Gensler is one of the worldâs leading architecture,design and planning firms. We havea highly creative, collaborative teamaround the worlddedicated to innovative problem-solving and design excellence.âŻOur Bay Area Lifestyle Studiooperatesas a boutique practice within the firm, focusing on iconichospitalityand retailprojectsfor some of the worldâs most recognizable brands.As ourdiverse client base and project work continue to grow,we areseekinga Project Architect with 10+ years of experience to join our team.
Your RoleâŻ
As aProject ArchitectinGensler Oaklandâs Lifestyle Studio, you will lead the design development and technical delivery of innovative retail environments for clients across the technology, financial services, and apparel sectors. This role calls for a highly organized and design-sensitive architect who can translate strong conceptual ideas into buildable solutions while guiding project teams through all phases of the design and construction process.
You will play a key role in shaping high-quality, brand-driven environments-from flagship stores and experiential retail spaces toretail programbuildouts. The ideal candidate combines strong architectural judgment, technicalexpertise, and team leadership to ensure projects are delivered with design integrity, precision, and efficiency.
Youbringexperience in the design and execution of tenant improvement projects and have developedstrong communicationand team-building skillsthat prepareyouto support project leadership. In this role, you will continue to build on your strengths in design and technical coordination while also expanding your involvement in client engagement-leveragingyour technicalacumenand industry experience to guide projects from concept through constructionand help shape thecontinued growthof our retail practice.
What You WillDo Â
Collaborate with design directors and project managers to advance design intent through technicaldevelopment and delivery,contributing to designreviewsand client presentations
Help evolveretail design strategiesthat respond to emergingclient needs,new technologies, andchangingcustomer experiences
Develop a comprehensive understanding of clientsâ program requirements, brandstandards,andoperational needstoguideproject teams
Lead day-to-day project coordination across clients, internal teams, consultants, and vendors, working closely with the Project Manager and Technical Director to support successful project delivery
Coordinate and guideteams ofvarious sizesthrough documentation and delivery phases,anticipatingand resolving complex technical and design challenges
Produce and oversee coordinated drawing sets, specifications, and project manuals whilemaintainingquality control across all documentation
Manage and contribute to construction administration activities including site observations, submittal reviews, RFIs, and contractor coordination
Interface with permitting and building officials and lead construction meetings with clients and contractors
Mentor and guide junior staff, fostering clear communication, professional growth, and high-quality work
Identifyand elevate complex code, constructability, and coordination issues, working closely with the Technical Director and project leadership to resolve them
Work closely withmanagementand studio leadership to advance project outcomes and strengthen your technical and professional development
Your QualificationsâŻ
Bachelorâs ormaster'sdegree in architecture
Must be a licensed architect in the State of California
10+ years of related experience, with a range of retail project types (both interior and exterior projects).Hospitalityexperienceisaplus.
ProficientinRevit
Experience withBluebeam Revu, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), and MS Office
Strong designsensibility withdemonstratedability to execute design intent with precision and attention to detail
Working knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and building systems
Strong understanding of interior construction methodsandthe abilitytoproducetechnical documents that succinctly describe the work to be done
Experience coordinating complex retail environments including storefront systems, custom millwork, and integrated brand elements
Strongorganizational, communication, and relationship-management skills
Inspired bymentoringjunior staff
Commitment to incorporating a sustainability mindset in all design decisions
Team player who actively contributes to a collaborative and fun officeculture
LEED accreditation and experience preferredâŻ
**The base salaryisestimated between $118,000 - $135,000plus bonuses and benefits,and contingent on relevant expe
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