Senior Project Architect

Our Work

We are an architecture and real estate development social enterprise creating spaces that embody justice, healing, and self-determination. By designing with communities most impacted by incarceration and disinvestment, we build infrastructure that supports community ownership, redistributes power, and lays the foundation for a world rooted in care, not punishment.

To achieve this mission our team is composed of architects, designers, real estate developers and community members working together to create solutionary spaces and places that bring dignity, well-being and care to the communities we serve.

How You Fit In

Title: Senior Project Architect

LocationRemote, Los Angelesâ??based - with required travel

Salary Range$120-140,000

Reports To: Studio Director

You are a senior architectural leader who brings deep technical expertise and strong project leadership, grounded in community-engaged, justice-centered design. You thrive in complex, cross-disciplinary environments and are skilled at translating community input, research, and lived experience into built work across a wide range of project scales and typologies.

You're excited to build systems, mentor others, and advance DJDS's architectural and development practice in ways that meaningfully integrate social justice, community engagement, research, and design excellence. This is a key leadership role within the Design Studio—ideal for someone who wants to grow beyond execution into impact, strategy, and organizational contribution.

Who You Are

• Based in Los Angeles, CA and eligible to work in the U.S without sponsorship.
• This role does not require a set number of in-office days; however, you must be available for in-person client meetings, site visits, and regular project-related travel.
• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• Bring 15 years of architectural experience, including senior responsibility leading projects across all phases—from pre-design and programming through construction administration.
• Licensed architect or actively on the path to licensure (California or multi-state licensure a plus).
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong knowledge of building codes (including IBC and California standards), construction systems, and complex building typologies, including large-scale development or master planning.
• A clear communicator with high emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership presence.
• Justice-centered, collaborative, growth-oriented, and open to feedback.
• Bring a demonstrated interest or experience in community-engaged design, with an understanding that engagement is a core design input—not an add-on.
  
  

Experience That's Helpful But Not Required

• Fabrication, modular construction, or product development experience
• Trauma-informed or restorative justice frameworks
• Public speaking, facilitation, or workshop leadership
• Sustainability, urban design, or master planning experience
• Experience building or leading mentorship and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Community engagement facilitation
  
  

What You'll Lead

• Lead design and technical documentation across complex architectural and development projects of varying scales, including new construction, renovation, adaptive reuse, and emergent typologies.
• Serve as the senior architectural lead for DJDS's modular room initiative, guiding the pilot and shaping its evolution into a scalable, revenue-generating product line.
• Partner with internal and external collaborators to translate the modular room pilot into clear design standards, narratives, and materials that support future partnerships and project launches.
• Translate community engagement findings into clear design strategies, technical deliverables, and narratives.
• Drive QA/QC systems, technical detailing, and construction documentation.
• Own project scopes, schedules, and coordination with consultants, contractors, and partners.
• Represent DJDS in client, community, consultant, and agency meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to shared standards, systems, and organizational knowledge.
  
  

Where You'll Collaborate

• Partner closely with the Studio Director and Design Director on project execution, priorities, and growth.
• Work across design, community engagement, and real estate teams to ensure alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with consultants, contractors, fabricators, clients, and community stakeholders.
  
  

Benefits

• DJDS covers 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their children under age 26, with optional coverage for domestic partners, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Paid time off includes vacation (tiered by tenure), sick leave, bereavement, jury duty, and 16 total holidays (12 standard plus 4 flexible/personal days)
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave supported by state and DJDS supplemental pay
• Sabbatical eligibility after 7 years of service, including 12 weeks paid leave and reduced-load continuation
  
  

How To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.

• Resume and portfolio should be combined into one PDF and uploaded together.
• If your portfolio is hosted online, you may upload your resume and provide a link instead.
  
  

Your Portfolio Should Demonstrate

• Primary authorship and leadership on projects
• Design thinking, technical execution, and collaborative process
• Any fabrication, research, or creative work that supports your practice
  
  

Ready to Apply?

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn't match every requirement. We value curiosity, lived experience, and a deep commitment to community.

We're building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we're excited to learn more about what you bring to the work.