Designer II

Join Our Growing Team at Butler Armsden Architects

Butler Armsden Architects is thriving, with an expanding portfolio of exceptional projects across San Francisco and the Bay Area. From high-end modern residences to meticulous historic renovations, we are continuously pushing the boundaries of custom residential design—and we’re looking for talented professionals to join our team.

We are not only looking at candidates for their ability to meet the position they are interviewing for, we are also projecting the next five years of their career trajectory. We look at the totality of the person to ensure a hand-in-glove fit with our core values.

We invest in your mentorship to support you in your growth through various touch points. Our annual review cycle is tailored to each staff member to ensure that the channels of communication are always open and feedback is clear. We work closely with you to set goals that align with your growth in both the short and long term. Strategically scheduled check‑ins throughout the year help to ensure that you have the ability to assess your journey and grant employees internal resources through their colleagues.

Our support goes beyond facilitating your development as a professional in the industry. We also foster an environment for personal connection through activities led by our DEI committee, an annual awards ceremony, company happy hours, anniversary celebrations, and more. Our Coffee with a Teammate program randomly pairs people each month for a conversation at any of the nearby cafes where you can get to know your colleagues outside of the day‑to‑day office setting.

Our studio foster a culture of creativity, independence, and hands‑on learning. We offer a dynamic environment where architects engage in projects from concept to completion, gaining comprehensive experience on homes of various scales. At Butler Armsden, you’ll have the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility, refine your expertise, and grow professionally. We actively support AXP requirements and licensure. Strong time management, multitasking abilities, and a great sense of humor are highly valued.

We offer competitive salaries and a robust benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance, FSA (health and dependent care), long‑term disability coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, 401(k) with profit sharing, licensure support and bonuses, transit and parking benefits, annual professional development stipends, and more.

Come be part of a team that’s redefining residential architecture.

Salary Range: $74,300 - $111,500

Position Description:

Designer II assumes greater responsibility with specific project components, documentation, and, or design elements. They contribute to and support the overall design and project documentation needed throughout the course of a project.

Responsibilities

• Reports to Job Captain level or above
• Drafting required for all project work including floor plans, elevation, sections, details, and renderings
• Provides assistance to project teams and other staff members as required and may direct Designer I on some tasks
• Prepares project documentation design / permit / construction documents and project presentations and develops details for review by Job Captain or PM
• Focus on learning permitting process and basic codes
• May attend client presentations / meetings
• Has basic understanding of construction materials, sets up schedules for finishes / doors, etc.
• Works on 1-2 primary, single-family residential projects and occasionally assists with additional projects as necessary
• Knows office policies, drafting standards, project communications, and assists with training on standards and software

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture
• 2-4 years minimum of professional, high-end residential experience
• Non-licensed and working towards licensure
• Excellent ability to design, draw, model and communicate visually
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive, organized, and collaborative with exceptional problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated skill in 3D modeling/BIM software and 2D drafting (ArchiCAD preferred, but not required)
• Adobe Creative Suite experience is preferred
• Ability to work independently and ability to delegate and supervise tasks given to junior designer
• Technical knowledge of Type V construction preferred
• Knowledge of San Francisco codes is a plus
• Work Authorization: At this time, Butler Armsden Architects is not sponsoring employment visas or providing immigration‑related work authorization support for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
• Possesses a professional growth mindset
• Leads by example, embracing the firm’s mission, vision, purpose
• Embraces a strong work ethic that embodies a “can do” attitude, understanding that this leadership position and its responsibilities require work above and beyond that of a Designer level position to ensure project and firm success
• Is invested, inspired, and passionate about all aspects of projects and the firm
• Expresses pride in our firm’s work while taking full ownership and accountability for positional responsibilities
• Exhibits integrity and professionalism in daily project leadership both internally and externally
• Provides mentoring, coaching, and training to team members
• Provides consistent, professional, and courteous feedback to Firm Leadership