Senior ADU Architect (Full Time, California)

About this job

Are you a senior architect with deep expertise in ADUs, California permitting, and the full SD–CD process? We’re looking for a Senior ADU Architect to remotely lead the architectural design phase for a U.S.-based California firm, full-time, with full ownership of the process from early design through permit approval.

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What you will do

  • Lead 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.
  • 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.
  • Prepare, oversee, and coordinate complete architectural drawing sets for planning, permit, pricing, and construction purposes.
  • 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 residential projects from concept through permitting.
  • Strong experience managing the architectural design phase, including consultant coordination and permit submissions.
  • Very strong English-speaking and writing ability.
  • 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 Excel, and Microsoft Word.
  • Ability to lead projects independently, with strong judgment, organization, and professionalism.
  • Availability during at least part of Pacific Time business hours.

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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