Project Architect

About Handel Architects Handel Architects•San Francisco, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Handel Architects is an award-winning, full-service Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Hong Kong. Its San Francisco office specializes in complex mixed-use and multi-family residential projects, from boutique urban infill to large-scale high-rise developments. The studio is a collaborative, open environment focused on sustainability-driven design and creating vibrant communities. The San Francisco studio is seeking a Project Architect with 10+ years of experience to support high-quality architectural projects from early design through construction. This self-directed role calls for technical expertise, clear communication, and effective collaboration across teams. Working closely with Project Managers, the Project Architect leads project teams across multiple concurrent projects and all phases, coordinating consultants, collaborating with internal design teams, interfacing with clients, and helping manage schedules and deliverables. The Project Architect helps maintain technical quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle; develops and coordinates construction documents; and supports projects through construction to ensure design intent is translated into buildable solutions. The position offers ownership of meaningful work and professional growth within a collaborative studio. The firm operates on a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday through Thursday, with optional remote work on Fridays.

Requirements

10+ years of experience with all phases of architectural projects.
Demonstrated success completing one or more buildings as a Project Architect from conception through construction.
Professional degree in Architecture.
Architectural license required.
Strong knowledge of zoning regulations, planning codes, entitlement processes, building codes, and permit processes.
Experience working with teams of architects, designers, and consultants.
Revit proficiency.
Strong organizational and technical capability, including experience preparing, coordinating, and delivering construction drawings and specification submissions.
Experience in Construction Administration and jobsite visits.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized, technically knowledgeable, and detail-oriented.
Collaborative team player able to contribute effectively in a studio environment.
Self-motivated and capable of managing tasks independently.

Nice To Haves

Large-scale multi-family, hospitality, and/or mixed-use project experience.
California architectural license.
Experience in San Francisco or other California jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

Lead project teams on multiple concurrent projects and across all project phases, working closely with Project Managers.
Coordinate with consultants and collaborate with internal design teams.
Interface with clients and help manage project schedules and deliverables.
Maintain technical quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Develop and coordinate construction documents and construction drawing and specification submissions.
Support projects through construction and help ensure design intent is accurately translated into buildable solutions.
Coordinate consultant teams and lead meetings.
Perform construction administration and jobsite visits.
Mentor colleagues and share knowledge across experience levels.
Make difficult decisions when information is incomplete or interests conflict, while applying basic risk-management strategies to protect the firm and client.