Senior ADU Architect (Full Time, California)

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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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