Architect - Design-Build Specialist

Location: Gardena, CA (on-site) - 19210 S Vermont Ave, Building E, Gardena, CA 90248. Occasional trips to LA city offices for permitting and plan-check corrections.

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Pay: $130,000-$150,000/year, depending on experience

Schedule: Monday-Friday, in the Gardena office

About the Role

Join ADU Express as the technical lead for architecture in our dynamic internal ADU and multifamily portfolio in Los Angeles. Your passion for quality and efficient construction practices will allow you to own the design strategy and navigate even the most challenging permitting landscapes. Work closely with project managers and construction teams to ensure that our designs not only meet development goals but also come to life in the build phase.

A Note on the Work

This role is embedded within a design-build developer environment rather than a traditional design studio. You'll focus on a high-volume portfolio of ADUs and multifamily units, prioritizing practical solutions that enhance both cost efficiency and speed of construction. If you enjoy tackling permitting challenges and watching your designs rise into reality, this is the place for you.

What You'll Do

Lead the creation of conceptual layouts and construction documents for ADU and multifamily projects, ensuring compliance with company quality and buildability standards.Develop and execute an effective permitting strategy tailored to complex LA jurisdictions while managing the submission, revision, and clearance processes up to Ready-to-Issue (RTI).Review and coordinate deliverables from structural, MEP, civil, and Title 24 consultants to ensure consistency across all project sets.Act as the in-house authority on the California Building Code (CBC), Title 24, and local zoning and ADU regulations.Collaborate with project managers and the construction team to guarantee designs are practical and that field inquiries are addressed swiftly.Represent the company at city counters and plan-check meetings to resolve any emerging issues.Required

Active California Architect license.5+ years of experience in multifamily, ADU, residential, or design-build projects.Advanced proficiency in Revit and Bluebeam.Demonstrated success in navigating the permitting processes in Los Angeles.Willingness to work on-site daily in Gardena, with occasional travel to LA city offices.Preferred

Experience within a developer or design-build firm, compared to a traditional architecture practice.Experience in managing external consultants and coordinating multi-discipline project sets.Knowledge of LA's ADU ordinance, SB 9, and density bonus programs.Compensation & Growth

$130,000-$150,000/year, based on experience.Enjoy complimentary Welcome+ membership for up to 12 months while employed, offering $0 cost telemedicine, counseling support, prescription discounts, and dental and vision coverage for you and your family.A rapidly growing company provides a unique opportunity to influence the design function as our project portfolio expands.About ADU Express

At ADU Express, we specialize in high-volume design-build projects centered around accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles. Our innovative construction model combines design acumen with real estate investment, making us a leader in the field. If you are ready to contribute to projects that materialize and leave a mark in the community, we want to hear from you!