Project Architect, Senior Designer

M I Architects, Inc.; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MI Architects, Inc. seeks a senior architect to lead on-site Walnut Creek projects. You will own Construction Documents, guide the drafting team, and coordinate with consultant engineers and jurisdictions to move projects through approvals.

This hands-on role requires 10+ years of commercial architecture experience, strong AutoCAD proficiency, and a commitment to long-term leadership within commuting distance of Walnut Creek.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial architecture experience.
• Strong AutoCAD — you produce, not just redline.
• Confident directing drafters and coordinating with consultants.
• Looking for a long‑term home, not a stopgap.
• Within commuting distance of Walnut Creek (on‑site).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage Construction Documents from design development through completion.
• Coordinate with consulting engineers.
• Review and respond to jurisdictional plan-check comments and drive projects through the approval process.
• Direct and oversee the drafting team, providing clear direction and quality control.
• Produce and review drawings in AutoCAD at a professional level.
• Coordinate project requirements, schedules, and deliverables to keep projects moving forward.
• Serve as a senior architectural resource and take ownership of project outcomes.

Skills

10+ years of commercial architecture

Strong AutoCAD

Leadership & coordination

Long-term commitment

On-site availability

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

MI Architects, Inc. is an established commercial architecture firm in Walnut Creek, California — with 20+ Years of specialization in gas stations, with a broad range of commercial work across shopping centers, restaurants, and retail. We're the architect of record: we lead the projects and direct our consultant engineers and agencies.

The Role

We have the work — we need the architect to lead it. This is a senior, on-site role in Walnut Creek. Not a drafting seat. You'll own construction documents, handle the professional-level CAD, direct the drafting team, and coordinate with our consultant engineers and agencies. It's a player-coach role: you lead the board and direct the team, but you're still hands‑on when needed. If you're an Architect/Senior Designer but not ready to put the pen down, this is built for you — with a clear path to a leadership role.

What You’ll Own

• Own and manage Construction Documents from design development through completion
• Coordinate with consulting engineers
• Review and respond to jurisdictional plan-check comments and drive projects through the approval process
• Direct and oversee the drafting team, providing clear direction and quality control
• Produce and review drawings in AutoCAD at a professional level
• Coordinate project requirements, schedules, and deliverables to keep projects moving forward
• Serve as a senior architectural resource and take ownership of project outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of commercial architecture experience
• Strong AutoCAD — you produce, not just redline
• Confident directing drafters and coordinating with consultants
• Looking for a long‑term home, not a stopgap
• Within commuting distance of Walnut Creek (on‑site)

Preferred: Experience with convenience stores, QSRs, and/or carwashes.