Project Architect: Civic + Cultural

lpadesignstudios; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from leadership

Professional development grants

Volunteer hours

Habitat for Humanity involvement

Job summary

LPA is seeking a Project Architect to join our Civic + Cultural team in California. You will lead and execute project documentation from concept through construction, collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of designers and engineers.

This role requires a California license, 10+ years of experience across all project phases, and proficiency in Revit and related design tools. You’ll mentor junior staff and help deliver high-performance, community-first design that aligns with our

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience across all phases of architectural projects.
• Active architecture license in California.
• Proficiency in Revit and other design tools.
• Deep understanding of building codes and construction detailing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and execute project documentation and contract administration across all phases of assigned projects.
• Direct the technical delivery of projects from concept design through construction, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of designers and engineers.
• Collaborate with the Project Designer and Project Manager to bring design visions to life with clarity and precision.
• Oversee the preparation of design documentation, including schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
• Conduct quality control reviews and research to ensure the use of appropriate products, materials, and construction methods.
• Lead the construction administration process, ensuring successful implementation and resolution of design intent on-site.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and internal team members.
• Mentor junior staff, fostering their growth through knowledge-sharing, training, and ongoing support.

Skills

Architectural design leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Join the 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner shaping a more sustainable future.

LPA is a collective of designers, engineers, and researchers committed to tackling the biggest issues of our time. Our \"No Excuses\" integrated design approach was recognized by the AIA as “a trailblazer in sustainable, high-performance architecture". At LPA you’ll be part of the team that is changing the way the industry thinks about design and carbon emissions, built around the belief that we only achieve our goals when everybody has a seat at the table and all input is valued.

We’re currently seeking a Project Architect to join our dynamic Civic + Cultural team. You’ll be part of a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. Examples of completed projects include West Hollywood Park Aquatics and Recreation Center, Michelle Obama Library and Environmental Nature Center. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our studios in California and Texas—and help bring high-performance, community-first design to life.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, develop, and execute project documentation and contract administration across all phases of assigned projects.

• Direct the technical delivery of projects from concept design through construction, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of designers and engineers.

• Collaborate with the Project Designer and Project Manager to bring design visions to life with clarity and precision.

• Oversee the preparation of design documentation, including schematic design, design development, and construction documents.

• Conduct quality control reviews and research to ensure the use of appropriate products, materials, and construction methods.

• Lead the construction administration process, ensuring successful implementation and resolution of design intent on-site.

• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and internal team members.

• Mentor junior staff, fostering their growth through knowledge-sharing, training, and ongoing support.

What We Offer:

At LPA, your growth and contributions matter. We foster a collaborative culture where creative ideas are valued, and voices are heard.

• Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines.

• Career development support, including professional development grants and in-house training.

• Ongoing education through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks focused on innovative, sustainable practices.

• 8 paid hours of volunteer time each year.

• Opportunities to propose and lead projects that impact your local community, including more than $1 million since 2015 in Habitat for Humanity builds, scholarships, and other pro bono community projects.

• Access to our Professional Development Grants program, created to encourage professional development and further LPA's collective knowledge as a firm. Over the life of the grant program, we have invested $1,196,890 and impacted 848 LPA employees.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

• Bachelors and/or Masters degree in Architecture.

• 10+ years of experience across all phases of architectural projects.

• Active architecture license in California.

• Proficiency in Revit and other relevant design tools.

• Deep understanding of building codes, construction techniques, and architectural detailing.

LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas, focused on creating forward-thinking, sustainable spaces that make a positive impact. We believe great design begins with great people, which is why we foster a supportive, collaborative environment where creativity, curiosity, and professional growth are encouraged. Our culture values diversity, promotes wellness, and supports a healthy work-life balance. At LPA, we offer competitive salaries and a robust benefits package—including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs.

This position is eligible for an annual bonus. If you are hired at LPA, your base salary is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

LPA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires.