Inspired by innovative design. Committed to issues of social justice. Practice is looking for talented and highly motivated people to join our team!
Practice is an ideas- and research-based, human-centered practice, with a mission of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive urban environments. We believe in holistic design that is deeply rooted in community. Our studio culture supports every individual and values curiosity, humor, and life balance as much as rigor and expertise.
In addition to competitive pay and benefits, flexible work schedules, and work-from-home options, Practice offers a dynamic, collaborative design culture that encourages personal growth and learning through an informal, collegial, safe environment that fosters inclusivity, encourages risk-taking, and, above all else, thinking BIG!
Values and Responsibilities Design This role calls for strong design sensibilities and the ability to translate creative vision into clear, compelling work across all phases of a project. Expectations are for demonstrated excellence in design, modeling, and graphic skills, with the ability to independently develop creative design concepts throughout all project phases. Contributing both independently and as part of a team, this role works in close partnership with the Director of Design to shape thoughtful, innovative approaches tailored to each project’s goals and context.
Practice’s Senior Project Architect/Design Leads participate in and often lead collaborative design charrettes, support the evolution of conceptual ideas, and produce high-quality presentation and documentation materials. Ongoing research into materials, systems, and finishes will be an important part of the role’s process, informed by the project’s design intent and the firm’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This role is an opportunity to not only contribute expertise, but to foster curiosity, inclusion, and craftsmanship through a collaborative and reflective design process. Project Execution We cultivate a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment and seek individuals who will embrace these values while taking on the responsibility of supervising and mentoring staff. This role demands strong organizational skills, ensuring the timely and accurate completion of plans, specifications, material approvals, and construction tasks. You will oversee the interpretation, organization, execution, and coordination of assignments, exercising professional independent judgment. For more complex or unique issues, you will collaborate with senior leaders for technical guidance and overall project approval. Additionally, you will direct and coordinate the consultant team, ensuring that the project team adheres to the firm's project delivery processes and standards. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, you may also be assigned certain Project Management responsibilities. Team Leadership & Culture Ambassador As a senior team member, your leadership will help shape the tone and trajectory of each project team. You will foster professional relationships within project teams and take on a leadership role as a champion for others. Strong communication and listening skills will be key as you guide, mentor, and uplift others in their development and support an atmosphere of openness and respect. Staff in this role should be able to actively champion our Mission and Values—curiosity, inclusion, social responsibility, and collaborative design—both within the office and beyond. Our internal culture is engaging, fun to work with, and eager to make a meaningful impact. Quality Control and Technical Leadership With support from Practice leadership, you'll contribute to the quality and consistency of project documentation, helping ensure it meets firm-wide standards, aligns with client expectations, and complies with applicable codes and regulations. Your technical insight and collaborative problem-solving will support well-coordinated, buildable solutions. Marketing and Business Development At times, you will actively pursue business development opportunities and participate in marketing interviews, while also fostering and maintaining strong relationships with both client leaders and their staff. We value team members who can cultivate trust, communicate with clarity, and build enduring relationships with clients and collaborators. As a representative of the firm, your engagement in industry events and active presence in professional communities will help strengthen both your voice and the visibility of the firm. Qualifications • BArch or MArch from accredited university • Professional licensure in California required • Minimum 12 years of related professional experience required • Experience with Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite, Lumion, digital fabrication, Microsoft Office, hand sketching, etc. • Must be currently authorized to work in the United States • Compensation is commensurate with experience. Annual salary ranges from $125,000 to $145,000 + benefits package.
Email inquiries to jobs@practicela.com In the subject line, please use the following format: Senior Project Architect_Design Lead_YOUR NAME Please include a cover letter, CV, and portfolio of professional and personal work (file not to exceed 10mb)
Practice celebrates the unique differences of every individual. We believe that creating a safe and transparent space to be one’s authentic self drives curiosity, innovation, and success for our business, clients, and the community at large. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.
About Practice Practice is a design studio grounded in the belief that architecture shapes civic life. We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead a variety of architectural projects and contribute to the continued growth of our staff, clients, and studio culture.
Our work spans education, affordable housing, and public projects, with a focus on resilience, equity, and long-term value for communities. We approach design as a collaborative, research-driven process rooted in context, responsibility, and care for people and place. Our studio culture values curiosity, rigor, generosity, and sustained professional growth.
Position Overview The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of architectural projects varying in scale and complexity, and carries responsibility for project performance across design, delivery, staffing, budget, and client relationships, while contributing to mentorship, studio culture, technical leadership, and business development efforts.
This position plays a central role in advancing Practice’s mission through thoughtful project leadership, collaborative design processes, and accountable delivery.
Project Leadership & Delivery Senior Project Managers lead projects from early planning through completion, coordinating all administrative and technical aspects of project delivery to support clarity, efficiency, and design integrity. Responsibilities include developing project delivery strategies, establishing team structure and roles, and guiding work through all phases, including leading internal kick-offs, design reviews, coordination meetings, and project strategy sessions, ensuring alignment with Practice’s standards and values.
Client Partnership This role serves as the primary liaison for Practice, guiding clients through projects with clear communication, consistency, and care. Responsibilities include managing scope, schedule, and expectations while fostering strong working relationships with client leadership and project teams. Client partnerships at Practice are built through trust, shared accountability, and a commitment to purposeful outcomes.
Financial & Resource Stewardship Senior Project Managers lead the development of scopes of work, fee proposals, budgets, and schedules, actively monitoring project progress, staffing, and financial performance to support responsible delivery and long-term project health. Accountability for profitability is balanced with careful resource planning and sustainable team management.
Team Leadership & Mentorship Practice is a studio grounded in shared responsibility and professional development. This position leads project teams through mentorship, guidance, and direct engagement in the work, supporting the professional growth of less experienced project managers and staff by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering an environment of trust and respect.
Design Collaboration & Studio Culture Design at Practice is collaborative, iterative, and driven by dialogue and research. As such, this position actively contributes to design discussions, charrettes, and reviews, supporting a culture where ideas are developed collectively and tested rigorously – helping to maintain alignment between design intent, technical execution, and project constraints while reinforcing Practice’s commitment to design excellence.
Technical Leadership & Quality Control Senior Project Managers ensure that project documentation meets Practice’s standards, client requirements, and applicable codes and agency regulations, serving as a firmwide resource for resolving complex technical, coordination, and delivery challenges, supporting both project teams and leadership.
Business Development & Professional Engagement This position may contribute to the growth and visibility of Practice through participation in marketing proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits.
Qualifications • Professional licensure in California required • Minimum 15 years of related professional experience • Demonstrated experience leading housing and educational and/or civic projects of varying scales and complexities. • BArch or MArch professional degree
Compensation Anticipated salary range: $145,000 – $165,000 annually, plus benefits. (Commensurate with experience). Benefits package can be made available following an interview.
We are a hybrid office requiring a minimum of 3 days in the office. Wednesdays are mandatory, with the other days determined at the discretion of the employee to provide for live/work flexibility.
Email inquiries to jobs@practicela.com In the subject line, please use the following format: Senior Project Manager_YOUR NAME Please include a cover letter, CV, and portfolio of professional and personal work (file not to exceed 10mb).
Practice celebrates the unique differences of every individual. We believe that creating a safe and transparent space to be one’s authentic self drives curiosity, innovation, and success for our business, clients, and the community at large. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.
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