provide strong technical oversight so projects meet the firm's quality control and quality assurance standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project design and documentation, including at least five years as a Project Architect.

• Professional experience in residential and affordable housing strongly preferred; hospitality experience is also highly desirable.

• Substantial experience in construction document preparation, construction administration, field observation, building materials, specifications, and construction techniques.

• Experience working with governmental agencies, building and zoning codes, and engineering disciplines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, leadership, organization, and time management skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable practices, industry standards, and quality control.

• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, SketchUp or Rhino, and rendering tools such as 3D Studio Max, Maxwell Render, Twinmotion, or Enscape.

• Professional degree in Architecture or a related field, or equivalent experience; graduate degree preferred.

• Architecture license required; California licensure preferred. LEED AP preferred.

• Active involvement in local, state, or national industry organizations is a plus.

Desired Attributes

• Commitment to design innovation and excellence.

• Independent, self-directed, and self-motivated.

• Ability to motivate and effectively lead design staff.

• Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• Values and personality compatible with a collaborative, design-driven firm culture.

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