Designer

David Baker Architects•San Francisco, CA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

David Baker Architects is seeking a talented, strong, and engaged Designer to join their team. This Designer role supports projects primarily in early phase site planning, architectural concept design/entitlements, and schematic design phases. The role involves preparing high-quality renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation graphics, massing studies, and Revit modeling. The designer will actively contribute to design conversations and charrettes, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for evolving architectural graphics, including AI tools. The position also includes supporting marketing efforts with awards graphics, presentation plans, and diagrams. This role works closely with project team members and principals, emphasizing a collaborative design process and offering an opportunity to work on impactful projects with mission-driven architects.

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.
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)

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lumion a plus

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