Job Description

Gensler is one of the world’s leading architecture,design and planning firms We have a highly creative, collaborative teamaround the worlddedicated to innovative problem-solving and design excellence. Our Bay Area Lifestyle Studiooperatesas a boutique practice within the firm, focusing on iconichospitalityand retailprojectsfor some of the world’s most recognizable brandsAs ourdiverse client base and project work continue to grow,we areseekinga Project Architect with 10+ years of experience to join our team.

Your Role 

As a Project Architectin Gensler Oakland’s 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 

• 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 clients’ program requirements, brand standards,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 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s 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)Hospitality experienceisaplus

• 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 methods andthe ability toproducetechnical 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 office culture

• LEED accreditation and experience preferred 

**The base salaryisestimated between $118,000 - $135,000plus bonuses and benefits,and contingent on relevant experience.

For consideration, pleasesubmityourresumeand work samples in PDF format.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflectour people’sdiverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.

Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offera 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has beenestablishedbased on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future

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