Job Captain / Multi Family

Studio KDA; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Full benefits package

Vacation

Medical coverage

Dental plan

401(k)

Profit sharing

Disability insurance

Job summary

Studio KDA in Berkeley, CA is seeking a qualified architect to lead the production and coordination of construction documents on complex developments. You will develop technical details, maintain CAD/Revit standards, and prepare permit and bid packages for submittal.

Ideal candidates have 4–6 years of professional experience, a degree in architecture, and strong drawing and code-knowledge skills. Participation in licensure pursuit and collaboration across disciplines are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 4–6 years of professional experience.
• Strong graphic communication and drawing skills.
• Understanding of building codes and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production and coordination of construction documents.
• Develop and maintain technical details and specifications.
• Manage sheet organization, drawing standards, and CAD/Revit model integrity.
• Prepare sets for permit submittal, bid packages, and construction issuance.
• Coordinate drawings across consultant disciplines and perform code reviews.
• Direct and review the work of project coordinators and production staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Graphic communication

Ability to take direction and iterate

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited program

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Company Description

Studio KDA is a Berkeley, California architecture and interior design practice focused on creating buildings that bring people together, are cost-effective to build, efficient to operate, and valued by their communities. The studio collaborates closely with developers, business owners, and mission-driven organizations to guide complex projects from pre-design and entitlements through construction. Our portfolio includes student and market-rate housing, restaurants, bars, workplaces, and large retail centers, with a strong reputation for navigating restrictive municipal processes to secure entitlements and permits efficiently. Studio KDA is highly service-oriented and collaborative, tailoring each project to its site, budget, brand vision, customer demographic, and schedule.

What you will do

• Lead the production and coordination of construction documents
• Develop and maintain technical details and specifications
• Manage sheet organization, drawing standards, and CAD/Revit model integrity
• Prepare sets for permit submittal, bid packages, and construction issuance

Project Coordination

• Direct and review the work of Project Coordinators and other production staff
• Coordinate drawings across all consultant disciplines (structural, MEP, civil)
• Perform code compliance reviews throughout document development
• Manage day-to-day RFI and submittal review during construction administration
• Identify and resolve drawing conflicts and coordination issues

Learning & Development

• Act independently on tasks for projects of moderate complexity
• Shadow client meetings
• Build toward licensure

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program

Experience

• 4 - 6 years of professional experience

Technical Skills

• AutoCAD - preferred but not required
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Soft Skills / Knowledge Base

• Understanding of building codes and permitting processes
• Strong graphic communication and drawing skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to take direction and iterate based on feedback
• Team collaboration skills
• Working knowledge of construction methods and materials
• Understanding of the design/CD/CA project phases

Nice to Have

• Actively pursuing licensure — enrolled in NCARB's AXP
• LEED Green Associate or working toward LEED AP
• Familiarity with the firm's specialty project types (commercial, residential, multifamily)
• Portfolio demonstrating both design thinking and technical documentation ability

Studio KDA is committed to professional development through mentoring and continuing education. Our staff have ample opportunity to grow and advance through demonstrated effort and success. We provide competitive salaries and a full benefits package including vacation, medical coverage, dental plan, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and disability insurance. This position requires work in our Berkeley office 2–3 days a week.

Our office is a casual, dynamic and collaborative environment. We designed and built the building we occupy, creating a space filled with natural light, generous workstations and outdoor terraces. In addition to an excellent studio environment, we ensure that employees have the tools they need (training, hardware, software, technical support, mentoring and continuing education) to enable inspired and efficient work.

As a collaborative and community-focused firm we provide the framework for social gathering through periodic Friday celebrations, an annual River Trip, as well as field trips and seminars.

To learn more about our projects, design philosophy and work environment please see our website at studiokda.com.