Architecture Design Coordinator
Job description
About the role
LPA is seeking an Architecture Design Coordinator to join the San Jose studio and become a central thread in the connective tissue of multidisciplinary project teams. In this capacity, you will own the orchestration of design intent from initial concept sketches through the meticulous journey of final construction documentation. You will act as a vital communication bridge, ensuring seamless information flow between architects, engineers, and leadership to maintain design integrity. The role requires a proactive mindset dedicated to investigating and integrating sustainable construction methods, building systems, and materials that directly support high-performance project goals. You will manage the detailed production of schematic design, design development, and construction documents with a focus on accuracy and clarity. This position offers the opportunity to provide structured mentorship to junior staff while simultaneously refining your own expertise through direct observation and collaboration with firm leadership. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to solve complex coordination challenges, demonstrate initiative, and uphold the firm's standards for quality across all project phases.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Support project architects, designers, and managers with daily project tasks, ensuring the smooth progression of deliverables.
- Produce and manage comprehensive documentation for schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases with rigorous attention to detail.
- Develop and execute design solutions and technical detailing that address specific project constraints and opportunities.
- Assist leadership with professional client communications, including the preparation of coordinated materials and status updates.
- Manage critical contract administration duties, including thorough RFI responses and meticulous submittal reviews to maintain project continuity.
- Investigate and evaluate construction methods, building systems, and materials to ensure strict alignment with established design goals and sustainability targets.
- Provide structured mentorship to junior staff while actively learning from firm leadership to elevate overall team capacity.
- Coordinate internal workflows to ensure that design iterations are communicated effectively and implemented efficiently across disciplines.
- Utilize advanced analytical skills to troubleshoot design conflicts and resolve documentation discrepancies before they impact construction.
- Champion the integration of building code compliance into every stage of the design development process to mitigate risk and ensure regulatory approval.
- Leverage digital tools to generate clear, accurate, and client-ready construction documents that facilitate informed decision-making.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify potential design improvements that enhance durability, maintainability, and user experience.
- Track project documentation versions and archive records systematically to support long-term project knowledge management.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of firm standards by sharing best practices and lessons learned from project execution.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
- Possess a minimum of 5 years of professional experience that comprehensively covers all design and documentation phases.
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in Revit as the primary tool for building information modeling and documentation.
- Show a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building codes relevant to multi-disciplinary projects.
- Prove a demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and show initiative during both design and execution stages.
- Exhibit strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple project demands simultaneously while maintaining quality.
- Commit to compliance with firm processes and standards, ensuring that all deliverables meet professional and regulatory requirements.
Nice to have
- Active pursuit of or current professional licensure as a registered architect.
- Possession of LEED accreditation to support sustainability-focused project delivery.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite for producing high-quality visual and graphic communications.
- Familiarity with Rhino for complex geometric modeling and design exploration.
Practical notes
This role operates within a hybrid schedule, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work to support collaboration and flexibility. LPA utilizes E-Verify for all new hires to ensure employment eligibility in accordance with federal regulations. The firm is committed to professional growth and provides licensure incentives, professional development grants, and in-house training through LPA+U to support career advancement. Additionally, employees are granted 8 hours of paid volunteer time annually to engage with community initiatives. Please note that unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The Architecture Design Coordinator will work approximately 40 hours per week within the San Jose office, with provisions for remote work based on project needs and team agreements. Travel is generally not required for this role, though occasional site visits may be coordinated to maintain direct engagement with project conditions and stakeholder expectations. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position at this time. This role is posted with the expectation of immediate start for the right candidate, aligning with current project timelines and team capacity. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so early submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration. The compensation range of $84K to $115K base salary reflects the level of responsibility, technical expertise, and the collaborative nature of the position within the established architecture studio. The annual bonus structure is tied to individual and firm performance metrics, providing an opportunity to share in the success of completed projects. Professional development is a core component of the employment value proposition, ensuring that team members can maintain current knowledge of industry standards, software tools, and sustainable design practices. By joining LPA in San Jose, you will be part of a studio that values integrated design, mentorship, and the delivery of high-performance buildings that respond to both client needs and community context.