Senior Project Architect

At Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), we are fueled by creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Our team champions a user‑first approach that pushes design boundaries and fosters innovation. Our work spans mixed‑use residential, commercial, and civic projects of varying scales and complexities, delivered through collaboration, technical rigor, and thoughtful leadership. As a Senior Project Architect, you'll partner with clients, design leaders, project managers, and interdisciplinary teams to bring visionary concepts to reality.

As a Senior Project Architect at CJ+C, you'll lead mid‑size to large, complex projects, often leading multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging your deep technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure seamless delivery from concept through construction. With 12+ years of experience, you're a licensed professional recognized for championing design and technical excellence by coordinating consultants, navigating regulatory processes, and mentoring teams in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Your commitment to quality, problem‑solving, and client partnerships makes CJ+C the ideal place to advance your career within a culture that values technical precision, innovation, and professional growth.

• Lead the architectural and technical development of projects across all phases: concept, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Lead seamless delivery from concept through construction by developing and coordinating buildable solutions that align with project goals, budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to achieve seamless integration of building systems and disciplines.
• Guide projects through plan check, permitting, zoning requirements, and regulatory approvals.
• Oversee construction administration, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, conducting site visits, and maintaining design intent and quality.
• Collaborate closely with the team on budgeting, scheduling, resource management, specifications, and overall project delivery.
• Uphold rigorous Quality Assurance and Control standards across drawings, specifications, and deliverables, ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, and firm standards.
• Build and sustain strong client relationships alongside Project Managers and Design Leaders, fostering trust, repeat business, and long‑term partnerships.

• Registered/Licensed Architect required. CA licensed strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited university required.
• 12+ years of professional experience, including significant work on mixed‑use or complex project typologies of varying scales and construction types. Residential Type I and Podium Type III + Type V preferred.
• Deep technical expertise in architectural detailing, building systems, construction methods, codes, and regulatory processes.
• Experience with California Building Code, seismic design, Title 24 energy compliance, and local permitting processes (San Diego/Los Angeles jurisdictions) highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of sustainable design principles, practices, and certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.).
• Proven interest in and experience exploring/adopting new building technologies and innovative construction methods (e.g., mass timber, modular, or digital fabrication).
• Experience developing and writing architectural specifications.
• Proven ability to lead and develop custom architectural details that support and enhance design intent.
• Experience with innovative low‑carbon materials such as mass timber preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams of various sizes, manage workflows, coordinate multidisciplinary consultants, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and pragmatic solution‑oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to clearly convey ideas to clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Extensive experience leading construction administration and mentoring team members through the CA process.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and knowledge‑sharing within the firm.
• Proficiency in Revit and related technical production tools preferred.

To be considered, please provide a current portfolio and/or work samples in PDF format.

Final role, title, and compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's specific expertise and skills.