Project Designer (Architectural Staff Level II)

John Lum Architecture; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401k

Pension

Year-end bonus programs

Generous vacation and sick time

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

John Lum Architecture in San Francisco seeks an experienced Project Designer to drive design direction, coordinate with consultants, and mentor junior staff across design and construction phases. The role emphasizes ownership, collaboration, and effective client communication.

Ideal candidates balance creativity with technical problem solving and are proactive, organized, and capable of guiding work forward while maintaining high quality and coordination with project teams.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 4–7 years of professional experience (post-internship).
• Active pursuit of architectural licensure preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Vectorworks or comparable BIM/CAD software; experience with Rhino, Adobe Creative Cloud, rendering, and visualization tools is highly desirable.
• Strong design sensibility, technical problem-solving skills, and clear written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead portions of project design from concept through construction administration.
• Develop and coordinate design and construction documents with a high level of technical accuracy.
• Apply knowledge of building codes, sustainable design principles, and construction best practices throughout the design process.
• Collaborate directly with consultants and project team members to resolve technical and coordination issues.
• Prepare presentation materials and communicate design concepts effectively to clients and project teams.
• Mentor and support junior staff through design development and documentation.
• Contribute to project scheduling, internal coordination, and quality control.

Skills

Vectorworks

BIM/CAD

Rhino

Adobe CC

Rendering

Communication

Education

Professional Architecture Degree

Tools

Rhino

Vectorworks

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

John Lum Architecture is an award winning practice known for thoughtful, site-specific design, innovative use of materials, adaptive reuse, and modern livability. Our work spans custom residences, multi-family and affordable housing, and a range of commercial interiors including medical suites, optometry clinics, and TI. Our open-plan studio environment encourages collaboration, communication, and active design participation. We engage closely with clients and consultants throughout every stage of design and construction, and place a strong value on those relationships.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Designer who combines strong design ability with technical expertise and can take ownership of significant portions of a project. This role is ideal for someone ready to move beyond production work by helping shape design direction, coordinating with consultants, and mentoring junior team members while working closely with the Project Managers and Principals.

Successful candidates are confident in balancing creativity with technical problem solving and enjoy collaborating across all phases of design and construction. They are proactive, organized, and capable of independently driving work forward while contributing to the overall success of the project team. They demonstrate strong professional communication skills and confidence in communicating directly and effectively with clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead portions of project design from concept through construction administration

• Develop and coordinate design and construction documents with a high level of technical accuracy

• Apply knowledge of building codes, sustainable design principles, and construction best practices throughout the design process

• Collaborate directly with consultants and project team members to resolve technical and coordination issues

• Prepare presentation materials and communicate design concepts effectively to clients and project teams

• Mentor and support junior staff through design development and documentation

• Contribute to project scheduling, internal coordination, and quality control

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program

• 4–7 years of professional experience (post-internship)

• Active pursuit of architectural licensure preferred

• Advanced proficiency in Vectorworks or comparable BIM/CAD software; experience with Rhino, Adobe Creative Cloud, rendering, and visualization tools is highly desirable

• Strong design sensibility, technical problem-solving skills, and clear written and verbal communication

• A strong work ethic with a sense of humor is a plus

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and live in or be willing to relocate to the Bay Area

Studio Culture & Benefits

Our studio is located in a converted laundry machine factory in San Francisco's Mission District, with convenient access to public transportation. We offer a flexible hybrid work model with four days in the office and Fridays from home if desired.

JLA provides competitive compensation and benefits, including profit sharing, 401k, pension, year-end bonus programs, generous vacation and sick time, and comprehensive health benefits. We are committed to supporting our staff through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for long-term growth within the practice.