Designer

David Baker Architects is a collaborative team of optimistic designers and architects committed to leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We are national leaders in affordable housing and innovative sustainable design, and we pursue projects that have the power to build, transform, and reflect the character and strength of a community. As a B-Corp and JUST-certified organization, we are committed to environmental responsibility, equity and social justice both in our practice and our workplace culture. DBA is headquartered in San Francisco, with an office and fabrication shop in Oakland, California, and an office in Birmingham, Alabama.

We are seeking a talented, strong, and engaged Designer to join our team. This Designer role supports projects primarily in early phase site planning, architectural concept design/entitlements, and schematic design phases, preparing high-quality renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation graphics, massing studies, Revit modeling, and actively contributing to design conversations and charrettes. Candidates must demonstrate intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm about the evolving practice of architectural graphics, including the integration of AI tools. The role will also include some time supporting marketing efforts with awards graphics, including presentation plans and diagrams.

This position works closely with project team members and principals, and relies on a collaborative design process. This role offers a great opportunity to work with highly engaged, mission-driven architects doing impactful work.

Job Title: Designer

Role and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support in all aspects of project planning, programming, design, and documentation through 3D modeling in Revit and Lumion

• Prepare presentation graphics and renderings for internal and external communications

• Provide active and effective exploration, experimentation and thought leadership in AI integration

• Coordinate and collaborate with project team members and consultants

• Support in preparations for client meetings and inclusive, accessible community engagement opportunities

• Engage, sketch, and collaborate with principals in design charrettes

• Contribute to design development and design concept conversations while exhibiting a strong desire to learn and grow by being inquisitive, asking questions, and bringing unique perspectives to the table

• Take initiative performing iterative design studies based on feedback and personal design skills

• Ability to learn from and engage with DBA initiatives of interest in sustainability, equity, research, business development, and culture

We are looking for someone with:

• 2-5 years of experience

• Exceptional architectural design thinking and graphics/visual communication skills

• Critical thinking skills

• Proficiency with Revit

• Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

• Fluency in and thoughtful integration of AI image generation and rendering tools. Candidates should be able to speak to how they’ve tested, questioned or developed workflows with Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT Image 2.0 or similar tools.

• Experience with Lumion a plus

• Strong hand sketching skills for visual communication, as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples

• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills

• Resourcefulness, reliability, and attention to detail

• Collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn and ask questions

• A demonstrated interest in or lived experience with affordable housing, community advocacy, or social justice initiatives

• Strong professional or academic reference(s)

To Apply:

• Provide Cover Letter, Resume, and Design Portfolio- compiled into a single PDF with a maximum size of 5 MB (one file). Include in your cover letter why you want to work with us at DBA.

Salary Range

$70,000 - $95,000 USD annually. Salary commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position, and candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our firm is extremely collaborative, working across offices as one seamless team. Currently, our staff is required to be in the office 4 days a week (subject to change).

Benefits

We are proud to provide an inclusive and positive work environment that fosters employee happiness. All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• 11 paid holidays

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans

• Subscription to Modern Health, which includes 12 therapy sessions and 12 virtual coaching sessions

• Bike & car share memberships

• Commuter benefits

• Office well-being: weekly culture lunches, healthy snacks, and monthly massages

• Annual staff retreat

Paid Leaves

• 15 days of annual PTO, increasing after 5 & 10 years

• Birthing parents are eligible for up to 22 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave for a typical pregnancy, recovery, and bonding period (in conjunction with the state offering)

• Non-birthing parents are eligible for up to 12 weeks of 100% paid leave to bond with their new baby(in conjunction with the state offering)

• School Visitation Leave

• Bereavement Leave

Retirement / Savings

• 401(k) program

• Non-elective contribution plan

• Profit-sharing plan

Professional Growth

• Learning and development stipend of $1000 annually

• Reimbursement for Licensure and Certifications

• Opportunity to attend design conferences/firm retreats annually

You can learn more about us and our work at www.dbarchitect.com.

Please Note: At this time, DBA cannot offer new or transferred sponsorship for employment.

If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum requirements, we highly encourage you to apply or to connect with us to learn more about this role.

Thank you for your interest in our firm, and we look forward to your application.