Who we are:
We are a specialized California Design-Build firm focused exclusively on commercial ADA and accessibility remediation. We solve complex, high-precision retrofit projects where exact tolerances and field execution matter.
Who we’re looking for:
We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on Design Manager to serve as the design team lead under our Design Director. This is a role for a capable AEC professional who knows how projects actually get built, understands code constraints, and wants to run project operations without corporate bureaucracy. You will take ownership of our day-to-day project throughput, permit workflows, and quality control, with room to expand your leadership as the firm grows.
What You’ll Do:
Drive Production & QA/QC: Act as the central gatekeeper for all drawing packages (Permit, Shop, Owner, and Pricing sets), back-checking drafting quality, dimension rigor, and field logic before plans leave the office.
Keep the Pipeline Moving: Proactively manage multiple project schedules, tasks, and team workload, moving projects cleanly through Design, Permit, and Construction phases.
Construction Support: Serve as a resource to the construction team for questions during construction and incremental QA/QC checks.
Lead Teams & Troubleshoot: Direct and mentor remote junior staff, stepping in where needed to resolve especially challenging accessible design solutions
Client & Stakeholder Interface: Meet with property and business owners to present remediation design, translating complex solutions into plain language.
Manage Permits & Plan Check: As our permit coordinator assumes other duties, take ownership of municipal permit submittals—tracking city review timelines, steering packages through the process, and writing clear plan-check responses.
Tactical CAD Support: Jump into AutoCAD/Civil3D when needed to help push critical sets over the finish line.
Skills you need to be successful:
AEC Background: 6+ years of hands-on experience in CAD drafting, project coordination, trade management, or drawing production oversight. Demonstrated spatial logic, code fluency, permitting and constructability
Accessibility Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of CBC Chapter 11B, ADAAG standards, and CASp report translation.
PM Platform Experience: Experience managing project schedules, dependencies, and task tracking inside a project management system (Wrike or similar).
Remote & Interpersonal Leadership: Excellent communication skills to direct remote drafting teams clearly and guide clients with confidence.
Self-Directed Research Habits: Natural curiosity and problem-solving drive to dig into municipal standards and zoning, past projects, and code guidelines when faced with unique site conditions.
(Architect or civil engineer license is desirable, but not required. CASp certification or interest in obtaining it also carries weight among candidates.)
Why Join Us?
Escape the Corporate Firm Treadmill: Enjoy respect for 40-hour workweeks and work-life balance.
A Clear Operational Seat: Step into a vital role with direct mentorship from the Design Director and real ownership over design operations.
Recession-Proof Stability: Legally mandated compliance work ensures steady project volume regardless of broader market conditions.
Merit-Based Advancement: Opportunity to grow your compensation and operational authority as you streamline our production pipeline and assume full duties.
Position Type: Full-Time (Flexible entry available) with flexible work hours.
Compensation: $50 to $80 per hour depending upon skill sets. Exempt salaried after 90 day probationary period. Earned 21 days of combined sick/PTO paid days annually.
Please forward your resume and cover letter explaining why you feel this position fits you and your desired minimum pay requirements. Position is available to start immediately.
