What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Architect position at CDA PDG, Inc?
Company Description
CDA PDG, Inc, based in Tustin, California, is a reputable design firm specializing in architectural design, master planning, and real estate development. Established in 2004 by Principal Architect Eric Chen, the company provides comprehensive services from concept through construction, emphasizing collaboration and enhancing project value. Located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County, CDA PDG serves the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. The firm excels in site selection, feasibility studies, entitlement, and project management for various projects, including hospitality, mixed use, office, residential, and retail sectors.
About the Role
We’re seeking a Project Architect who is a true team player with deep experience in Construction Documents (CDs) and Construction Phase Services (CA). You’ll lead the technical delivery of projects, drive quality control, and mentor junior staff—all while collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to keep work moving smoothly from DD through punch list.
To be considered, please submit portfolio and/or work samples in PDF format.
What You’ll Do
- Lead CD production: organize sheet sets, detail key assemblies, coordinate consultants, and drive code compliance (CBC, CalGreen, ADA 11A/11B).
- Own Construction Administration: manage RFIs, submittals/shop drawings, ASIs/CCDs, change orders, construction site observations/field reports, and punch lists; track issues through closeout.
- Quality Control (QC): implement and enforce checklists/standards, perform redline reviews and back-checks, coordinate specs with drawings, and run milestone QC meetings.
- Mentor & develop staff: coach younger team members on detailing, documentation standards, and CA best practices; provide clear feedback and support growth.
- Client/agency/GC coordination: run OACs, interface with plan checkers and inspectors, and keep stakeholders informed with proactive communication.
- Risk management: identify constructability issues early, document decisions, and help avoid change orders through thorough coordination.
- Proposal and Contract writing
Qualifications
- 10–12 years of architectural experience with a strong portfolio of built work.
- Demonstrated leadership through DD/CD and CA on mixed-use and multifamily projects.
- Self-driven problem solver.
- Mastery of Autocad, Revit, and Bluebeam; strong detailing skills and document organization.
- Solid grasp of CBC, CalGreen, ADA Chapters 11A/11B, and permitting workflows (SoCal jurisdictions a plus).
- Clear, concise writing for RFIs, submittal reviews, field reports, and meeting minutes.
- Collaborative mindset; calm under pressure; excellent follow-through.
- Strong Project Management skills and experience in ensuring project timelines and budgets are met
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work on-site in Tustin, CA
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field
- Experience in various sectors such as hospitality, mixed use, office, residential, religious, and retail is a plus
What We offer:
- The base salary will be estimated between $75-100k plus bonuses contingent on relevant experience.
- Simple IRA with Employer Matching
- PTO
- Health: employer contribution toward premiums per month
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000