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Fresh Graduate Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Graduate Architect information

See California salary details

$23.5K

$52.9K

$131.2K

How much do fresh graduate architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate architect in California is $52,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,762.00 and $55,326.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities are commonly assigned to fresh graduate architects early in their careers?

Fresh graduate architects usually begin by supporting more senior architects on design development, drafting architectural drawings, and assisting with project documentation. They may participate in site visits, help prepare presentations for clients, and perform research on materials, building codes, or sustainable practices. Early career responsibilities also include collaborating with engineers, interior designers, and consultants to ensure design feasibility and compliance. This hands-on experience helps new architects develop a comprehensive understanding of project workflows and prepares them for greater responsibilities over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fresh graduate architect position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Architect, you need a solid understanding of architectural design principles, building codes, and a degree in architecture from an accredited institution. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering tools, is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help differentiate candidates and ensure effective project collaboration. These skills enable new architects to contribute meaningfully to projects, meet client expectations, and transition smoothly into professional architectural environments.

How to get a job in architecture without any experience?

To secure an entry-level architecture position without experience, focus on building a strong portfolio through internships, freelance projects, or academic work. Gaining proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or Revit and obtaining relevant certifications can also improve your chances; networking with professionals and applying to internships or assistant roles are effective strategies.

What is a fresh graduate architect?

A Fresh Graduate Architect is an entry-level role for recent architecture graduates, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in design, drafting, and project coordination. They typically work under the supervision of senior architects, assisting in creating blueprints, 3D models, and presentations. This role helps them develop technical skills, understand industry standards, and prepare for professional licensing exams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California?

For Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fresh Graduate Architect jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Architect job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,890 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Principal, Architect - Healthcare

Arcadis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

Arcadis is seeking a Principal for the Architecture and Urbanism (A&U) division of the Global Business Area Places. This position will report to the Business Unit Director, US west and Mexico. The successful candidate will collaborate with other leaders to help grow the Healthcare  in line with GAU Division strategy and financial targets, with a focus on operational efficiency and workforce optimization.

At Arcadis, you will be an integral member of a diverse network of design professionals who value collaboration, fresh insight, and bold talent. You will also be part of a sought-after culture that supports dynamic career advancement and prizes work/life balance.

Role accountabilities:

  • Lead ultimate accountability for performance (utilization, billability, contribution, debtors etc), service quality delivery within the team; develop and oversee the implementation of the strategy to ensure service quality delivery, service excellence and profitable growth within the team, to support the delivery of the line of business objectives
  • Lead, motivate and develop a diverse team of senior specialists by recruiting, setting objectives and reviewing performance to ensure staff are developed, driven and have the necessary skills to deliver the program objectives
  • Develop and implement the business plan and ensure the team understands it, and the role that they play in its achievement, through the development of the appropriate culture and the provision of context and clarity
  • Lead the identification and targeting of clients through the delivery of service excellence to deliver growth in organic revenue in the team
  • Build strong relationships and create successful teams
  • Develop enduring relationships with clients to understand their business needs and ensure client satisfaction to improve retention and deliver organic revenue growth
  • Coach and mentor studio managers and service managers to ensure all projects are set up for success and appropriate governance is adhered to, with the goal of improved client satisfaction
  • Direct the identification of talent in the team in both technical capability and sales and promote career development by directing individuals who are identified, to the appropriate development programs
  • Direct decisions on resource utilization within the team and maintain the integrity of the unit composition and pyramid management structure to enable resource optimization
  • Direct the identification and management of risk in service delivery and ensure compliance with governance processes in the team to lead to service excellence and client satisfaction
  • Maintain an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the practice group's clients and the market to identify key trends and emerging opportunities
  • Develop relationships throughout Arcadis to foster cooperation and to maximize opportunities to cross-sell within the organization
  • Implement the GAU Division strategy

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or post-graduate qualification and/or fellowship in an appropriate professional institution
  • Registered Architect or equivalent preferred
  • Substantial experience (18 years or more) in a discipline, including 10+ years' experience in an Architecture consultancy 
  • Experience leading and implementing complex business change solutions
  • Experience managing business relationships at executive level
  • Experience managing teams across geographies
  • Significant experience on large-scale/highly complex projects

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP,  401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $156,000-$235,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.


 


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US