Senior Project Architect

Handel Architects; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

Health Benefits

Competitive PTO

401(k) with employer contribution

Downtown office near Powell BART/Muni

Job summary

Handel Architects is seeking a Senior Project Architect to join our San Francisco studio. You will lead project teams through multiple concurrent projects from early design to construction, coordinating with consultants and clients to ensure buildable solutions and high-quality documentation.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, a professional degree in architecture, and strong communication, organization, and mentorship skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience across all phases of architectural projects, including large-scale multi-family, hospitality, or mixed-use.
• Strong ability to lead project teams, coordinate with consultants, and manage client interfaces.
• Professional degree in Architecture; architectural license is preferred or required.
• Solid knowledge of zoning, planning codes, entitlement processes, and building codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams across multiple concurrent projects from concept to construction.
• Coordinate with consultants and internal design teams; interface with clients.
• Develop and coordinate construction documents while maintaining design intent and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Detail orientation

Client interface

Mentoring

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM

Job description

Handel Architects is an award-winning, full-service Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Hong Kong. We specialize in innovative, sustainability-driven solutions that shape vibrant communities worldwide. Our San Francisco office specializes in complex mixed-use and multi-family residential projects, from boutique urban infill to large-scale high-rise developments.

We’re a collaborative team of passionate Architects and Designers who thrive in an open studio environment. We share ideas, support each other, and design spaces that positively impact lives. Our culture values creativity, camaraderie, and growth—we celebrate achievements, work hard, and genuinely enjoy what we do.

We operate on a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday–Thursday, with optional remote work on Fridays.

About the Job

Our San Francisco studio is seeking a Senior Project Architect with 10+ years of experience to join our design-driven team and support the delivery of high-quality architectural projects from early design through construction.

This role is suited to a well-rounded, self-directed Architect with technical expertise, clear communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams.

As a Senior Project Architect, you will work closely with Project Managers to lead project teams on multiple concurrent projects and across all phases. Responsibilities include coordinating with consultants, collaborating with internal design teams, interfacing with clients, and helping manage project schedules and deliverables. You will play a key role in maintaining technical quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. You will be responsible supporting projects through construction, ensuring design intent is accurately translated into buildable solutions, and for developing and coordinating construction documents.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful work and grow professionally within a collaborative and supportive studio environment.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with all phases of architectural projects; large scale multi-family, hospitality and/or mixed-use experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success completing one or more buildings as a Project Architect from conception through construction.
• Professional degree in Architecture.
• Architectural license required; California license strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of zoning regulations, planning codes, and entitlement process.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and permit processes. Experience with San Francisco or other California jurisdictions preferred.
• Experience directing a team of architects, designers, and consultants.
• Experience coordinating consultant teams and leading meetings.
• Strong organizational and technical capability, including demonstrated experience with preparing, coordinating, and delivering construction drawings and specification submissions.
• Experience in Construction Administration and jobsite visits.
• Demonstrated success with making difficult decisions, especially in the presence of incomplete information or conflicting interests.
• Understands basic risk management strategies, including protection of both the firm and the client.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, technically knowledgeable, and detail-oriented.
• Collaborative team player, able to contribute effectively in a studio environment.
• Experience in mentoring and sharing knowledge to all levels.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing tasks independently.

What We Offer

• Annual discretionary bonus
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
• Competitive PTO
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Downtown office near Powell BART/Muni station