Architectural designer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Architectural Senior Project Designer – Multifamily & Mixed-Use

Company Name: TCA Architects

Location: Oakland, CA

Project Focus: High-Density Multifamily, Mixed-Use, Retail, and Hospitality Developments

Work Setting: Hybrid (3 Days In-Office | Thursday–Friday Remote / Half-Day Fridays Available)

Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 + Performance-Based Bonus

Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Position Overview

Are you a visionary architectural designer ready to transcend routine production and steer the creative evolution of high-density urban landscapes? We are seeking an Architectural Senior Project Designer to step into a pivotal creative leadership role within our Oakland studio. In this position, you will not simply execute tasks; you will architect the future of the Bay Area, driving design vision from early feasibility and site yield studies through schematic design, translating bold, sustainable concepts into buildable realities.

Joining our team means immersing yourself in a close-knit, high-performing studio environment where your design-focused professional skills are backed by a robust, technology-driven platform. Based directly above a major transit hub with inspiring skyline views, this role offers an exceptional career trajectory filled with mentorship, long-term career growth, and comprehensive professional development support. Here, you will collaborate with cross-functional experts to deliver award-winning, community-focused projects that leave a lasting architectural legacy.

Core Responsibilities

• Design Vision & Form-Giving: Lead the conceptual design, form development, and architectural vision for prominent multifamily and mixed-use urban developments.

• Feasibility & Yield Analysis: Generate sophisticated site yield studies, complex massing models, and early feasibility concepts to establish project viability.

• Schematic Excellence: Advance architectural concepts seamlessly from initial programming and site studies through high-impact schematic design phases.

• Advanced Visual Communication: Create high-quality 3D models, photorealistic renderings, and compelling visual presentations to articulate design intent.

• Digital Ecosystem Mastery: Utilize an integrated software suite including SketchUp, Revit, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite to communicate design narratives effectively.

• Stakeholder Presentation: Prepare and present persuasive design concepts to firm leadership, collaborative project teams, public agencies, and clients.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Integrate design intent smoothly with engineering and construction requirements by collaborating closely with Project Managers, Project Architects, and specialized consultants.

• Technical Integration: Support technical development and documentation phases as needed, ensuring the integrity of the design vision is maintained into construction.

• Regulatory Navigation: Maintain an expert awareness of complex zoning regulations, local building codes, and evolving housing typologies.

• Studio Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor junior designers, foster a collaborative environment, and contribute vibrantly to a studio-wide culture of design excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch).

• Experience: 6–10 years of professional architectural experience within a collaborative studio environment.

• Sector Expertise: Minimum of 3–5+ years of U.S.-based multifamily mid-rise design experience.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced command of SketchUp, Revit, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Technical & Regulatory Acumen: Working knowledge of construction systems and a proven ability to develop concepts legally compliant with building typologies.

• Portfolio: A comprehensive design portfolio demonstrating strong form-giving skills and recent, relevant multifamily project work (PDF format, max 10MB).

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure: Active California Architect license, or advanced progress toward California licensure.

• Code Authority: Deep familiarity with the California Building Code (CBC) and Bay Area zoning ordinances.

• Typology Breadth: Broad design experience spanning a diverse range of housing types, retail integration, and hospitality environments.

About TCA Architects

Founded in 1993, TCA Architects is a nationally recognized architecture firm specializing in high-density multifamily, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality developments. With studios in Irvine, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Honolulu, TCA delivers award-winning, sustainable, and community-focused projects through a collaborative, technology-driven approach. Our Oakland studio—established in 2013—is a close-knit, high-performing team producing transformative projects throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, San Jose, and Mountain View. Located directly above the 12th Street BART station, the office offers exceptional accessibility and inspiring skyline views.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of TCA Architects. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

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