Project Architect - Retail

Gensler is one of the world’s leading architecture, design and planning firms. We have a highly creative, collaborative team around the world dedicated to innovative problem-solving and design excellence. Our Bay Area Lifestyle Studio operates as a boutique practice within the firm, focusing on iconic hospitality and retail projects for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. As our diverse client base and project work continue to grow, we are seeking a Project Architect with 10+ years of experience to join our team.  
 

 Your Role  

As a Project Architect in Gensler Oakland’s Lifestyle Studio, you will lead the design development and technical delivery of innovative retail environments for clients across the technology, financial services, and apparel sectors. This role calls for a highly organized and design-sensitive architect who can translate strong conceptual ideas into buildable solutions while guiding project teams through all phases of the design and construction process. 

You will play a key role in shaping high-quality, brand-driven environments - from flagship stores and experiential retail spaces to retail program buildouts. The ideal candidate combines strong architectural judgment, technical expertise, and team leadership to ensure projects are delivered with design integrity, precision, and efficiency. 

You bring experience in the design and execution of tenant improvement projects and have developed strong communication and team-building skills that prepare you to support project leadership. In this role, you will continue to build on your strengths in design and technical coordination while also expanding your involvement in client engagement - leveraging your technical acumen and industry experience to guide projects from concept through construction and help shape the continued growth of our retail practice. 

What You Will Do   

• Collaborate with design directors and project managers to advance design intent through technical development and delivery, contributing to design reviews and client presentations

• Help evolve retail design strategies that respond to emerging client needs, new technologies, and changing customer experiences

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of clients’ program requirements, brand standards, and operational needs to guide project teams

• Lead day-to-day project coordination across clients, internal teams, consultants, and vendors, working closely with the Project Manager and Technical Director to support successful project delivery

• Coordinate and guide teams of various sizes through documentation and delivery phases, anticipating and resolving complex technical and design challenges

• Produce and oversee coordinated drawing sets, specifications, and project manuals while maintaining quality control across all documentation

• Manage and contribute to construction administration activities including site observations, submittal reviews, RFIs, and contractor coordination

• Interface with permitting and building officials and lead construction meetings with clients and contractors

• Mentor and guide junior staff, fostering clear communication, professional growth, and high-quality work

• Identify and elevate complex code, constructability, and coordination issues, working closely with the Technical Director and project leadership to resolve them

• Work closely with management and studio leadership to advance project outcomes and strengthen your technical and professional development 

Your Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in architecture 

• Must be a licensed architect in the State of California

• 10+ years of related experience, with a range of retail project types (both interior and exterior projects). Hospitality experience is a plus.

• Proficient in Revit

• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), and MS Office

• Strong design sensibility with demonstrated ability to execute design intent with precision and attention to detail

• Working knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and building systems

• Strong understanding of interior construction methods and the ability to produce technical documents that succinctly describe the work to be done

• Experience coordinating complex retail environments including storefront systems, custom millwork, and integrated brand elements

• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills

• Inspired by mentoring junior staff

• Commitment to incorporating a sustainability mindset in all design decisions

• Team player who actively contributes to a collaborative and fun office culture

• LEED accreditation and experience preferred  

**The base salary is estimated between $118,000 - $135,000 plus bonuses and benefits, and contingent on relevant experience.  

For consideration, please submit your resume and work samples in PDF format. 

Life at Gensler 

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. 

Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets. 

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future 

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