Sr. Director, Architecture

The Sr. Director of Architecture is responsible for managing the execution of design across all phases of development projects, with a primary focus on production, permitting, budgeting, bidding, and construction processes. This role ensures that design intent is maintained through detailed documentation, regulatory approvals, and construction, delivering high-quality, buildable, and bespoke solutions for complex developments.

Design Production & Documentation

• Oversee the preparation and coordination of comprehensive construction documents, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to project goals and company standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to resolve technical challenges and optimize design solutions for constructability and cost-effectiveness.
• Permitting & Regulatory Approvals
  • Lead the permitting process, coordinating with architects, engineers, and local authorities to secure all necessary approvals.
  • Monitor all design documents comply with applicable codes, regulations, and zoning requirements, and address agency comments efficiently.
  • Preconstruction & Bidding
    • Work closely with preconstruction and estimating teams to review design documents for completeness and value management opportunities.
    • Support the bidding process by responding to contractor RFIs, clarifying design intent, and participating in contractor selection and scope reviews.
    • Construction & Build Process
      • Act as the primary design liaison throughout construction, proactively conducting site visits, reviewing submittals, and addressing field conditions to ensure the highest standards of design quality are maintained. Champion clear and timely communication among design, development, and construction teams to swiftly resolve issues and keep project budgets and schedules on track.
      • Quality Assurance
        • Implement rigorous quality control measures throughout all project stages, from documentation through construction, to ensure deliverables meet Caruso's standards for excellence.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related field.

10+ years of experience in architectural project management or design leadership, with a focus on complex, mixed-use developments.

Demonstrated success in executing projects through production, permitting, preconstruction, bidding and construction phases.

Strong knowledge of California building codes, permitting processes and construction practices.

Excellent organization, communication and problem-solving skills.

Project management and execution

Technical documentation and constructability review

Permitting and regulatory coordination

Cross-functional collaboration with construction and development teams

Quality control and issue resolution

Technical proficiency in Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Procore required.

Proficiency in Revit and SketchUp preferred.

Experience with scheduling software such as MS Project or Primavera