Project Architect – Multifamily / Mixed-Use

Carrier Johnson + Culture•San Diego, CA

About The Position

At Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), we believe exceptional design is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and disciplined execution. Our interdisciplinary teams create transformative environments that strengthen communities and enrich the human experience. Our portfolio includes high-density multifamily residential, mixed-use, affordable housing, hospitality, workplace, civic, higher education, and commercial developments throughout California and beyond. We are seeking a Project Architect with strong multifamily residential and mixed-use experience to lead the technical development and coordination of complex projects from design through construction. As a Project Architect at CJ+C, you will play a central role in the technical development and execution of multifamily residential and mixed-use projects, translating design intent into coordinated, constructible solutions while maintaining quality throughout project delivery. With 8+ years of professional experience, you are a licensed architect with strong experience in multifamily residential and a working knowledge of Type I-A, Type III, and Type V construction, including podium, wrap, urban infill, and mixed-use building typologies. You understand residential planning, building systems, code requirements, consultant coordination, and the technical documentation required to successfully deliver complex projects. Working closely with Senior Project Architects, Project Managers, and Design Leaders, you will coordinate project teams, resolve technical issues, and help maintain continuity between design vision and built execution. You are equally comfortable working at the scale of the overall building and resolving the details that determine its quality and performance.

Requirements

Registered/Licensed Architect required. California licensure strongly preferred.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university required.
8+ years of professional architectural experience, with demonstrated experience delivering multifamily residential and mixed-use projects.
Demonstrated experience developing and coordinating high-density residential projects through design development and construction documentation.
Strong working knowledge of Type I-A, Type III, and Type V construction, podium configurations, and mixed-use developments.
Strong understanding of California Building Code, accessibility, fire and life-safety requirements, and local permitting processes.
Strong knowledge of building materials, construction methods, detailing, exterior envelope systems, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Advanced proficiency in Revit, with demonstrated experience developing and coordinating comprehensive construction documents.
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams.
Construction administration experience, including RFIs, submittals, field observations, and construction-phase issue resolution.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical and coordination issues.
Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to mentor junior team members while continuing to develop technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
Commitment to design excellence, technical rigor, professional development, and knowledge-sharing within the firm.
To be considered, please provide a current portfolio and/or work samples in PDF format.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day architectural development and technical coordination of multifamily residential and mixed-use projects across multiple phases.
Develop and coordinate high-quality construction documents that are clear, accurate, constructible, and aligned with design intent.
Apply working knowledge of Type I-A, Type III, and Type V construction, including podium, wrap, and mixed-use configurations.
Coordinate architectural work with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, interiors, life-safety, and specialty consultants.
Develop and resolve building plans, sections, wall assemblies, exterior envelope conditions, roofs and terraces, balconies, waterproofing, rated assemblies, and other critical building details.
Apply a strong understanding of residential planning, including unit layouts, accessibility, kitchens and bathrooms, corridors, vertical circulation, amenity spaces, parking, service areas, and back-of-house functions.
Research and apply California Building Code, accessibility, fire and life-safety, and local jurisdictional requirements.
Coordinate permitting and respond to plan-check comments in collaboration with project leadership.
Work closely with contractors and consultants to resolve constructability and coordination issues.
Participate in construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, field observations, punch lists, and resolution of construction issues.
Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Design Leaders to maintain alignment between design intent and technical execution.
Participate in QA/QC reviews and incorporate technical direction from Senior Project Architects and other technical leaders.
Guide and mentor Designers and Job Captains while supporting the technical development of the broader project team.
Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams throughout project delivery.