Architectural Designer 2

Yes Community Architects; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sunny Berkeley loft office

Creative, socially impactful projects

Mentorship and growth opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Collaborative, healthy office culture

Job summary

Yes Community Architects seeks a Designer II with 3+ years of professional experience to lead projects from concept through documentation and develop drawing packages. You will coordinate with consultants and collaborating architects, contributing directly to the design vision.

Design skills are paramount, carrying ideas from concept through plans, elevations, materials, details, and presentation. The role also explores AI, visualization, and digital tools to enhance design communication.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional architecture experience.
• Working knowledge of CBC, accessibility, zoning, and construction documentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to social justice, sustainability, and housing for all.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop housing and community-focused projects.
• Lead Revit drawing packages, including plans, elevations, interiors, and details.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, clients, and collaborating architects.
• Participate in client and design meetings.
• Conduct site surveys and existing-condition documentation.
• Help develop AI and digital workflows using tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Sora.
• Contribute to research around Universal Design, sustainability, modular construction, mass timber, and other emerging practices.

Skills

Design instincts

Communication

Collaboration

Social justice

Sustainability

Tools

Revit

ChatGPT

Gemini

Claude

Sora

Job description

About YCA

Yes Community Architects is a full-service architecture practice creating housing and community-centered projects from early visioning through construction. Our work is shaped by policy, people, and place—and by the relationships that bring projects to life. Our work includes affordable and workforce housing, student housing, infill development, modular construction, and transit-oriented communities.

The Role

We’re looking for a Designer II with strong design instincts, solid technical skills, and 3+ years of professional experience.

You’ll help lead projects from concept through documentation, develop drawing packages, coordinate with consultants and collaborating architects, and contribute directly to the design vision.

Design skills are paramount. We’re looking for someone who can carry a strong idea from concept through plans, elevations, materials, details, and presentation.

You’ll also help us explore new AI, visualization, and digital tools to improve how we design and communicate.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop housing and community-focused projects
• Lead Revit drawing packages, including plans, elevations, interiors, and details
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, clients, and collaborating architects
• Participate in client and design meetings
• Conduct site surveys and existing-condition documentation
• Help develop AI and digital workflows using tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Sora
• Contribute to research around Universal Design, sustainability, modular construction, mass timber, and other emerging practices

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional architecture experience
• Working knowledge of CBC, accessibility, zoning, and construction documentation
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to social justice, sustainability, and housing for all
• Bay Area permitting experience is a plus

What We Offer

• A sunny loft office overlooking Strawberry Creek Park in Berkeley
• Creative, socially impactful projects
• Significant design responsibility and mentorship
• A collaborative, healthy office culture
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunities to grow with the firm

Yes Community Architects is a small, mighty architecture firm committed to building a diverse and inclusive practice. We strongly encourage applicants from backgrounds historically underrepresented in architecture and design to apply. Multi-lingual applicants welcome.