Senior Project Architect

Northern Impact • San Jose, CA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

A nationally recognized San Jose architecture firm with a global presence is seeking a Senior Project Architect to lead complex projects from early design through construction close-out. The firm's diverse portfolio spans residential, affordable housing, hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, higher education, and civic work across offices in California, Texas, the East Coast, and Shanghai. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative, design-driven studio in the heart of San Jose and make a meaningful impact across a growing portfolio.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project design and documentation, including at least five years as a Project Architect.
• Professional experience in residential and affordable housing strongly preferred; hospitality experience is also highly desirable.
• Substantial experience in construction document preparation, construction administration, field observation, building materials, specifications, and construction techniques.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, building and zoning codes, and engineering disciplines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, leadership, organization, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable practices, industry standards, and quality control.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, SketchUp or Rhino, and rendering tools such as 3D Studio Max, Maxwell Render, Twinmotion, or Enscape.
• Professional degree in Architecture or a related field, or equivalent experience; graduate degree preferred.
• Architecture license required; California licensure preferred.
• LEED AP preferred.
• Active involvement in local, state, or national industry organizations is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Commitment to design innovation and excellence.
• Independent, self-directed, and self-motivated.
• Ability to motivate and effectively lead design staff.
• Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Values and personality compatible with a collaborative, design-driven firm culture.

Responsibilities

• Guide integrated design teams through design and technical development on multiple concurrent projects or large, complex assignments.
• Own the technical execution of the work, lead risk management reviews, and ensure that documentation is coordinated, code-compliant, and aligned with design intent through every phase of construction.
• Serve as a firm-wide resource by providing training, mentorship, and internal workshops or seminars.
• Champion and elevate the studio's reputation as a design-focused, innovation-driven practice.
• Stay current on technical innovations and project-type trends and proactively promote continuing education for staff.
• Partner with Principals, Project Managers, and Designers to develop marketing materials and project narratives.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and other marketing efforts as a key voice of the firm.
• Represent the practice in professional organizations, industry events, and community forums.
• Contribute thought leadership through white papers, articles, and presentations for industry platforms.
• Lead design exploration, help define project scope, and guide the development of innovative concepts and methodologies.
• Manage and coordinate a broad team of consultants, delegate responsibilities, and provide clear direction to junior and intermediate staff.
• Resolve complex technical issues, oversee the design and review of production drawings, maintain project records, and coordinate with planning, building, fire, and other authorities having jurisdiction.
• Support staffing, scheduling, fee estimating, and payment review while focusing primarily on design and technical refinement.
• Direct the development and review of construction documents for alignment with design intent, building systems, detailing, and specifications.
• Respond to bidding inquiries and coordinate with agencies, committees, and officials for presentations, approvals, and permits.
• Conduct site observations, prepare field reports, and collaborate with construction teams to resolve issues.
• Lead project close-out, including punch lists, occupancy and substantial completion documentation, and final deliverables.
• Oversee technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal requests, change orders, scope revisions, and close-out records.
• Perform comprehensive check-set and risk management reviews at key project milestones.
• Maintain detailed records of design decisions, material selections, and detailing strategies and keep project manuals current.
• Provide strong technical oversight so projects meet the firm's quality control and quality assurance standards.

What This Job Offers

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