Head of Architecture & Design

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Are you talented, skilled in, and obsessive about architecture and design? Exceedingly passionate about innovation and building a high-impact company and career? Deeply knowledgeable about and experienced in sustainable construction processes, best practices, and techniques? And are you ready to roll your sleeves up and make things happen?

If so, then we would like to meet you.

Riley Project seeks a Head of Architecture & Design to lead our R&D and Architecture Department in delivering custom projects and productized building solutions that leverage our company’s vertically integrated design-build capabilities.

Our portfolio ranges from boutique commercial to custom residential work, with a pipeline typically consisting of 8-10 projects at various stages of production. RP’s reputation is built on referrals; we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients. We are looking for exceptional people to join our team as we focus on deepening our expertise and expanding our pipeline.

We foster a collaborative working environment where employees can reach their highest potential. Our people are our most important resource, and we prioritize a balance of personal well-being and professional growth. We believe that a diverse team leads to more innovative and effective solutions. We are committed to creating an inclusive, transparent, supportive work environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced architect with ten or more years of professional experience to join our team as the Head of Architecture & Design. In this position, you will:

Lead the creative design direction of custom projects for various building typologies, including custom commercial, residential, and multi-family projects, collaborating closely with leadership and project teams to continually develop and evolve the RP design ethos and identity.

Lead the R&D effort for productized residential construction projects and continually gain knowledge of advanced architectural concepts and designs, new or improved techniques and procedures, and material and building science concepts.

Champion innovative use of digital technologies to amplify the quality and effectiveness of our design effort.

Have extensive experience in and knowledge of utilizing building information modeling and information management tools to produce coordinated documents for construction and fabrication, consistently establishing ever better ways of translating design to fabrication and field assembly.

Provide direction and collaborate with team members on developing design concepts through design studies, diagrams, and precedent research and ensuring the project concept and narrative guide the development of the design through all design phases.

As part of a design-build company, ensure cross-functional collaboration with other departments, including the Project Management and Construction Departments, to inform and progress design development within project timelines and budgets, providing input on project scheduling and resource management.

Oversee and drive the documentation process for all design phases, organizing and delegating documentation tasks to team members as appropriate to their experience level. Documentation will be developed from a design-build project delivery method approach.

Collaborate closely with the Architecture and Construction teams to conduct QA/QC at regular intervals to ensure that the project deliverables meet project requirements and quality standards.

Lead project coordination, communicating and collaborating directly with consultants. Guide consultants towards solutions that align with the overall project design intent.

Oversee and manage the development and production of presentations internally and externally. Ensure presentations are graphically clear and concise, allowing clients to make decisions. Collaborate with leadership and the Project Manager on the agenda and content to be presented for client meetings.

Oversee and manage the process to obtain permit approvals from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and/or other relevant authorities having jurisdiction, including but not limited to permit application and plan check correction processes.

Provide oversight and guidance to the project team on Construction Administration (CA) activities including RFIs and submittals reviews and responses, coordination with consultants, documentation and tracking of issues, production of drawings and sketches required to resolve issues, and site meetings with the client and contractors during construction. Assist the project team in anticipating upcoming issues that the construction team should be aware of or resolution of issues required for sign-off from building officials. Conduct site visits as needed.

As the leader of the Architecture team, you will be a people manager and be responsible for providing coaching, performance feedback, and guidance to enhance the skills and maximize the potential of your direct reports.

This role leads the Architecture team and reports to the Director of Operations. RP is a hybrid workplace with both in-person and virtual meetings and activities. You will meet with the full team quarterly for companywide planning and activity sessions.

Professional degree in Architecture.

Registered Architect license preferred.

Minimum 10 years of professional architectural experience.

Resident of Los Angeles or in the vicinity of Los Angeles required for a hybrid work arrangement

Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of architects and designers throughout the design process

Experience in training and mentorship of architects and designers.

Excellent team management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and track tasks to maintain project schedules.

Strong architectural design skills with extensive experience coordinating with other disciplines.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, team members (internal and external), and firm leadership.

Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Enscape, and other design software, including experience with visualization software.

Proficiency in office and information management software including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Sharepoint, Teams, or similar.

Thorough knowledge of California and City of Los Angeles Building Codes, with experience in the LADBS permit approvals process and knowledge of other building regulations and construction practices.

Health care plan (Medical, Dental & Vision

Company-sponsored retirement plan (401k) with matching contribution (up to 3%) after 1 year of employment

Unlimited Paid Time Off Policy, in addition to holiday

CA Paid Family Leave (birthing and non-birthing parents) + supplement RP parental pay

Training & Development tailored to your professional growth

Quarterly team-wide events in LA

Culver City office available for meetings, desk work, trainings, etc.

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