Architect (Licensed)

A7 Group, Inc.; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with profit sharing

Travel expense coverage

CEU support

Job summary

A7 Group, Inc. seeks a California Licensed Architect to take ownership as Architect of Record, guiding projects from site investigation through permitting and construction. You will influence firm growth while leading technical delivery and client interactions.

The role blends traditional architecture with forensic consulting, offering hands-on fieldwork, collaboration with staff, and accountability for project outcomes in a growing, entrepreneurial team.

Qualifications

• Active California Architect License in good standing – required.
• 5–10 years of architecture and/or construction experience, including responsible charge of projects.
• Strong knowledge of the California Building Code, zoning, and local permitting processes.
• Forensic architecture, inspection, field documentation, or litigation-support experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Architect of Record, reviewing, stamping, and signing construction documents and specifications.
• Manage projects end-to-end, including site investigations, as-builts, schematic design, construction documents, and permit approval.
• Lead planning, zoning, and code research and serve as the primary contact with building departments and plan reviewers.
• Perform forensic property inspections, analyze litigation case files, and author professional reports and opinions.
• Coordinate engineering consultants and communicate with product manufacturers.
• Guide and review the work of Job Captains and drafting staff.
• Represent A7 Group in client meetings, field engagements, and legal proceedings when needed.

Skills

Forensic inspections

Site investigations

Client meetings

Education

California Architect License

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Photoshop

Acrobat

Microsoft Office

Job description

We're looking for a California Licensed Architect who wants more than just another project role.

This is an opportunity to take real ownership, serve as Architect of Record, lead projects from initial site investigation through permitting and construction, and have a direct voice in the continued growth of our firm.

We're a growing, entrepreneurial team where experienced architects stay close to the work - partnering with clients, leading technical delivery, solving complex challenges in the field, and working across both traditional architecture and forensic consulting.

What You'll Do

• Serve as Architect of Record, reviewing, stamping, and signing construction documents and specifications.
• Manage projects end-to-end, including site investigations, as-builts, schematic design, construction documents, and permit approval.
• Lead planning, zoning, and code research and serve as the primary contact with building departments and plan reviewers.
• Perform forensic property inspections, analyze litigation case files, and author professional reports and opinions.
• Coordinate engineering consultants and communicate with product manufacturers.
• Guide and review the work of Job Captains and drafting staff.
• Represent A7 Group in client meetings, field engagements, and legal proceedings when needed.

What You Bring

• Active California Architect License in good standing - required.
• 5-10 years of architecture and/or construction experience, including responsible charge of projects.
• Strong knowledge of the California Building Code, zoning, and local permitting processes.
• Forensic architecture, inspection, field documentation, or litigation-support experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to travel throughout Southern California for field and forensic work.
• Comfortable with hands-on fieldwork, including balcony inspections, ladders, crawling, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• NCARB certification is a plus.

Why A7 Group?

• Real authority & ownership - serve as Architect of Record and directly influence the firm's growth.
• Variety - work across design, permitting, construction, field investigations, and forensic assignments.
• Visible impact - join a smaller, collaborative team where your expertise and ideas matter.
• Growth - help shape a growing firm rather than simply filling a seat within a large organization.

Benefits include:

• 401(k) with company profit sharing
• Covered travel expenses
• License renewal & continuing education support