Abode Communities is a nonprofit social enterprise that has been rooted in community development throughout the State of California since 1968. More than an affordable housing provider, our work fosters a culture of housing inclusion by integrating families and individuals with neighborhoods so communities at-large can thrive.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Abode Communities embraces equal opportunity and diversity is a core value. We define diversity as “Fostering an organizational culture of inclusion, where different experiences and perspectives of those we serve and those with whom we work are respected and valued”. Abode Communities fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented people from diverse candidate pools. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

Position Summary

Abode Communities seeks a Project Architect to join our energetic and dedicated architecture team in our Los Angeles office. We seek a driven individual who is looking for an opportunity to grow their professional architecture career in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Under the leadership of the Principal Architect/SVP, Architecture and under the direction of Project Directors, the Project Architect will engage in the planning, design and production of documents for architectural projects, providing direction to the Job Captain and the Design/Technical Staff to ensure the successful delivery of architectural projects for the internal Real Estate Team and other external Clients.

The core functions will encompass essential duties, such as direct contact with clients, the clients’ consultants, and the architect’s consultant team; review and monitor the projects’ development to meet milestones and budget requirements; ensure the client’s program requirements are accomplished; be involved in design, production, and construction administration. Exercise expertise in code analysis and provide direction to project design team; coordinate work with all consultants, vendors and stakeholders.

Design, production, construction administration

The Project Architect will engage directly in the planning, design and production of documents for architectural projects, providing direction to the Job Captain and the Design/Technical Staff to ensure the successful delivery of architectural projects including, and not limited to:

• Oversee the delivery of all architectural services with an emphasis on design excellence, quality control, and the delivery of a fully coordinated set of architectural and consultant drawings;
• Involved in the research of materials and systems necessary for the constructability and practical execution of an architectural project
• Assemble and/or coordinate the project specifications and ensure all consultants’ specifications are successfully incorporated into the final project manual
• Perform periodic reviews of design documents and construction documents as part of a quality control/quality assurance process
• Responsible for innovative solutions and for the promotion of state-of-the-art systems, equipment and materials in relation to a building’s use

Project Management

• Plan and develop projects of medium to large scope and work with minimal supervision
• Serve as the main professional within the design team to ensure a project is designed and planned to be of the highest level of quality permitted by the project budget and other project parameters
• Initiate communication with all team members to coordinate the work of all disciplines
• Responsible for interpreting, organizing, executing and coordinating project assignments
• Manage project schedules and deliverables to meet established timelines and client expectations
• Ensure that project is delivered within the established professional services fees by managing resources and project team
• Engaged in regular meetings with Project Directors to establish staffing needs and scheduling of production
• Participate in regular project meetings with clients, city and public agencies, consultants and stakeholder

Staff Management

• Oversee a design team comprised of job captains and designers to produce design documents and construction documents

Participate in networking events, seminars and conferences to promote the architecture studio and to engage with other professionals to learn about new trends in the practice of architecture and in the field of affordable housing.

Special projects as designated by SVP, Architecture.

Core Competencies for this role:

• Planning & Organizing: Sets clearly defined objectives; Plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; Manages time effectively; Identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones
• Working with People: Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; Adapts to the team and builds team spirit; Recognizes and rewards the contribution of others; Listens, consults others and communicates proactively; Supports and cares for others; Develops and openly communicates self-insight
• Presenting & Communicating Information: Speaks clearly and fluently; Expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; Makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; Responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback
• Adapting & Responding to change: Adapts to changing circumstances; Accepts new ideas and change initiatives; Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; Shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; Deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents
• Professionalism & Work Ethics: Earns others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions; Maintains confidentiality; Takes responsibility for own work, including problems or issues.

Equivalent Education, Experiences, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of architecture.
• Licensed in the state of California.
• 15+ years of related experience.
• Proficient in code analysis, especially with regard to Type V, Type III and Type I construction, and capable of creating a code report to serve as a guide for developing the design of a project.
• Proficient in Revit and able to guide the team in managing the Revit model per the Studio Revit Standards
• Experienced in the planning of multifamily affordable housing.
• Knowledgeable of building materials and systems and able to develop construction details, especially with regard to building envelope, waterproofing, roofing systems, floor/ceiling assemblies, doors/windows, interiors, casework etc.
• Knowledgeable of basic structural systems and MEP systems to ensure proper coordination of the work produced by such disciplines
• Experienced in the preparation and submittal of entitlement packages for multifamily housing projects
• Experience in healthcare and educational facilities preferred but not required
• Ability to travel within Abode Communities’ service area

The target salary range for this role is $105,000 - $115,000; offers are commensurate with the education and experience of the finalist. Additionally, a full benefits package is offered which includes: health, dental and vision insurance, long term disability insurance, 401K plan with a match, subsidized parking, paid vacation and sick leave benefits.