Intermediate Architectural Associate

Title

Intermediate Architectural Associate

Location: Oakland, CA — Hybrid (3 days/week in office)
Salary Range: $85,000–$110,000
Reports To: Studio Director

How You Fit In

You will play a key role in advancing design projects by contributing both technical rigor and creative vision. Your work will ensure that community input is honored in every phase and that design intent is carried through to completion.

Who You Are

• Currently based in the California Bay Area and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
• 5–7 years of professional experience across all phases of architectural design
• Skilled in producing full drawing sets, construction detailing, and coordinating with consultants and engineers
• Strong knowledge of construction materials, standards, and details
• Experience with pre-design, building programming, code research, and navigating entitlement and permitting processes
• Proficient in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps
• Strong model-making skills (physical and digital)
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills
• High emotional intelligence and cultural competency
• Ability to take initiative and direction; accountable and open to feedback
• Deep commitment to justice and equity and community-led design processes
• Professional, adaptable, and aligned with mission and values

Experience That's Helpful but Not Required

• Familiarity with the programming phase of architectural design
• Fabrication or 3D printing experience
• Trauma-informed design knowledge
• Public speaking and facilitation skills
• Community engagement experience
• Spanish fluency
• Graphic design, sketching, or illustration skills

What You'll Lead

• Prepare design diagrams, studies, and conceptual presentation materials
• Advance design concepts through technical phases ensuring documentation reflects intent
• Contribute technical drawings across new construction, adaptive reuse, renovation, housing, commercial, education, and mixed-use projects
• Support drawing production including detailing, integration, and contract documents
• Conduct building code and zoning research, including California codes and permitting processes
• Assist with construction administration tasks including RFIs and contractor coordination
• Translate community engagement findings into building programs and design narratives
• Provide mentorship to interns or junior staff

Where You'll Collaborate

• Work with the Design Director and design team using analog and digital tools
• Partner with Community Engagement to translate findings into design strategies
• Collaborate on FF&E selection, lighting, finishes, and millwork documentation
• Engage consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders
• Collaborate with Communications and Real Estate teams

Benefits

• Annual salary range of $85,000–$110,000
• Full-time, salaried hybrid position
• 100% medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their children under age 26
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, jury duty, and 16 holidays
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave
• Sabbatical eligibility after 7 years including 12 weeks paid leave

How to Apply

• Submit resume, cover letter, and portfolio
• Combine resume and portfolio into a single PDF or provide a portfolio link
• Include early sketches, diagrams, iterations, and technical drawings
• Clarify your role in team projects
• Include additional creative work demonstrating your thinking and craft