Senior Director, Architecture ($155,600.00 - $225,200.00)

Irvine Company; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) match

Health benefits

Job summary

Irvine Company is seeking a Senior Director of Architecture to lead the design and construction of new apartment communities in Southern California. The role oversees design across internal and external teams, ensuring adherence to company standards and delivering design excellence.

You will liaise with senior executives, project management, and operations to align priorities, manage risks, and present updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in architecture/design for multi-family.
• Licensed Architect (NCARB) preferred and California licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Directs and orchestrates project planning, site development, and building design for new apartment communities.
• Serves as primary liaison between senior executives, Project Management, and Apartment Operations.
• Informs stakeholders of project status, risks, and decisions through updates and executive presentations.
• Leads outside design consultants through all design phases for assigned projects.
• Collaborates with Development & Construction Managers to ensure design intent during construction.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Design coordination

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture

Job description

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Date: Oct 2, 2026

Property: 550 NEWPORT CTR (0003)

Location:

Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Division: Apartment Development (Apt_Dev)

Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Architecture is responsible for the planning, design and construction of new apartment communities. This role oversees and manages the design aspects of new development projects, and plays a key role in driving design excellence at Irvine Company's communities.

• Directs and orchestrates project planning, site development, building design, internally and externally, while ensuring adherence to Irvine Company’s standards.
• Serves as primary liaison between senior executives, Project Management, and the Apartments Operations division fostering clear communication and ensuring alignment on operational priorities.
• Informs stakeholders of project status, risks, and critical decisions through project updates, workshops, and executive presentations.
• Leads and manages outside design consultants during all phases of design for assigned projects.
• Collaborates with Development & Construction Managers to ensure design intent is met during the construction phase of the assigned projects.
• Collaborates with our Apartment Operations Division in formulating designs that optimize leasing performance and property management.
• Coordinates with Office and Retail Division’s design teams on mixed-use projects in applicable projects.
• Assists in organizing, preparing, presenting and documenting design presentations of projects to senior management of the company.

Additional Skills:

• Basic knowledge of building codes and accessibility
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Detail orientated
• Strong organizational and archival skills

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Years of Relevant Work Experience:

• 10 - 15 years

Additional Requirements:

• NCARB or Licensed Architect
• Valid California driver’s license; Maintain continuous vehicle liability insurance as required by state law. (This role requires the regular and frequent operation of a vehicle, as defined in the Company’s MVR policy, and is part of the essential duties of this position.)

Minimum Qualifications / Other Expectations:

Compensation:

Base Pay Range:$155,600.00 -$225,200.00

Actual placement within this range may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.

The Company also offers competitive benefits for full time employees including paid time off, matching 401(k), and health benefits.

About Us:
Irvine Company Apartment Communities (a division of Irvine Company) offers a portfolio of more than 125 resort-style apartment communities in coastal California’s most desirable locations: San Diego, Orange County, West Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.
With world-class amenities, resort-like surroundings and an unparalleled commitment to customer service, Irvine Company Apartment Communities redefines the rental-living experience.
We take as much pride in our employee community as we do the communities we create. It’s an environment populated with talented and experienced people, a collaborative spirit and abundant opportunities.

The Irvine Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, termination, and training, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.