Senior Technical Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are a lively and dynamic architecture office located five blocks from the beach in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara, California. Our current focus is on high-end residential projects in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu, and Beverly Hills, with an eye toward future development, hospitality, and commercial projects throughout the United States.

Our client-centric approach, starts with a clear understanding of our clients’ needs, wishes and budgetary considerations. This ensures that every project reflects our clients’ vision in tandem with our company’s core focus.

Clear Architecture is dedicated to the design-build journey. From initial schematic concepts and crafting original designs to navigating regulations and permitting, we're committed to fostering a harmonious flow from architectural design to pre-construction and construction. We understand that we’re creating more than just a structure—whether it be a home, hospitality, or commercial - it's a reflection of our client’s dreams and aspirations.

About the role:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Technical Architect to join our architecture leadership team. This role is ideal for a seasoned architect with deep expertise in construction detailing, building systems, technical specifications, constructability, and quality control. The right candidate will bring a strong command of how buildings are actually put together and will play a key role in elevating the technical rigor of our work across all projects.

This person will help bridge design and construction, ensuring that our drawings, details, and specifications are coordinated, buildable, and aligned with the high standards of a design-build practice. They will serve as a technical leader within the firm, providing oversight, mentorship, and hands-on guidance throughout the design and documentation process.

This is a full-time onsite position based in our Santa Barbara, CA, offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical development of projects from design through construction administration.
• Oversee the quality, coordination, and consistency of drawing sets, details, and technical execution across multiple projects.
• Establish and uphold firmwide technical standards for documentation, detailing, specifications, and constructability.
• Provide advanced guidance on building assemblies, waterproofing, flashing, structural coordination, envelope design, and material transitions.
• Review projects for technical accuracy, code compliance, coordination, and buildability at key milestones.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews, page turns, and technical package reviews to maintain documentation excellence.
• Partner closely with architecture, interiors, engineering, estimating, and construction teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Serve as a liaison between design and field teams to resolve technical issues and improve project execution.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of specifications, detail libraries, drawing standards, and best practices.
• Mentor project architects, designers, and production staff in technical detailing, documentation standards, and construction knowledge.
• Support construction administration efforts, including submittal review, RFI responses, field observation, and problem solving during construction.
• Help drive a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement within a vertically integrated design-build environment.

Qualifications and requirements

• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience, with substantial experience in high-end residential projects. Commercial experience is a plus.
• Licensed Architect with a degree from an accredited university.
• Deep knowledge of wood-framed, concrete, and steel construction, building systems, and complex architectural detailing.
• Strong expertise in construction details, technical documentation, and project specifications.
• Proven ability to develop clear, coordinated, and highly buildable construction documents.
• Strong understanding of California building codes, local jurisdictional requirements, IBC, and industry standards.
• Experience working closely with construction teams and a strong understanding of means, methods, sequencing, and constructability.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Proficiency in Revit required.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam and Microsoft Office required.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of technical quality.

Who You Are

• A technical expert who takes pride in producing thoughtful, well-resolved architecture.
• A leader who enjoys mentoring others and raising the standard of the team.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and proactive.
• Comfortable working across departments in a collaborative, fast-paced design-build environment.
• Client-facing when needed, with the judgment and communication skills to represent the firm well.
• Passionate about construction quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Working With Us

Our mission is to Be Better. We achieve this through being a vertically integrated company that values attention to detail and sophistication unmatched by competitors. With strategic operational systems in place, our approach sets us apart: it’s the invaluable difference that comes with thoughtful, personalized collaboration. We are a team of hardworking and communicative professionals who take pride in understanding our clients’ desires and making them a reality – trust is just one of the things we build well.

Additional Benefits:

• Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life)
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid time off and sick pay
• Mileage, tool, cell phone reimbursement
• Referral program
• Competitive pay with yearly reviews
• Opportunity for Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement

Core Values:

Passion: Care for our clients, our work, and our company.
Brilliance: Be bright, be positive, be exceptional.
Precision: Absolutely no detail is too small or unimportant.
Persistence: Unwavering in our determination to create a great result.

Benefits

• Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)

• 401(k)

• Paid time off and sick pay

• Mileage and cell phone reimbursement

• Referral program

• Competitive pay with yearly reviews

• Opportunity for Growth

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Tool reimbursement

Travel Time Required

Physical Job Description

Typical Working Conditions

Equipment

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