Senior Architectural Designer III (8-10 years) Landscape Architecture +

Architecture Employer:

Manhattan Beach, CA, US Location:

Wed, Aug 19 '26 Posted on:

Part-time Type:

Architectural Designer III Landscape Architecture + Architecture

LOCATION

Los Angeles, California

ENGAGEMENT

Full-time, part time or project-based contract

EXPERIENCE

8-10+ years

COMPENSATION

$85,000-$125,000 annually; contract rate commensurate with scope About FAIR Studio FAIR Studio collaborates with leading architecture and interior design teams in Los Angeles and beyond. Our work spans architectural design, façade design, landscape architecture, and complex hardscapes that integrate seamlessly with the primary residence. We value trust, rigor, curiosity, and thoughtful collaboration—and we believe exceptional design is strengthened by exceptional documentation. About the Role FAIR Studio is seeking an exceptional Senior Project Architect / Architectural Designer III with a love of details, construction, and design. Working directly with the principal, you will lead the technical development, coordination, and documentation of significant custom residential architecture and exterior landscape projects. This is a hands-on role for someone who can move fluidly between design intent and buildable resolution: owning projects, making informed design decisions, anticipating technical challenges, and bringing well-considered solutions to studio leadership. You will collaborate closely with designers, project managers, consultants, fabricators, contractors, permitting agencies, and clients throughout design and construction. The position may be structured as a full-time, part time or a project-based contract assignment, depending on experience and availability. Work from home time is a feature of this role. What You'll Do Lead the technical development and production of complete, coordinated construction document sets for high-end custom residential architecture, exterior environments, landscape architecture, and select interior architecture. Develop beautiful design presentations conveying developed design concepts Translate design concepts and precedent details into precise, buildable assemblies. Develop wall sections and envelope details independently, including waterproofing, eaves, and coordinated head, jamb, and sill conditions with window and door manufacturers. Integrate architectural, landscape, structural, civil, mechanical, irrigation, and lighting information into a clear and coordinated drawing set. Prepare hardscape, grading, drainage, irrigation, and exterior material documentation; support California WUCOLS calculations where required. Research applicable codes and agency requirements, navigate restrictive jurisdictions, prepare agency responses, and coordinate permit submissions and responses with permit expediters. Perform QA/QC of drawings, specifications, calculations, and consultant information; maintain drawing quality, clarity, and consistency. Manage day-to-day correspondence with clients, vendors, project consultants and city staff. Own assigned schedules, budgets, deliverables, and production organization while managing multiple priorities. Participate in client, consultant, agency, fabricator, and contractor meetings; support construction administration, estimating, and material procurement as needed. Assign and coordinate work with studio ownership directly to strengthen internal production standards, increase FAIR studio's suite of programs. Currently FAIR uses Layout & Sketchup exclusively, production designers who have deep skills in Sketchup is required. Create and maintain internal file-management protocols, project templates, detail libraries, and team documentation standards. Provide estimation and budgeting services for projects including detailed stone and tile orders with overseas vendors to secure highly custom stone for masonry details. Extremely close attention to detail is required. What We'd Like to See A sophisticated design eye, strong architectural judgment, and a portfolio demonstrating unique solutions to complex problems. A genuine enthusiasm for construction documentation, detailing, materials, craftsmanship, and methods and means of construction. Experience producing permit constructions sets Help evolve the studio's standards, digital workflows, and responsible use of emerging technology. The ability to evaluate buildability and propose technically sound alternatives that remain in service to the project's larger design vision when collaborating with civil and structural engineers. Exceptional attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and ownership. Curiosity and desire to expand FAIR's use of emerging AI tools, including thoughtful, responsible use of AI for research, QA/QC design exploration, quality control, and workflow efficiency. Solutions-oriented mindset with courage to seek solutions to complex problems Confidence working independently and bringing solutions to the principal and project team. A collaborative approach and the ability to direct and synthesize input from multidisciplinary consultant teams. Qualifications 8+ years of professional architectural experience; 8-10 years in an architecture firm. Significant experience with high-end custom residential projects through construction documentation and construction administration. Exceptional construction documentation and detailing skills, with a strong understanding of building assemblies and exterior envelope systems. Demonstrated experience coordinating complex structural, civil, mechanical, landscape, lighting, and specialty consultant teams. Strong SketchUp modeling skills and working knowledge of LayOut and desire to learn the software. Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and ArchiCAD is a strong plus. Knowledge of California codes, permitting processes. Knowledge of plant materials, WUCOLS, irrigation documentation is not required but valued. Knowledge of Los Angeles county municipal & consultant coordination required. Strong written, verbal, visual, and organizational communication skills. Professional architecture licensure is not required; licensure will be valued and considered in compensation. Fast communicator, the position is open for remote candidates who love design and have a deep working knowledge of architecture. We use slack daily and fast response time is a key requirement of the position. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States. What FAIR Studio Offers Contribute to a design practice that integrates architecture, façade, landscape, and hardscape as one cohesive environment. Work directly with the principal and have meaningful influence on design and technical decisions. Collaborate with accomplished architecture, interiors, engineering, fabrication, and construction teams. Engagement in extremely detailed Landscape Architecture projects in a diverse range of styles. Compensation + Engagement The position is either full-time, part-time or project based depending candidates who apply and their skill level. We offer an extremely flexible working environment, work-from-home and zoom attendance to meetings. For Los Angeles based candidates some on-site and in-office meetings will be a requirement of the position. For a full-time in-studio Los Angeles position, FAIR Studio anticipates a salary range of $95,000-$125,000 annually, depending on experience, technical depth, licensure, portfolio quality, and the final scope of responsibilities. Project-based contract compensation will be established according to scope, duration, availability, and candidate qualifications. Any benefits, work-location expectations, and schedule details should be confirmed with the candidate during the interview process. How to Apply Please submit a résumé, portfolio, and selected construction-document samples that clearly demonstrate your individual contributions to: [email protected] Your portfolio should show both design authorship and technical resolution, including examples of detailing, consultant coordination, and complex problem-solving. Please also include your availability and whether you are seeking full-time, part time, or project-based contract work. Finalists may be invited to complete a short, compensated skills exercise so FAIR Studio can better understand design thinking, technical judgment, and working proficiency in relevant software. Candidate materials and test work will be treated as confidential and will not be used for active project production. Due to the number of applicants we will only respond to those who will be interviewed. Equal Opportunity FAIR Studio is committed to an inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.