Designer

David Baker Architects • San Francisco, CA

171d • $70,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

David Baker Architects is seeking a talented, engaged Designer to support projects primarily in early-phase site planning, architectural concept design and entitlements, and schematic design. The role involves preparing high-quality renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation graphics, and massing studies; developing Revit models; and actively contributing to design conversations and charrettes. The Designer is expected to bring intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for the evolving practice of architectural graphics, including the integration of AI tools. The role also includes supporting marketing efforts with awards graphics, presentation plans, and diagrams.

The Designer works closely with project team members and principals in a collaborative design process. The role offers an opportunity to work with mission-driven architects on impactful projects. Candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Staff are currently required to work in the office four days per week, subject to change, while collaborating across the firm's offices as one team.

Requirements

• 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, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Fluency in and thoughtful integration of AI image-generation and rendering tools; candidates should be able to discuss testing, questioning, or developing workflows with Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT Image 2.0, or similar tools.
• Strong hand-sketching skills for visual communication, demonstrated in a 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.
• Strong professional or academic reference(s).
• Must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Must submit a cover letter, resume, and design portfolio compiled into one PDF no larger than 5 MB; the cover letter should explain why the applicant wants to work at DBA.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Lumion.
• Demonstrated interest in or lived experience with affordable housing, community advocacy, or social justice initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support project planning, programming, design, and documentation through 3D modeling in Revit and Lumion.
• Prepare presentation graphics and renderings for internal and external communications.
• Explore, experiment with, and provide thought leadership on integrating AI into design workflows.
• Coordinate and collaborate with project team members and consultants.
• Support preparation for client meetings and inclusive, accessible community engagement opportunities.
• Engage, sketch, and collaborate with principals in design charrettes.
• Contribute to design development and concept discussions, showing a desire to learn and grow by asking questions and bringing unique perspectives.
• Take initiative in performing iterative design studies based on feedback and personal design skills.
• Learn about and engage with DBA initiatives related to sustainability, equity, research, business development, and culture.
• Support marketing efforts with awards graphics, including presentation plans and diagrams.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account plans.
• Modern Health subscription, including 12 therapy sessions and 12 virtual coaching sessions.
• Bike and car share memberships.
• Commuter benefits.
• Weekly culture lunches, healthy snacks, and monthly massages.
• Annual staff retreat.
• 15 days of annual paid time off, increasing after 5 and 10 years.
• Birthing parents may receive up to 22 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for a typical pregnancy, recovery, and bonding period, in conjunction with state offerings.
• Non-birthing parents may receive up to 12 weeks of 100% paid leave to bond with a new baby, in conjunction with state offerings.
• School visitation leave.
• Bereavement leave.
• 401(k) program.
• Non-elective contribution plan.
• Profit-sharing plan.
• Annual learning and development stipend of $1,000.
• Reimbursement for licensure and certifications.
• Opportunity to attend design conferences and firm retreats annually.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed