Architect / Architectural Staff (San Diego)

SGPA Architecture and Planning; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

medical

dental

paid vacation

group life insurance

disability

flexible spending options

annual holiday time off

Job summary

SGPA Architecture and Planning in San Diego is seeking an experienced Architect or Architectural Staff (unlicensed) with 4–8+ years of experience for long-term career growth. Requires CA licensure for architects and a strong proficiency with Revit and CAD tools.

The role emphasizes design development, construction documentation, and coordination with consultants in a collaborative studio environment. The office supports flexible hours and up to 18 hours of remote work per week, with

Qualifications

• 4 to 8+ years of experience in prior similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or similar degree.
• Architectural Licensure in California required for Architect position.
• Excellent organizational capabilities.
• Professional communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively in a deadline intensive environment.
• Proficiency with Revit, Forma Design Collaboration, SketchUp, Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and Outlook, and familiarity with other industry software applications like Forma Build or Procore are desirable.
• Basic understanding of materials and methods of construction.
• Excellent graphic and design capabilities exhibited through resume and portfolio example projects.
• Comprehension of design concepts in both verbal and graphic communications.
• Ability to compose and extend design elements in a presentation format.
• Experience in coordinating with consultants such as civil, landscape, structural, or MEP.
• Experience in creating construction documents and detailing.
• Proficient in product research for outline specifications and in coordination of project manual.
• Comprehensive knowledge in interpretation and application of building and zoning codes, including negotiations with agencies.
• Construction administration experience is a plus.
• Great attitude and collaborative team member.

Responsibilities

• Work under the collaborative direction of Senior Designer, Project Managers, and Project Principals to develop design concepts that respond to Firm and Client objectives.
• Prepare presentation materials and design exhibits, including 3D modelling, presentation drawings, diagrams, and renderings.
• Material and product research and selections, and color and materials board preparations.
• Select building materials and color palettes for presentation boards.
• Assist with the development and production of Construction Documents and coordination of project consultants.
• Assist during construction administration phase in review of requests for information, shop drawings submittals, site observation visits, and OAC meetings.
• Managing time effectively and meeting established deadlines and deliverables.

Skills

Architectural design

Project coordination

Communication skills

Time management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture or similar degree

Tools

Revit

Forma Design Collaboration

SketchUp

Photoshop

InDesign

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Forma Build

Procore

Job description

SGPA Architecture and Planning is a leading architectural design firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo. For over 50 years, we’ve become specialists in diverse projects that feature or blend retail, residential, education, senior living, and wellness. Our practice is committed to enhancing the quality of people’s lives through smart design, rooted in creative approaches, effective management, and technology.

Our San Diego office is seeking an experienced Architect or Architectural Staff (if unlicensed) with approximately 4 to 8 or more years of experience, who is seeking long-term career relationships with potential for advancement.

Minimum requirements for this position include the following:

• 4 to 8+ years of experience in prior similar role
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or similar degree
• Architectural Licensure in California required for Architect position
• Excellent organizational capabilities
• Professional communication skills, both written and spoken
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively in a deadline intensive environment
• Proficiency with Revit, Forma Design Collaboration, SketchUp, Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and Outlook, and familiarity with other industry software applications like Forma Build or Procore are desirable
• Basic understanding of materials and methods of construction
• Excellent graphic and design capabilities exhibited through resume and portfolio example projects
• Comprehension of design concepts in both verbal and graphic communications
• Ability to compose and extend design elements in a presentation format
• Experience in coordinating with consultants such as civil, landscape, structural, or MEP
• Experience in creating construction documents and detailing
• Proficient in product research for outline specifications and in coordination of project manual
• Comprehensive knowledge in interpretation and application of building and zoning codes, including negotiations with agencies
• Construction administration experience is a plus
• Great attitude and collaborative team member

The person in this position will support and enhance the efforts of the firm’s design and production team. Responsibilities include assisting with design and production activities such as:

• Work under the collaborative direction of Senior Designer, Project Managers, and Project Principals to develop design concepts that respond to Firm and Client objectives
• Prepare presentation materials and design exhibits, including 3D modelling, presentation drawings, diagrams, and renderings.
• Material and product research and selections, and color and materials board preparations
• Select building materials and color palettes for presentation boards
• Assist with the development and production of Construction Documents and coordination of project consultants
• Assist during construction administration phase in review of requests for information, shop drawings submittals, site observation visits, and OAC meetings
• Managing time effectively and meeting established deadlines and deliverables

Our Office Culture

We are proud to support our teams work-life balance by offering flexible and remote work hours. Our unique office schedule of 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday allows you to enjoy longer weekends, as the office closes at 11:30am every Friday. SGPA values the mental and physical health of our teams and discourages staff from working over 40 hours a week. SGPA's flexible work policy allows for up to 18 hours of remote work per week.

Professional Development

SGPA offers a Mentorship Program, an Associates Program, SGPA Academy, and ARE Study Groups to promote staff growth and professional development. SGPA recognizes the contributions of our current and future leaders through appointment to the Associates Program. Associates who perform successfully can grow to Senior Associate, Associate Principal, and Principal. The purpose of the Associate’ program is to lead the charge for the betterment and growth within SGPA. Associates are expected to continually drive change, inspire new ideas, and improve processes within the firm.

Architectural Experience Program

Our design team is only as strong as it’s best ideas. And some of the most creative input comes from early-career architects. At SGPA we welcome and use our emerging professionals’ insights, and offer full involvement in our projects. SGPA supports NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and additionally reimburses staff for all Architect Registrations Exams (ARE) passed while employed here.

Additional Benefits of Joining Our Team

• 401k
• medical
• dental
• paid vacation
• group life insurance
• disability
• flexible spending options
• annual holiday time off

SGPA Hires for Careers not Projects:

SGPA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes that our talented team members are our best resource. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences to cultivate a team that can achieve our mission of Enriching Life Through Design. We fully support the career growth and professional goals of our team, and our preference is always to promote from within. Leadership opportunities are available on an equitable performance basis and firm leadership are dedicated to cultivating talent through mentorship, training, and hands on experience.

Salary Range for the position is $80,000 – $115,000, actual compensation will be based on qualifications, licensure, skills, and experience.