Senior Designer - Architecture

THE VISION

At Design Draw Build
, we don’t just build structures; we curate experiences. We are an Oakland-based, architect-led design-build firm where forward-thinking design meets the soul of the craft. Our studio is a collaborative haven for architects, builders, and fabricators who thrive on the magic of a project—from the first spark of a concept to the final detail of completion. We pride ourselves on pushing boundaries through inventive thinking and future-proofing, thriving on the diverse creative challenges found in both our urban and rural projects—from high-end single-family homes and affordable housing to adaptive reuse.

We invite you to join us in pushing boundaries, blending sustainability with art, and creating spaces that truly resonate with our clients’ lives across the Bay Area, Tahoe, and beyond.

As a Senior
Designer you are a key member of the design team. You will be working on multiple projects throughout various phases of the design process. The ideal candidate is an individual who is curious, resourceful, eager to learn and has a passion for graphic design. You are an effective communicator who listens and contributes to a creative design dialogue. The Designer reports directly to the Principal in the Architecture studio with support from Project Managers.

• Taking architectural projects from “Contract to Close,” with oversight from the Principal.

• Thoughtfully pursue multiple projects simultaneously, utilizing the skills of your teammates when needed, and ensuring their timely completion.

• Attending the weekly Design Studio Meeting on Monday mornings; and arriving prepared to discuss progress to date, and the week's goals.

• Preparing architectural drawings using Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino (Revit is required)

• Reaching out regularly for redlining from other studio members.

• In turn, providing editing and revisions for other studio members when requested.

• Working with our primary renderer to develop project imagery and ensure that it meets client’s expectations.

• Creating complete sets of floor plans per instruction or per customer specification in accordance with internal drafting standards.

• Coordinating with outside consultants and facilitating very clear communication between multiple parties (i.e. has the Title
  24 consultant received all of the new drawings that include the Structural Engineers comments).

• Revising architectural plans as marked and thoroughly communicate to team members that are affected by any changes

• Successfully present plans and expedite permits through Building and Planning Departments.

• Tracking the progress of all project submittals with local jurisdictions.

• Responding to city comments with input from the Principal.

• Meeting with the Billing team to review your projects’ contracts, billable hours, and budgets.

• Learning additional software when necessary on a reasonable timeline.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture

• 1-5 years of experience in Architecture

• Take projects from Schematic Design to detailed rendering

• Participate in planning and design concepts for projects

• Revise and develop design concepts as directed by senior staff

• Prepare 3D models/design documents (Revit required)

• Experienced graphic designer, sketching, layout & visual illustration

• Ability to work calmly under pressure, prioritize tasks to meet deadlines

• Strong technical skills with an eye for detail for design

• Home-building, construction or design-build related experience preferred

• Driver's license and clean driving record required

• Excellent administrative skills, organized, detail-oriented, file management

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written

• Able to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

• Collaborate with team members and be a team player

• Able to accept constructive feedback

• Fun, positive attitude, plenty of energy and pleasant to work with

To apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio with job title in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-Time 40 Hours per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday, in office

Compensation: $65,000 - $80,000, based on experience

• Competitive salaries based on experience

• Health insurance matching for Group Medical after 90 days

• Dental insurance

• 401K retirement plan

• PTO at 10 days annually

• Paid holidays

• Paid sick days

• Architectural licensure support

• Professional development

• Office Happy Hours

• Team building and office outings

• Bicycle parking and shower in-house

• Ergonomic sit-stand workstations