Licensed Architect & Architect-in-Training (AIT)

Job Description

Job DescriptionLicensed Architect & Architect-in-Training (AIT)

Location: Sacramento, CA (In-Office / Hybrid)

Position Type: Direct-Hire or Contract-to-Hire

Target Experience: 5–8 Years (Mid-Level) for Licensed Architect | 2–4 Years for AIT

Application Requirement: Portfolio required with resume submittal

Executive Summary

An established, 100% employee-owned AEC firm with over 100 years of industry leadership is expanding its Sacramento design studio. Supported by rapid corporate growth—scaling from $17M to over $24M in recent revenue—the firm is actively seeking a Licensed Architect (Level I/II) and an Architect-in-Training (AIT) to join a dynamic local team.

This opportunity is tailored for growth-minded professionals who value a generalist practice model. You will work across a diverse portfolio—ranging from retail, fuel centers, and grocery developments to higher education, civic, healthcare, and aviation projects—without being pigeonholed into a single market sector.

Why Join the Sacramento Studio?

• 100% Employee Ownership (ESOP): Share directly in the firm's financial success and build long-term wealth as a co-owner.

• Diverse Project Portfolio: Gain broad experience across retail, higher education, civic, fuel centers, and commercial developments rather than repeating the same project type.

• Solutions-Oriented Leadership: Work under an engaging, supportive Associate Principal who empowers the team to take ownership, innovate processes, and drive design quality.

• Clear Career Progression: Benefit from proactive mentorship, structured career growth, annual performance reviews, and direct client-facing responsibilities.

• Comprehensive Perks: 4 weeks of PTO in Year 1, 11 paid holidays, full health/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) matching, annual bonuses, and tuition reimbursement.

Role Breakdown & Key Responsibilities1. Licensed Architect (Level I / II)

• Design & Technical Leadership: Lead and contribute to design development, 3D modeling, and full construction documentation, ensuring technical resolution and design intent.

• Client & Consultant Coordination: Act as the primary, client-facing technical lead on assigned projects—coordinating directly with owners, consultants, contractors, and municipal officials.

• Project Delivery & QA/QC: Manage technical aspects from conceptual design through construction administration (RFIs, submittals, site visits), maintaining quality control and schedule milestones.

• Mentorship & Practice Growth: Guide Architects-in-Training, assist with specification development, and optionally participate in business development pursuits.

2. Architect-in-Training (AIT)

• Production & Modeling: Develop detailed architectural drawings, Revit models, and renderings under the guidance of Senior Architects.

• Coordination & Detailing: Assist with discipline coordination, code research, submittal reviews, and construction administration support.

• Professional Growth: Gain required AXP hours across all core areas while receiving dedicated mentorship toward licensure.

Candidate Profile & QualificationsRequirements for Licensed Architect (Level I/II)

• Licensure: Active Architectural License (California registration preferred or ability to obtain via reciprocity).

• Experience: 5–8 years of progressive design experience within commercial, retail, higher education, or civic architecture (up to 10 years max experience preferred).

• Software: High proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.

• Project Exposure: Background in low-rise commercial design, developer-driven projects, retail, fuel centers, or public/institutional facilities.

Requirements for Architect-in-Training (AIT)

• Education: Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program.

• Experience: 2–4 years of post-graduate architectural design experience.

• Software: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.

Key Soft Skills

• Direct, transparent communication skills with internal teams and external client stakeholders.

• Accountability, cost-conscious project management, and an entrepreneurial mindset suited for an employee-owned firm.