Project Architect

Surlamer Investments is a private investment and operating firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on real estate, private investments, operating businesses, and emerging technologies.

We are seeking a talented entrepreneurial Project Architect to oversee projects from planning and design through construction administration and final delivery across commercial and residential developments. This role works directly with ownership, consultants, contractors, and municipal agencies. The ideal candidate combines strong architectural and technical expertise with practical construction knowledge and a thorough understanding of constructability, permitting, consultant coordination, and project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop architectural concepts, layouts, construction drawings, and permit packages across commercial and residential projects
• Lead project coordination from schematic design through construction administration, including consultant management, permitting, technical documentation, and field coordination
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, contractors, and ownership throughout the design and construction process
• Ensure projects are functional, code-compliant, cost-conscious, and designed with constructability and long-term operational considerations in mind
• Review and coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, RFIs, submittals, and construction documentation
• Visit active construction sites regularly to monitor progress, quality, safety, and compliance with plans and specifications
• Coordinate directly with contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to resolve design conflicts, field conditions, and unforeseen construction challenges
• Navigate local building codes, zoning ordinances, permitting processes, inspections, and plan check requirements
• Coordinate with city officials, inspectors, and consultants to secure approvals and maintain compliance throughout the project lifecycle
• Maintain organized project records, communicate updates directly with ownership, and support projects through close-out and final delivery

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design and construction of residential or commercial
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field
• Architectural licensure preferred
• Strong understanding of construction methods, detailing, constructability, materials, and coordination during construction
• Construction administration, consultant coordination, and site observation experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and related BIM or visualization software
• Working knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, permitting, and construction documentation
• Experience preparing and coordinating permit and construction drawing sets
• Ability to read and coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance design intent with practical construction execution
• LEED accreditation, OSHA training, or related certifications are a plus
• Experience in adaptive reuse, commercial-to-residential conversion, mixed-use, or ground-up development projects is highly preferred
• Experience working within a family office, private investment, or entrepreneurial real estate environment is a plus