Architect Project Manager with ADU Experience (Full Time, California)

About this job

Are you an architect project manager who thrives on keeping residential projects organized, coordinated, and moving from schematic design all the way through permit approval?

We’re looking for an Architect Project Manager with strong ADU experience to remotely lead and coordinate the architectural design phase for a U.S.-based California firm, full-time, with full ownership of the process from early design through permit submission and construction documentation.

BetterPros unlocks human potential by offering competitive compensation, flexibility, constant learning and growth, and the opportunity to work anywhere you want with one of our +130 active clients across the United States.

What you will do

  • Lead and coordinate the architectural design phase for residential projects in California, including ADUs, single-family homes, additions, and remodels — from SD through complete CD sets.
  • Manage projects from early design and feasibility through permit submission and jurisdictional approval.
  • Produce and oversee full plan sets across every phase:
  1. SD — set of plans including floor plans, sections, and elevations.
  2. DD — set of plans including floor plans, sections, and elevations.
  3. CD — permit set to present to local authorities.
  4. CD — construction documents to present to the general contractor.
  • Drive the overall design process, including site planning, floor plans, elevations, sections, design development, and technical coordination.
  • Translate client goals, internal direction, site constraints, and jurisdictional requirements into thoughtful, buildable designs.
  • Serve as the primary design phase coordinator, keeping projects organized, on schedule, and moving forward.
  • Manage and coordinate structural, civil, MEP, Title 24, survey, and other consultants as needed.
  • Track design decisions, outstanding items, consultant inputs, and permit-related action items.
  • Review and respond to plan check comments and coordinate revisions through resubmittal.
  • Communicate clearly with internal teams regarding project status, risks, next steps, and key decisions.
  • Guide clients and team members through design decisions in a professional, organized, and solutions-oriented way.
  • Review project documents for quality, completeness, constructability, and consistency.
  • Help establish and maintain strong internal standards for design management, documentation, and permitting workflow.

What you'll need to know

  • 10+ years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on residential architecture.
  • Significant experience leading and coordinating residential projects from concept through permitting.
  • Strong experience managing the architectural design phase, including consultant coordination and permit submissions.
  • Proven experience producing complete plan sets across SD, DD, and CD phases.
  • Experience with ADUs, custom homes, additions, remodels, and California permit processes.
  • Strong knowledge of wood-frame residential construction methods and detailing.
  • Familiarity with zoning, planning, and building permit coordination in California.
  • Ability to produce and oversee high-quality floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and site drawings.
  • Expert proficiency in Revit, and strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Bluebeam.
  • Strong command of Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Word.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with very strong English-speaking ability.
  • Highly organized and capable of managing multiple moving parts during the design and permitting process.
  • Strong leadership and project ownership, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
  • Proactive, responsive, and solutions-oriented — able to identify issues early and keep projects moving efficiently.
  • Professional, polished, and dependable, with the ability to balance design quality, technical accuracy, and permitting strategy.
  • Comfortable leading coordination with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders.

A great plus

  • SketchUp proficiency for early design and client presentations.
  • Previous experience supporting U.S.-based residential firms remotely.
  • Additional project management tools or PM platform experience.

We’ve got the opportunity, you’ve got the talent.
We want to hear from you!

How does it work?

Explore & Apply

Check out our open positions and apply to the one that fits you best.

First Interview

If you match our open position, we will schedule a 30-minute meeting

Client Interview

Time to showcase your skills. 
(Don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way!)

Kick-off Meeting

Congrats on your new job! 
We’re so excited to start this journey with you.

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Don’t worry! We are constantly looking for outstanding talents and we’ll have you in mind for future offers.

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