Residential Architect & Permitting Lead

Why this role exists

Revive operates on high-dollar residential renovation and development projects — many in the $500K–$1M+ range. The gap between a project being approved and executable versus stalled and costly almost always lives in pre-construction: unclear drawings, missed code requirements, permitting delays, or plans that aren't buildable.

This role owns that gap. You will design, draw, and produce construction-ready plans — and personally manage the permitting and city approval process from submission through final sign-off. This is not a coordination role. You are the architect.

What you will do

• Produce architectural drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD (and/or Revit) for residential renovation, remodel, and ADU projects
• Ensure all plans are fully compliant with California Building Code, Title 24, local zoning ordinances, and applicable city standards
• Design and permit ADU projects — attached, detached, JADU — in compliance with current CA ADU law and local city overlays
• Manage the full permitting workflow: application prep, plan check submission, correction responses, resubmittals, and final approval
• Serve as the direct point of contact with city planning and building departments — know the process, know the people, know how to move things
• Coordinate with structural engineers, MEP consultants, and contractors to ensure design intent translates to field execution
• Review existing plans or as-builts on incoming projects and identify code conflicts, constructability gaps, or permitting risks before they become field problems
• Support project scoping and feasibility assessments — flag zoning issues, setback conflicts, or structural concerns early
• Maintain plan quality standards and documentation consistency across the project portfolio

Who you are

• You draw. AutoCAD is your daily tool, not something you delegate.
• You know California residential building code — not just the concept of it, but the specifics: CBC, CRC, Title 24, accessibility requirements, fire codes where applicable
• You've submitted permits in multiple CA cities and you know that every city has its own process, preferences, and quirks — and you navigate that without friction
• You understand ADU regulations at the state level and how local cities layer requirements on top
• You read plans critically — you can look at a set and immediately identify what's missing, what won't pass plan check, and what won't build cleanly in the field
• You operate with urgency. Delays cost money. You don't wait to be chased.
• You communicate clearly with GCs, engineers, owner reps, and clients — you translate technical issues into plain language

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in residential architecture, design, and permitting in California
• Proficient in AutoCAD (required); Revit or other design tools a plus
• Strong working knowledge of California Building Code, zoning regulations, and local city compliance requirements
• Demonstrated experience designing and permitting ADU projects
• Direct experience submitting and managing plan check processes with CA cities and building departments
• Ability to read and produce full architectural plan sets including site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details
• Experience coordinating with structural engineers, MEP consultants, and general contractors
• Licensed Architect (AIA/CA) preferred — but candidates with equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
• Southern California experience strongly preferred; familiarity with cities in Orange County, LA County, or the Bay Area a plus