Project Architect

Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: 90k/year - 130k/year

Category: Architecture & Planning

Description

Confidential Search | Established California Architecture & Design Firm


Location: San Diego, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time | Hybrid Schedule

Industry: Architecture / Design / AEC

Compensation: $90,000 – $130,000 DOE

Experience: 4+ Years


The Opportunity


Bancroft Staffing Partners (BSP) is partnered with a highly respected, award-winning California architecture and design firm seeking a talented Architect II / Architectural Staff II to join its growing San Diego studio.


With more than 50 years of industry experience and multiple California offices, this established firm offers an exciting opportunity for an architect looking to expand their technical capabilities, work across a diverse range of project sectors, and accelerate their long-term career growth.


We are particularly interested in well-rounded architectural professionals with diverse project portfolios spanning multiple sectors, including DSA/Education, Commercial, Retail, Healthcare, Mixed-Use, Residential, and related building types.


This is an excellent opportunity for an architect who enjoys both design and technical production, values mentorship, and wants to grow into more senior positions within a collaborative, employee-focused environment.


Why This Opportunity Stands Out

  • Diverse Project Portfolio: Exposure to Education, Retail, Commercial, Healthcare/Wellness, Mixed-Use, Residential, and Senior Living projects.
  • Established & Respected Firm: 50+ years of successful architectural design and project delivery throughout California.
  • Long-Term Career Growth: Opportunities to advance into Associate, Senior Associate, Associate Principal, and Principal-level positions based on performance.
  • Excellent Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid schedule, up to 18 hours of remote work weekly, and early Friday office closures.
  • Professional Development: Structured mentorship, architectural licensure support, ARE reimbursement, and ongoing technical training.
  • Collaborative Culture: Work directly with experienced Project Architects, Project Managers, Designers, and Principals.
  • Competitive Benefits: Medical, dental, 401(k), paid vacation, life insurance, disability coverage, and additional employee benefits.


Project Portfolio & Experience – Key Priority


We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate a strong, diverse architectural portfolio with experience across multiple building types, rather than being exclusively specialized in one project sector.


Relevant project experience includes:

  • DSA / Education: K-12 schools, higher education, educational facilities, and institutional projects.
  • Commercial Architecture: Office buildings, tenant improvements, commercial developments, and workplace environments.
  • Retail: Shopping centers, retail developments, grocery, restaurants, and other consumer-facing spaces.
  • Healthcare / Wellness: Medical offices, outpatient facilities, healthcare environments, and wellness-focused developments.
  • Mixed-Use: Projects integrating residential, retail, hospitality, and commercial uses.
  • Residential / Multifamily: Multifamily housing, residential communities, and mixed-use residential developments.
  • Senior Living / Hospitality: Senior housing, assisted living, hospitality, and related lifestyle developments.


Candidates do not need experience in every sector. The strongest applicants will demonstrate versatility, strong design and technical capabilities, and the ability to adapt across different project types.


Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior architects, project managers, and design leadership on a diverse portfolio of architectural projects.
  • Develop architectural designs, technical drawings, construction documents, and detailed building plans.
  • Utilize Revit and other architectural software for BIM modeling, documentation, design development, and production.
  • Assist with projects through schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
  • Coordinate with structural, civil, MEP, landscape, and other engineering consultants.
  • Prepare architectural presentations, 3D models, renderings, material selections, and design exhibits.
  • Apply California building codes, zoning requirements, and relevant agency standards.
  • Support permitting, documentation, specifications, and construction detailing.
  • Participate in construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, site observations, and project meetings.
  • Work closely with project leadership to meet deadlines, maintain design quality, and support successful project delivery.


Ideal Background & Qualifications

  • 4+ years of professional architectural experience within an established architecture or design firm. Candidates with additional experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field.
  • California Architectural Licensure required for the Architect designation; unlicensed candidates considered for Architectural Staff.
  • Strong Revit proficiency and hands-on architectural production experience.
  • Portfolio demonstrating experience across multiple architectural sectors, ideally including a combination of education/DSA, commercial, retail, healthcare, mixed-use, or residential projects.
  • Experience developing construction documents, architectural detailing, and consultant coordination.
  • Solid understanding of California building codes, construction methods, and permitting processes.
  • Strong design presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and other architectural applications.
  • Familiarity with construction administration, Procore, and other project coordination tools is a plus.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced architectural environment.


The Right Fit


The ideal candidate is a motivated, technically capable architectural professional looking for more than just their next project.


We are seeking individuals who enjoy working across different project types, developing strong technical expertise, learning from experienced leadership, and taking on increasing responsibility as their careers progress.


Candidates currently working as Architectural Designers, Architectural Staff, Job Captains, or Project Architects who want greater project diversity and long-term advancement are encouraged to apply.


Apply Confidentially


Interested in learning more? Apply directly through the link on this job posting, or email me your resume and architectural portfolio directly to get the interview process started!


Adam Boals | Principal Recruiter

Bancroft Staffing Partners (BSP)

Email: adam.boals@bancroftsp.com

Phone: 602.609.4901


All applications and conversations will be handled confidentially.