Project Architect (oWow)

Position: Full-time
Location: Oakland, CA (on-site)

About oWOW
At oWOW, we’re on a mission to create sustainable urban living.
As a vertically integrated real estate company, we unite real estate development, architectural design, R&D in building components and software development under one roof. Our team has worked on groundbreaking projects, including the tallest mass timber building on the West Coast, 1510 Webster, and we’re on track to develop 2000+ affordable housing units across the state of California.

oWOW is working on a new project delivery method called oWOW Platform which will allow us to scale and deliver affordable housing projects in less time and lower costs. The Platform consists of:

• oWOW Design: Owns integrated Production Team, system standards and specifications
  Production Team: Produces the fully coordinated BIM model and drawing sets
• AOR: Design projects within the oWOW system, leads planning and permitting approval, construction administration.
• EOR: Provides engineering criteria, code compliance, permitting, construction administration.
  Quantum: Provides product systems, components, and fabrication logic

The Role
We are looking for a talented and experienced Project Architect to join our team, specializing in the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, and affordable multifamily housing projects throughout California. The Project Architect is accountable for design quality, technical coordination, schedule adherence, internal budget/P&L, and success of oWOW Platform.

What You’ll Do

• Project Leadership: Manage all phases of architectural projects from inception to completion, including design development, construction documentation, and construction administration (CA).
• Technical Oversight: Lead the technical design, ensuring a high level of quality, accuracy, and adherence to building codes (e.g., California Building Code), zoning regulations, and accessibility standards (e.g., ADA, Fair Housing Act).
• Schedule & Budget Oversight: Maintain project schedules and budget within ±5% of baseline milestones across all assigned projects.
• Client & Consultant Management: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, engineers, and other consultants. Coordinate efforts to ensure a cohesive and well-integrated design.
• Team Mentorship: Supervise and mentor junior architectural staff, providing guidance and constructive feedback on technical and design issues.
• Documentation: Oversee the production of comprehensive and well-coordinated construction documents, including drawings and specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience: A minimum of 4-10 years of professional experience in an architectural firm, with a strong portfolio of multifamily housing projects. Experience with affordable housing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects is a plus.
• Licensure: Licensed Architect is a plus.

Skills:

• Expert proficiency in BIM software, particularly Autodesk Revit.
• A deep understanding of wood-frame construction and other relevant building typologies. Familiarity with mass timber and prefab -construction is a plus.
• Experience navigating and securing entitlements and approvals with California municipalities and agencies is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable design practices and familiarity with green building certifications like LEED or GreenPoint Rated.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Minimum Software Knowledge

• Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, Bluebeam, project management platforms like Procore

Core Values

• oWOW: Produce outstanding results that surprise and amaze people
• Ownership: Understand what you are accountable for & take responsibility for your results.
• Curiosity: Challenge conventional thinking & explore creative solutions.
• Teamwork: The combination of trust, communication & collaboration\

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Free lunch at the office 4 days a week
• 401K (no employer match)
• Project equity
• Dog-friendly office

Expected salary range: $90,000-140,000