Designer

About the Role

David Baker Architects is a collaborative practice of designers and architects guided by expertise, curiosity, persistence, pragmatism, and joy. The firm is widely recognized for its work in affordable housing and sustainable design that helps shape communities and reflect their identity. As a B-Corp and JUST-certified organization, it places strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, equity, and social justice in both its work and workplace culture. The company is based in San Francisco and also maintains an office and fabrication shop in Oakland, California, plus an office in Birmingham, Alabama.

This opening is for a Designer who will contribute to early-stage site planning, architectural concept design, entitlement work, and schematic design. The role includes producing polished renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation materials, massing studies, and Revit models, while participating actively in design discussions and charrettes. The position also calls for interest in the changing field of architectural graphics, including thoughtful use of AI-based tools. Some support for marketing work, such as awards graphics and presentation drawings, will also be part of the job.

The Designer will work closely with project teams and principals in a highly collaborative environment. It is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to contribute to meaningful projects alongside a mission-driven studio.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning, programming, design, and documentation through 3D modeling in Revit and Lumion.
• Create presentation visuals and renderings for both internal and external communication needs.
• Explore and advance the use of AI in design workflows with curiosity and initiative.
• Work in coordination with project teams and outside consultants.
• Help prepare for client meetings and community engagement efforts that are inclusive and accessible.
• Participate in design charrettes by sketching and collaborating with principals.
• Support design development and concept discussions while showing initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Carry out repeated design studies based on feedback and personal design strengths.
• Engage with firm initiatives related to sustainability, equity, research, business development, and culture.
• Assist with marketing-related graphics, including awards materials, presentation plans, and diagrams.

Requirements

• Strong architectural design judgment and excellent visual communication ability.
• Solid critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Revit.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Comfort with AI image-generation and rendering tools, with the ability to discuss experiments or workflows using tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT Image 2.0, or similar.
• Lumion experience is an advantage.
• Strong hand-sketching ability for communication, shown through a portfolio or work samples.
• Excellent communication skills across verbal, written, and visual formats.
• Dependability, resourcefulness, and careful attention to detail.
• Team-oriented mindset and enthusiasm for learning and asking questions.
• Interest in, or direct experience with, affordable housing, community advocacy, or social justice work.
• Strong professional or academic references.
• Applicants must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• At the time of hiring, the firm is unable to provide new or transferred employment sponsorship.

Application Materials

Submit a single PDF file no larger than 5 MB that combines a cover letter, resume, and design portfolio. The cover letter should explain why you want to work at DBA.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is USD 70,000 to USD 95,000, with final pay depending on experience.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, on-site role. Candidates must live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the team currently works from the office four days per week, though this may change in the future.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays each year.
• Medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans.
• Access to Modern Health, including 12 therapy sessions and 12 virtual coaching sessions.
• Bike-share and car-share memberships.
• Commuter support.
• Weekly culture lunches, healthy snacks, and monthly massage sessions.
• An annual staff retreat.

Paid Leave

• 15 days of PTO annually, with additional time added after 5 and 10 years.
• Up to 22 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birthing parents, in coordination with state benefits.
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid bonding leave for non-birthing parents, in coordination with state benefits.
• School visitation leave.
• Bereavement leave.

Retirement and Savings

• 401(k) plan.
• Employer non-elective contribution plan.
• Profit-sharing plan.

Professional Development

• Annual learning and development stipend of $1,000.
• Reimbursement for licensure and certifications.
• Opportunity to attend design conferences and firm retreats each year.

Additional Information

The firm emphasizes a highly collaborative culture and values employees who are engaged, inquisitive, and motivated by impact. It works across offices as one unified team. The position is intended for candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are encouraged to apply if interested.

Important Notes

There are no application deadline details provided. No vacancy count was specified. The role is not an internship.