Job Captain (Studio KDA)

About Studio KDA

Studio KDA is an award-winning, 28-person architecture and interior design firm specializing in multi-family housing, retail and restaurant design. We are known for engaging, thoughtful design, a high level of service to our clients and an enjoyable and supportive work environment.

Your Role

The Job Captain is the technical backbone of the project, responsible for the completeness, accuracy, and coordination of the full construction document set. They direct the production team and ensure that design intent is translated into buildable, code-compliant drawings.

They also have the opportunity to shadow the PM on client and consultant meetings, test out their project management skills, and further develop their construction knowledge base.

What You'll Do

Production and Documentation

• Lead the production and coordination of construction documents
• Develop and maintain technical details and specifications
• Manage sheet organization, drawing standards, and CAD/Revit model integrity
• Support internal QA/QC reviews before deliverables go out
• Prepare sets for permit submittal, bid packages, and construction issuance

Project Coordination

• Direct and review the work of Project Coordinators and other production staff
• Coordinate drawings across all consultant disciplines (structural, MEP, civil)
• Perform code compliance reviews throughout document development
• Manage day-to-day RFI and submittal review during construction administration
• Identify and resolve drawing conflicts and coordination issues

Learning & Development

• Act independently on tasks for projects of moderate complexity
• Shadow client meetings
• Build toward licensure

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited program preferred

Experience

• 4 - 6 years of professional experience

Technical Skills

• Revit (BIM)
• AutoCAD
• SketchUp
• Enscape
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Soft Skills / Knowledge Base

• Understanding of building codes and permitting processes
• Strong graphic communication and drawing skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to take direction and iterate based on feedback
• Team collaboration skills
• Working knowledge of construction methods and materials
• Understanding of the design/CD/CA project phases

Nice to Have

• Actively pursuing licensure — enrolled in NCARB's AXP
• LEED Green Associate or working toward LEED AP
• Familiarity with the firm's specialty project types (commercial, residential, multifamily)
• Portfolio demonstrating both design thinking and technical documentation ability

Growth & Benefits

Studio KDA is committed to professional development through mentoring and continuing education. Our staff have ample opportunity to grow and advance through demonstrated effort and success. We provide competitive salaries and a full benefits package including vacation, medical coverage, dental plan, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and disability insurance. This position requires work in our Berkeley office 2–3 days a week.

Our office is a casual, dynamic and collaborative environment. We designed and built the building we occupy, creating a space filled with natural light, generous workstations and outdoor terraces. In addition to an excellent studio environment, we ensure that employees have the tools they need (training, hardware, software, technical support, mentoring and continuing education) to enable inspired and efficient work.

As a collaborative and community-focused firm we provide the framework for social gathering through periodic Friday celebrations, an annual River Trip, as well as field trips and seminars.
To learn more about our projects, design philosophy and work environment please see our website at studiokda.com. Email letters, resumes and work samples to jobs@studiokda.com.