Planner (Motive Studio)

We support students, teachers, and administrators through a collaborative process of architecture, land planning, and design. We turn ideas into clear paths forward, aligning people, timelines, and budgets. The results are a school that runs the way it should and a space that reflects the community it serves.

Collaborative and honest. Creative and tireless. Human like you.

We see it too often: talented professionals not being rewarded for their growth. We do things differently. We reward skill, initiative, and contribution—not tenure or titles. When you're ready to move up, we're ready to listen.

Here’s what you can expect at Motive:

• Transparent salaries aligned with the AIA Compensation Report
• New hire bonus + biannual profit sharing
• Phone stipend and a new iPhone every two years
• 90% healthcare coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO, paid holiday closure, and hybrid flexibility

Related AIA Position Description:

Performs school design, site planning, and other planning studies and programs. Provides technical assistance on topics related to planning, zoning, environmental concerns, attends planning commission meetings, and regularly meets with government agencies. Understands conventional aspects of architecture. With direction performs a variety of assignments requiring skills in all conventional aspects of site planning for projects of moderate size and complexity. With direction performs analyses of design, planning and occupancy studies, and limited design layouts. Works in the Strategic and Land Planning Studio.

Compensation Alignment:

Baseline compensation for this position will be aligned to the salaries listed for the Planner position defined by the AIA Compensation Report for the California Region. Baseline salary ranges will be $76,000 to $113,000. Final compensation for each employee will be determined based on skillset alignment with the position as described below as determined by the Studio Directors and Principal Architects. This is a non-exempt position as defined by the state of California. This is a non-exempt position as defined by the state of California.

Supervision Hierarchy: Project Managers or Project Architects – Studio Director – Principal Architect

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage planning, design, and creation of facility master plans, educational specifications, and design build criteria documents. This work would include creating comprehensive plans for new school campuses, campus modernizations, new construction projects, and land use / site development work.
• Coordinate with design teams and district leaders to develop project priorities and their alignment to the overall projects scope, schedule and budget.
• Attend meetings, presentations, town halls, etc. to gain an understanding of community concerns and stakeholder goals.
• Works closely with architects, engineers, clients, and community groups to integrate their diverse needs and perspectives into designs.
• Facilitates communication among the staff regarding project status, objectives, and performance.
• Assist the production team in creating, assembling and issuing client deliverables utilizing Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite & Outlook, and Sketch-Up.
• Ensure proposed solutions conform to relevant planning policies, ordinances, and guidelines. Familiarity with Title 5 and 22 of the California Code of Regulations is preferred.
• Compiles technical reports, analyses, and presentations to summarize findings and outline recommendations for policymakers, clients, and the public.
• Works to train and develop junior staff.
• General knowledge of Architectural design and construction.

Position Qualifications:

• Five to Ten Years of Professional Experience.
• Good oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on reading and writing for creating documentation and reports as well as presenting to community groups, school boards, and design committees.
• Extensive knowledge of the California Building Code, DSA, CDE, and Construction Processes for site development, planning, and zoning. Also, familiarity with Title 5 and 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
• Degree from a NAAB-Accredited Architecture Programs is preferred but not required.
• Ability to and manage multiple tasks and several projects at a time.
• Proficient with Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite & Outlook, and Sketch-Up.
• Organized with a strong attention to detail and follow through.
• Interpersonal skills to work within a team, taking directions from Studio Director and Principal Architect.