Senior Project Architect / Design Lead – Practice (formerly GGA+)

Illustrarch LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Illustrarch LLC is seeking a Senior Project Architect in Los Angeles, California. This role demands strong design capabilities, leadership, and project execution skills. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, leading design initiatives, and overseeing project documentation quality.

Candidates should possess a BArch or MArch, with a minimum of 12 years experience. Professional licensure in California is required. The position offers a compensation range of $125,000 to $145,000, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of related professional experience required.
• Experience with digital fabrication and hand sketching is a plus.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor staff; lead collaborative design charrettes.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of plans and specifications.
• Direct and coordinate the consultant team for effective project delivery.
• Participate in business development and marketing efforts.

Skills

Design sensibilities

Modeling skills

Graphic skills

Organizational skills

Mentoring abilities

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

BArch or MArch from accredited university

Professional licensure in California

Tools

Revit

Rhino

Adobe Suite

Lumion

Microsoft Office

Job description

Values and Responsibilities

Design. This role calls for strong design sensibilities and the ability to translate creative vision into clear, compelling work across all phases of a project. Expectations are for demonstrated excellence in design, modeling, and graphic skills, with the ability to independently develop creative design concepts throughout all project phases. Contributing both independently and as part of a team, this role works in close partnership with the Director of Design to shape thoughtful, innovative approaches tailored to each project’s goals and context.

Practice’s Senior Project Architect/Design Leads participate in and often lead collaborative design charrettes, support the evolution of conceptual ideas, and produce high‑quality presentation and documentation materials. Ongoing research into materials, systems, and finishes will be an important part of the role’s process, informed by the project’s design intent and the firm’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This role is an opportunity to not only contribute expertise, but to foster curiosity, inclusion, and craftsmanship through a collaborative and reflective design process.

Project Execution

We cultivate a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment and seek individuals who will embrace these values while taking on the responsibility of supervising and mentoring staff. This role demands strong organizational skills, ensuring the timely and accurate completion of plans, specifications, material approvals, and construction tasks. You will oversee the interpretation, organization, execution, and coordination of assignments, exercising professional independent judgment. For more complex or unique issues, you will collaborate with senior leaders for technical guidance and overall project approval. Additionally, you will direct and coordinate the consultant team, ensuring that the project team adheres to the firm’s project delivery processes and standards. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, you may also be assigned certain Project Management responsibilities.

Team Leadership & Culture Ambassador

As a senior team member, your leadership will help shape the tone and trajectory of each project team. You will foster professional relationships within project teams and take on a leadership role as a champion for others. Strong communication and listening skills will be key as you guide, mentor, and uplift others in their development and support an atmosphere of openness and respect. Staff in this role should be able to actively champion our Mission and Values—curiosity, inclusion, social responsibility, and collaborative design—both within the office and beyond. Our internal culture is engaging, fun to work with, and eager to make a meaningful impact.

Quality Control and Technical Leadership

With support from Practice leadership, you’ll contribute to the quality and consistency of project documentation, helping ensure it meets firm‑wide standards, aligns with client expectations, and complies with applicable codes and regulations. Your technical insight and collaborative problem‑solving will support well‑coordinated, buildable solutions.

Marketing and Business Development

At times, you will actively pursue business development opportunities and participate in marketing interviews, while also fostering and maintaining strong relationships with both client leaders and their staff. We value team members who can cultivate trust, communicate with clarity, and build enduring relationships with clients and collaborators. As a representative of the firm, your engagement in industry events and active presence in professional communities will help strengthen both your voice and the visibility of the firm.

Qualifications

• BArch or MArch from accredited university
• Professional licensure in California required
• Minimum 12 years of related professional experience required
• Experience with Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite, Lumion, digital fabrication, Microsoft Office, hand sketching, etc.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States
• Compensation is commensurate with experience.
• Annual salary ranges from $125,000 to $145,000 + benefits package.

Practice celebrates the unique differences of every individual. We believe that creating a safe and transparent space to be one’s authentic self drives curiosity, innovation, and success for our business, clients, and the community at large. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.