Project Architect / Technical Manager

Who We Are

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to design for good drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Why Join HMC

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year—receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

Job Summary

The Project Architect / Technical Manager is responsible for leading the technical development, coordination, and documentation of medium- to large-scale architectural projects. This role oversees design development through construction documents, resolves complex technical and code issues, and manages project teams and consultants to ensure quality, compliance, and efficiency. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration across internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.

This position will be working out of our San Diego, California office. This position is eligible for hybrid (office/remote) working arrangement and flexible working hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development and coordination of projects from design development through construction documentation
• Resolve technical, code, and agency approval issues across all project phases
• Supervise and manage project teams (up to four staff members), including performance feedback and evaluations
• Coordinate and collaborate with consultants, clients, contractors, and internal project teams
• Review project documents for quality, accuracy, coordination, and code compliance
• Support project planning including schedules, budgets, staffing, and fee coordination
• Assist with work plans, hours estimation, and budget adherence for assigned tasks
• Manage government agency coordination, plan check comments, and approvals
• Lead or participate in Owner/Architect/Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to team members
• Participate in proposals, interviews, and occasional marketing efforts
• Ensure projects align with contractual obligations, client expectations, and firm standards

Requirements

• Professional degree in Architecture (or related field such as Interior Design, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Revit drafting)
• Active California Architectural License (required for Project Architect designation)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience with demonstrated technical proficiency across all architectural phases
• Strong experience in construction documentation, coordination, and quality control
• Proven ability to lead teams, delegate tasks, and provide performance feedback
• Knowledge of building codes, agency requirements, and plan check processes
• Ability to manage budgets, understand contractual liabilities, and support fee and scope development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making abilities
• Willingness to travel on an as-needed basis
• Commitment to following firm procedures, standards, and client protocols

This position is non-exempt. The salary range for this position is $85,065 - $127,281 annually.

The actual offered salary for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.