Project Architect

We are seeking a licensed Project Architect to join our Architecture team in Carlsbad, California, working within a fully integrated design-build setting that primarily supports military construction projects. This role involves overseeing multiple projects simultaneously while coordinating across several disciplines, including fire protection and life safety, civil engineering, structural systems, landscape architecture, interiors, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and telecommunications/security systems.

The Project Architect will collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and clients, serving as a key point of contact throughout the project lifecycle. This individual will provide technical leadership in areas such as design development, construction documentation, building codes, and overall project coordination, ideally with prior experience supporting Department of Defense projects.

Since 1996, RQC, LLC has played a key role in Southern California's commercial and government design-build market. Over time, the company has expanded its reach across the United States and internationally, managing projects from coast to coast. At RQ, we're not just building structures; we're building careers and creating meaningful, high-impact projects. We are headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, with regional offices and project locations nationwide. RQ is a privately held, full-service design-build firm, specializing in fast-track commercial construction for the Department of Defense, and offering comprehensive solutions that integrate design, engineering, and construction under one roof.

Key Responsibilities

• Support leadership of a multi-disciplinary design team
• Perform schematic layouts and preliminary design
• Construction documentation/detailing on architectural projects
• Participate in client meetings, internal coordination sessions, and agency design reviews
• Manage team workload across project phases to ensure timely delivery
• Review architectural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
• Write and edit architectural specifications utilizing SpecsIntact software
• Assist with RFIs, addenda, and change order documentation
• Contribute to project scheduling and milestone tracking
• Perform QA/QC and technical reviews
• Perform Independent Technical Reviews (ITR) on projects within the department
• Help manage projects from concept through construction
• Be the point person for coordination of multi-million-dollar projects
• Assist in construction administration

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect (required)
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards certification preferred
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
• 15+ years of experience in construction documentation for projects ranging from $30M-$150M
• Strong working knowledge of building systems, including civil, structural, MEP, and low-voltage systems
• Advanced understanding of construction detailing and technical design execution
• Experience with Department of Defense projects preferred
• Proficiency in using Revit and other design tools
• Demonstrated expertise from schematic design through construction documentation
• Familiarity with building codes, construction practices, and methodologies
• Knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities
• Willingness to travel approximately 20-30%

Software Skills: Autodesk Revit, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Bluebeam Revu, SpecsIntact, and Microsoft Office

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000 annually (based on experience, education, and qualifications)

• Hybrid schedule (in-office Monday-Wednesday; optional remote Thursday-Friday)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with competitive employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days
• Professional development support, including continuing education and licensure renewal reimbursement

Join RQ, apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices) marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer, and genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis or status protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation.

All candidates considered for hire must provide evidence of identity and U.S. work authorization at the time of hire. Additionally, all candidates must successfully pass a drug screening and commercial criminal background check, including a stricter Department of Defense background check, for access to job site at military base (if applicable for position being hired for).