Senior Project Architect

About the role

As a Senior Project Architect at Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), you will lead the technical development and delivery of complex projects, often contributing across multiple efforts simultaneously. You will translate design intent into coordinated, buildable solutions while guiding teams through all phases of project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development and coordination of projects across all phases, including schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Develop and oversee high-quality construction documents, ensuring clarity, coordination, and alignment with design intent.
• Cook up and oversee internal teams and external consultants to integrate architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems.
• Guide projects through permitting and regulatory processes, including California Building Code, accessibility requirements, and public agency approvals such as DSA.
• Support project delivery by aligning technical solutions with project goals, budgets, and schedules.
• Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field coordination, ensuring quality and constructability.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Design Leaders to maintain alignment between design vision and technical execution.
• Incorporate sustainable design strategies and performance-driven solutions into project development, supporting firm and client goals related to environmental responsibility and long-term building performance.
• Contribute to Quality Assurance and Control processes across all project deliverables.
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate team members, supporting technical development and project performance.
• Participate in client and stakeholder coordination, clearly communicating technical solutions and supporting project alignment.

Requirements

• Registered/Licensed Architect required. California licensure strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university required. 12+ years of professional experience, including significant work on higher education and civic projects.
• Experience with higher education projects in San Diego County or Southern California preferred, including familiarity with local institutions, stakeholders, and approval processes.
• Strong technical expertise in building systems, construction methods, detailing, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Strong knowledge of California Building Code, accessibility requirements, and local permitting processes, with experience navigating public approvals such as DSA preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit with demonstrated experience producing and coordinating construction documentation.
• Understanding of sustainable design principles, building performance strategies, and certifications such as LEED or WELL preferred.
• Proven ability to lead technical coordination across teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Extensive experience in construction administration and maintaining design intent through execution.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and knowledge-sharing within the firm.

Qualifications

• Current portfolio and/or work samples in PDF format required for consideration.

Benefits

Final role, title, and compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's specific expertise and skills.