Project Architect Planner

SmithGroup; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Hybrid work environment

PTO (3 weeks) in first year

8 paid federal holidays

15 extra Fridays off

Job summary

SmithGroup's San Francisco office seeks a Project Architect Planner to lead urban design and mobility projects, coordinating teams and ensuring delivery.

You will manage client relations, documentation, and project budgets, while mentoring staff and guiding cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience and license readiness in California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent.
• California architectural license or ability to obtain.
• 8+ years of professional experience on large projects with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design and mobility projects, coordinating teams and workflows.
• Maintain client, consultant, public agency, and stakeholder relationships.
• Manage communications, deliverables, and contractual compliance.

Skills

Urban design leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring & coaching

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

California architectural license

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Rhino

SketchUp Pro

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

The San Franciscooffice of SmithGroupis looking for aProject Architect Plannerto join our team.

Working with us you will:

• Leads urban design and mobility projects by coordinating project teams, managing workflows, and ensuring successful project delivery.
• Maintains relationships with clients, consultants, public agencies, and stakeholders to support project goals and collaboration.
• Manages project communications, deliverables, and documentation to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Coordinates with internal staff, clients, owners, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies to facilitate project execution and decision-making.
• Provides project leadership by managing scope, budget, schedule, risk, and overall project performance.
• Reviews project schedules and milestones to monitor progress, identify issues, and support timely project completion.
• Develop proposals and scopes of work to support business development and project growth initiatives.
• Reviews design drawings and technical documents to ensure quality, completeness, compliance with project criteria, and applicable codes.
• Maintains and updates project guidelines, design criteria, and technical standards in coordination with project teams and clients.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to clients, stakeholders, and public agencies to communicate project goals, recommendations, and outcomes.
• Provides direction and oversight to project team members by assigning work, reviewing deliverables, and providing guidance and mentorship.
• Supports staffing, performance management, and employee development activities in accordance with organizational policies.

An ideal Candidate has:

• A bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent.Additional professional degree, certification or experience as an Urban Planner/Designer is preferred.
• An architectural license in California or ability to get licensed in California. LEED AP preferred.
• 8 years of professional experience including managing large projects with a multitude of stakeholders.
• Experience in transit/rail/mobility projects and/or large urban design and infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative approach and strong ability to engage with professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong mentoring, written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe/Affinity Creative Suite, GIS, Rhino, and SketchUp Pro preferred.
• Experience leading other architects, urban designers, and project teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of code implementation, jurisdiction review, construction practices and methodologies.

• While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $108,000 to $128,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year.
• We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off!
• Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options.
• We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one‑on‑one career coaching and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].