Architect II
Brief DescriptionKitchell is seeking a dedicated Architect II to join our Engineering and Architectural Services team in San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented building companies in the United States.As a Licensed Architect at Kitchell, you will serve as a senior technical advisor and trusted partner to clients, focusing on the evaluation, planning, and optimization of existing facilities rather than traditional construction document production. This role is ideal for a licensed professional who brings deep technical knowledge, sound judgment, and a strategic mindset to guide clients through complex facility decisions.You will lead and contribute to Facility Condition Assessments (FCA), feasibility studies, capital planning, and master planning efforts—translating building data into actionable insights. Working closely with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide technical leadership, ensure code-informed decision-making, and help shape long-term investment strategies for public and institutional assets.What You Will DoLead and perform Facility Condition Assessments, including evaluation of building envelope, MEP/FP systems, and ADA compliance Interpret existing conditions and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations and capital improvement strategies Provide technical and code expertise to support feasibility studies, adaptive reuse evaluations, and long-range planning efforts Prepare and oversee technical reports, assessment summaries, and client-facing deliverables Support master planning initiatives, including facility prioritization, lifecycle analysis, and phasing strategies Collaborate with project managers, clients, consultants, and agencies to align technical findings with project goals Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations Conduct field investigations and site visits to validate existing conditions Perform design and constructability reviews of third-party documents (as applicable) Mentor junior staff and provide guidance on building systems, codes, and assessment methodologies Contribute to continuous improvement of FCA tools, standards, and reporting processesRequirementsYour QualificationsLicensed Architect preferredBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program 5+ years of relevant experience, with a focus on existing buildings, assessments, or advisory services Strong knowledge of building codes (CBC preferred), accessibility requirements, and building systemsCalifornia Access Specialist (CASp) certification is a plusExperience with Facility Condition Assessments, feasibility studies, or capital planning is highly desirable Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD for review and limited production support (not full CD development) Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong report-writing skills required Experience with data-driven tools, asset inventories, or capital planning platforms is a plus LEED accreditation or sustainability knowledge is a plus Knowledge And SkillsAbility to synthesize complex building data into clear, strategic recommendations Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in technical reporting and client presentations Sound professional judgment and problem-solving ability in existing building conditions Ability to lead technical efforts while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities Commitment to integrity, quality, and client service License and CertificationValid California driver’s license is requiredWork EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly work in an office and or construction environment. Conditions regularly include exposure to outdoor elements, hot/cold temperatures, wet atmospheric conditions, and cramped quarters with occasionally loud noise level in the work.Physical RequirementsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly sit, stand, walk, talk or hear and use hands to finger, feel and handle; frequently reach with hands and arms; occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must frequently lift and or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds.Travel RequirementsTravel may be required depending on project assignments Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record requiredSummaryFounded in 1950, Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and over the years developed new talents and enterprises, acquiring complementary businesses and expertise to remain competitive. Today, Kitchell Corporation serves as the holding entity for several companies that are integral to Kitchell's core business, as well as those that operate independently. We provide a wide range of services within the built environment, including general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and myriad other services. Our employees manage projects from our main offices located in Arizona, California, and Texas. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that fosters personal and professional growth through in-house education programs, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. At Kitchell, we prioritize internal growth and building careers from within. We consistently rank among the top places to work, thanks to our tenured staff and outstanding benefits that are designed to enrich our employees’ physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include profit sharing, discretionary stock options, incentive bonuses, health, and life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA) with wellness incentives, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 401(k) plans, tuition reimbursement, weight loss, and tobacco cessation programs, discounted auto insurance, identity theft protection, rewards programs, and much more.Kitchell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. The annual base salary range for this role is currently $100,000 - $114,000. The Company’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including job-related skills, relevant education and experience, abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. The annual base salary range listed here is subject to change at any time, at the Company’s discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship.