Senior Project Architect

Carrier Johnson + Culture • San Diego, CA

13h

About The Position

At Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), we are fueled by creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Our team champions a user-first approach that pushes design boundaries and fosters innovation. Our work spans mixed-use residential, commercial, and civic projects of varying scales and complexities, delivered through collaboration, technical rigor, and thoughtful leadership. As a Senior Project Architect, you'll partner with clients, design leaders, project managers, and interdisciplinary teams to collaborate on bringing visionary concepts to reality.
Your Role
As a Senior Project Architect at CJ+C, you'll lead mid-size to large, complex projects, often leading multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging your deep technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure seamless delivery from concept through construction. With 12+ years of experience, you're a licensed professional recognized for championing design and technical excellence by coordinating consultants, navigating regulatory processes, and mentoring teams in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Your commitment to quality, problem-solving, and client partnerships makes CJ+C the ideal place to advance your career within a culture that values technical precision, innovation, and professional growth.

Requirements

• Registered/Licensed Architect required. CA licensed strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited university required.
• 12+ years of professional experience, including significant work on mixed-use or complex project typologies of varying scales and construction types. Residential Type I and Podium Type III + Type V preferred.
• Deep technical expertise in architectural detailing, building systems, construction methods, codes, and regulatory processes
• Experience developing and writing architectural specifications.
• Proven ability to lead and develop custom architectural details that support and enhance design intent
• Proven ability to lead teams of various sizes, manage workflows, coordinate multidisciplinary consultants, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and pragmatic solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to clearly convey ideas to clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Extensive experience leading construction administration and mentoring team members through the CA process.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and knowledge-sharing within the firm.
• Proficiency in Revit and related technical production tools preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with California Building Code, seismic design, Title 24 energy compliance, and local permitting processes (San Diego/Los Angeles jurisdictions) highly preferred
• Deep knowledge of sustainable design principles, practices, and certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.).
• Proven interest in and experience exploring/adopting new building technologies and innovative construction methods (e.g., mass timber, modular, or digital fabrication)
• Experience with innovative low-carbon materials such as mass timber preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural and technical development of projects across all phases: concept, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Lead seamless delivery from concept through construction by developing and coordinating buildable solutions that align with project goals, budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to achieve seamless integration of building systems and disciplines.
• Guide projects through plan check, permitting, zoning requirements, and regulatory approvals.
• Oversee construction administration, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, conducting site visits, and maintaining design intent and quality.
• Collaborate closely with the team on budgeting, scheduling, resource management, specifications, and overall project delivery.
• Uphold rigorous Quality Assurance and Control standards across drawings, specifications, and deliverables, ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, and firm standards.
• Build and sustain strong client relationships alongside Project Managers and Design Leaders, fostering trust, repeat business, and long-term partnerships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level