Designer

David Baker Architects•San Francisco, CA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

David Baker Architects (DBA) is seeking a talented, strong, and engaged Designer to join their collaborative team. This role focuses on early-phase project support, including site planning, architectural concept design, and entitlements. The Designer will be responsible for preparing high-quality renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation graphics, massing studies, and Revit modeling. A key aspect of this role involves actively contributing to design conversations and charrettes, with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for the evolving practice of architectural graphics, including the integration of AI tools. Additionally, the position will support marketing efforts with awards graphics. This role offers a significant opportunity to work with mission-driven architects on impactful projects, collaborating closely with project team members and principals in a highly engaged environment.

Requirements

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.
Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
Resourcefulness, reliability, and attention to detail
Collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn and ask questions
Strong professional or academic reference(s)
Candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lumion a plus
Strong hand sketching skills for visual communication, as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples
A demonstrated interest in or lived experience with affordable housing, community advocacy, or social justice initiatives

Responsibilities

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

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
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
401(k) program
Non-elective contribution plan
Profit-sharing plan
Learning and development stipend of $1000 annually
Reimbursement for Licensure and Certifications
Opportunity to attend design conferences/firm retreats annually