Project Architect

Founded in 1996, RQC, LLC has become a prominent force in Southern California's thriving Design-Build market serving both commercial and government sectors. Based in Carlsbad, California, we operate as a comprehensive Design-Build firm managing projects across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

We are currently looking for an experienced licensed Project Architect to join our Architecture Department within our integrated Design-Build organization specializing in military construction. In this role you will oversee several projects simultaneously while coordinating across multiple disciplines such as fire protection/life safety, civil, landscape architecture, structural engineering, interior design, mechanical/plumbing systems, electrical systems, and telecommunications/audio visual/security systems.

The Project Architect will collaborate closely with engineers, architects, and clients throughout each project lifecycle, serving as both a technical resource and client representative. This position requires advanced expertise in architectural design, construction documentation, building systems coordination, construction practices, and code compliance, ideally with prior experience delivering Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.

This opportunity is located in our Carlsbad, CA office.

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and support development of conceptual layouts and preliminary design solutions for military and government projects.
• Prepare and coordinate architectural construction documents and detailing.
• Participate in client and internal coordination meetings, and engage in design reviews with governing agencies.
• Oversee architectural team workloads across multiple project phases to keep schedules and deliverables on track.
• Review project documents to identify and resolve coordination conflicts between architectural and engineering disciplines.
• Prepare and edit architectural specifications using Specs Intact, assist with addenda, RFIs, and change orders, and support project schedule management.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews and Independent Technical Reviews (ITR) while assisting in project management from early design through construction administration.
• Act as key point of coordination for large‑scale, multi‑million‑dollar projects, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and clients to ensure successful project execution.

• Registered Architect required.
• NCARB certification preferred.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture required.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in construction documentation with projects valued at $30‑$150 million.
• Strong knowledge of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and low‑voltage building systems.
• Strong understanding of architectural construction detailing and technical expertise.
• Prior DoD project experience preferred.
• Strong technical competence and experience in schematic design through construction documentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of code implementation, construction practices and methodologies.
• Strong leadership, written and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Understanding and experience in Unified Facilities criteria (UFC) and building codes.
• Ability to travel approximately 20‑30% as needed.
• Software proficiency with REVIT, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator, Bluebeam, Specs Intact, and Microsoft Office.

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $130,000, based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Hybrid schedule with in‑office work Monday through Wednesday and optional remote work Thursday and Friday.
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Professional development support including continuing education reimbursement, license renewal reimbursement, and licensure assistance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer, and genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis or status protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation.