An Urban Planner plans and designs projects that maintain or improve the quality of life in urban areas or regions. Addresses specific transportation, economic development, housing and environmental issues. Develops plans that address aesthetic as well as technical concerns. Identifies community goals and anticipates the future impact of development plans.
Jamison Properties is seeking a creative, technically skilled, and detail-oriented Pre-Development Architect to execute conceptual and schematic design for our in-house development team. We are a prominent multifamily and mixed-use real estate developer specializing in ground-up construction and adaptive reuse projects throughout Los Angeles. Our diverse portfolio includes market-rate, mixed-income, and 100% affordable housing developments, providing the opportunity to contribute to projects that create lasting value throughout the region. You will serve as an integral member of our development team, providing expertise during the earliest phases of project evaluation, acquisition, and planning. This role will collaborate closely with ownership, development, and investment teams to evaluate development opportunities, analyze zoning requirements, identify project constraints, and maximize the development potential of each site. The ideal candidate will possess strong architectural design skills, technical knowledge of zoning and building regulations, and a deep understanding of multifamily and mixed-use development. Success in this role requires the ability to balance creative design solutions with development objectives, communicate effectively with ownership and project stakeholders, and create thoughtful design strategies that maximize value across our portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform site evaluations and zoning analyses to identify development constraints, opportunities, and strategies to maximize project density, efficiency, and overall value. Interpret zoning codes, land use regulations, entitlement requirements, and other applicable development standards to inform project feasibility and design strategy. Prepare conceptual and schematic design studies, including site plans, massing studies, unit layouts, test fits, programming studies, and preliminary design packages that establish the vision and feasibility of future projects. Use the studies to evaluate density, program efficiency, entitlement opportunities, and overall project viability before transitioning projects to third-party architectural teams. Develop creative design solutions that balance market objectives, zoning requirements, construction feasibility, cost considerations, and long-term asset value. Evaluate alternative project scenarios and provide recommendations regarding unit counts, building configurations, amenities, parking solutions, and overall site utilization. Collaborate with development team members to support acquisition due diligence, feasibility analysis, entitlement strategy, and investment decision-making. Prepare presentation materials, renderings, diagrams, and design narratives to effectively communicate recommendations to ownership and internal stakeholders. Coordinate with third-party architects, consultants, and project teams during project transition to ensure the original design intent and development objectives are effectively communicated. Support the preparation of entitlement packages and early design submissions by providing conceptual design materials and architectural input. Maintain awareness of evolving zoning regulations, building codes, housing policies, design trends, and development opportunities impacting multifamily and mixed-use projects. Participate in project meetings with internal teams, consultants, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to advance project concepts and resolve early-stage design challenges. Develop and maintain a library of prototype concepts, design studies, lessons learned, and best practices to improve efficiency and consistency across Jamison Properties' development portfolio.
Qualifications:
Bachelor or Master of Architecture from an accredited program required. Minimum 4 years of experience in architectural design, with experience in multifamily, mixed-use, residential, urban infill, or complex commercial projects preferred. Architectural license (or actively pursuing licensure) in California is preferred. Experience developing conceptual and schematic design packages, including site plans, massing studies, test fits, programming studies, and preliminary design concepts. Strong understanding of real estate development principles, including site planning, zoning analysis, density optimization, entitlement considerations, and project feasibility. Knowledge of Los Angeles zoning regulations, development standards, density bonus programs, housing regulations, and entitlement processes preferred. Strong understanding of multifamily building design, unit planning, circulation, amenities, parking requirements, and efficient site utilization. Ability to balance creative design solutions with practical considerations including construction feasibility, cost efficiency, market objectives, and long-term asset value. Strong understanding of architectural drawings, building systems, materials, and construction methods. Experience preparing design presentations, diagrams, renderings, and other visual materials to communicate concepts and recommendations. Exceptional attention to detail with a strong design sensibility and ability to identify opportunities to improve project efficiency, functionality, and overall development potential. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
Skills:
Proficiency with Bluebeam and Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with real estate development, planning, or project management software is a plus. Proficiency with architectural design software including Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Pay:
$80,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance