Architect II

Description

Kitchell is seeking a dedicated Architect II to join our Engineering and Architectural Services team in San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented building companies in the United States.

As a Licensed Architect at Kitchell, you will serve as a senior technical advisor and trusted partner to clients, focusing on the evaluation, planning, and optimization of existing facilities rather than traditional construction document production. This role is ideal for a licensed professional who brings deep technical knowledge, sound judgment, and a strategic mindset to guide clients through complex facility decisions.

You will lead and contribute to Facility Condition Assessments (FCA), feasibility studies, capital planning, and master planning efforts-translating building data into actionable insights. Working closely with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide technical leadership, ensure code-informed decision-making, and help shape long-term investment strategies for public and institutional assets.

What You Will Do

• Lead and perform Facility Condition Assessments, including evaluation of building envelope, MEP/FP systems, and ADA compliance
• Interpret existing conditions and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations and capital improvement strategies
• Provide technical and code expertise to support feasibility studies, adaptive reuse evaluations, and long-range planning efforts
• Prepare and oversee technical reports, assessment summaries, and client-facing deliverables
• Support master planning initiatives, including facility prioritization, lifecycle analysis, and phasing strategies
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, consultants, and agencies to align technical findings with project goals
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations
• Conduct field investigations and site visits to validate existing conditions
• Perform design and constructability reviews of third-party documents (as applicable)
• Mentor junior staff and provide guidance on building systems, codes, and assessment methodologies
• Contribute to continuous improvement of FCA tools, standards, and reporting processes

Requirements

Your Qualifications

• Licensed Architect preferred
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program
• 5+ years of relevant experience, with a focus on existing buildings, assessments, or advisory services
• Strong knowledge of building codes (CBC preferred), accessibility requirements, and building systems
• California Access Specialist (CASp) certification is a plus
• Experience with Facility Condition Assessments, feasibility studies, or capital planning is highly desirable
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD for review and limited production support (not full CD development)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong report-writing skills required
• Experience with data-driven tools, asset inventories, or capital planning platforms is a plus
• LEED accreditation or sustainability knowledge is a plus

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to synthesize complex building data into clear, strategic recommendations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in technical reporting and client presentations
• Sound professional judgment and problem-solving ability in existing building conditions
• Ability to lead technical efforts while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities
• Commitment to integrity, quality, and client service

License and Certification

• Valid California driver's license is required

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly work in an office and or construction environment. Conditions regularly include exposure to outdoor elements, hot/cold temperatures, wet atmospheric conditions, and cramped quarters with occasionally loud noise level in the work.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly sit, stand, walk, talk or hear and use hands to finger, feel and handle; frequently reach with hands and arms; occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must frequently lift and or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds.

Travel Requirements

• Travel may be required depending on project assignments
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record required