Job Captain - Architect (5-9 years experience)

About KTA

Kevin Tsai Architecture (KTA) is a 60-person Los Angeles-based architecture and design firm specializing in multifamily housing and mixed-use development. Our work ranges from small urban infill projects to large-scale residential and mixed-use developments, including market-rate housing, affordable housing, and hospitality projects throughout California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

As our work continues to expand throughout the Southwest, KTA is currently establishing a satellite office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe office will support our growing portfolio of projects in New Mexico and the surrounding region and provide a local presence for our clients, consultants, and development partners.

As part of this expansion, KTA is also looking for experienced architectural professionals interested in helping establish, manage, and grow our Santa Fe office. We are particularly interested in individuals with strong project leadership skills, knowledge of the New Mexico development and permitting environment, and relationships within the local architecture, development, and construction community.

We combine the collaborative culture and design focus of a studio with the resources and technical expertise of a larger practice. Our approach brings together design, technical rigor, collaboration, and an understanding of how buildings are actually built.

For our Los Angeles office, we are seeking a highly motivated Job Captain / Intermediate Architect with strong design and technical skills. This position is intended for someone who is ready to take meaningful ownership of projects and contribute from design development through construction.

Responsibilities

Work closely with project architects and principals from design development through constructionDevelop, produce, and coordinate architectural drawing setsTranslate design concepts into technically resolved buildings and detailsCoordinate structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and other consultantsResearch and apply applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and jurisdictional requirementsParticipate in client and consultant coordination meetingsAssist with permitting, plan check responses, and agency coordinationCoordinate work with junior team members and provide technical guidance when neededContribute to design discussions, façade development, material selection, and detailingHelp maintain project quality, schedules, and deliverables throughout the projectQualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

Minimum 5 years of professional experience with U.S.-based architecture firmsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in ArchitectureDemonstrated experience producing and coordinating Design Development and Construction Document drawing setsStrong understanding of architectural detailing and building constructionExperience coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teamsStrong proficiency in Revit and AutoCADWorking proficiency in Rhino, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative SuiteStrong design sensibility and graphic communication skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a collaborative studio environmentAbility to work independently and take ownership of assigned portions of a projectMust be based in the Los Angeles area and authorized to work in the United StatesHighly Preferred

Experience with multifamily and mixed-use residential projectsExperience with Type III or Type V construction over Type I podiumsFamiliarity with the California Building Code, accessibility requirements, and Los Angeles permitting processExperience coordinating projects through plan check and responding to agency commentsConstruction administration and field experienceArchitectural licensure or active progress toward licensureWho We're Looking For

The right candidate is design-minded, technically capable, organized, curious, and comfortable taking initiative. You should be able to contribute to design conversations while also understanding the technical coordination required to turn those ideas into well-resolved buildings.

This is not a production-only position. We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership, solve problems, collaborate with consultants and team members, and grow into greater project responsibility.

Compensation & Benefits

KTA places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, professional growth, and a positive office culture. Our benefits include:

Hybrid work environmentEmployer-contributed 401(k)12 days of paid time off (PTO) annually11 paid holidays annuallyComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageCompany retreats, team-building activities, and other firm eventsCompensation is commensurate with experience, skills, and level of responsibility.

Life at KTA

KTA offers a collaborative and creative studio environment where architects and designers are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and take ownership of their work.

As a 60-person practice working on projects of varying scales and stages, our team members have opportunities to develop broad experience across design, documentation, consultant coordination, permitting, and construction while working directly with project architects and principals.

We value strong design, technical competence, curiosity, collaboration, and people who care about producing thoughtful architecture.

Learn more about our studio and work at www.kevin-tsai.com.

How to Apply

For consideration, please submit the following as one PDF file under 5 MB:

Cover letterResumeSelected portfolio / work samplesYour portfolio should clearly identify your individual role and responsibilities on each project shown.

For this position, we strongly encourage applicants to include examples of technical or construction-document work in addition to design work, such as plans, wall sections, details, elevations, or other drawings that demonstrate your technical experience and level of project responsibility.

Please include “Job Captain / Intermediate Architect” in the subject line of your application.