Emerging Architectural Designer

Emerging Architectural Designer

Location: Berkeley, CA — in person

Type: Paid, part-time or full-time; schedule negotiable

Salary: $60-72k

About Us

Yes Community Architects is a full-service architecture practice creating housing and community-centered projects from early visioning through construction. Our work is shaped by policy, people, and place—and by the relationships that bring projects to life. Our work includes affordable and workforce housing, student housing, infill development, modular construction, and transit-oriented communities.

The Role

We are looking for a curious and creative Architectural Intern / Emerging Designer to join our small, collaborative studio. You’ll work closely with our team across project phases, from early design and feasibility through visualization, entitlement, and construction documentation. This is a great opportunity for a current or recent M.Arch graduate interested in housing, community-centered design, emerging technology, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Support design, Revit modeling, drawing production, and construction documents.
• Research zoning, building codes, housing policy, and site-specific conditions.
• Help develop AI-enabled tools and workflows using ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Sora, vibe-coding, and other emerging technologies.
• Explore new approaches to rendering, 3D modeling, diagrams, and digital presentation.
• Participate in community engagement, presentations, and design research.
• Contribute to our work in sustainability, Universal Design, trauma-informed design, mass timber, modular construction, and housing innovation.

Qualifications

• M.Arch completed or in progress.
• Intermediate Revit and Adobe Creative Suite skills.
• Strong graphic communication and design skills.
• Interest in housing, social-impact design, sustainability, and community engagement.
• Curiosity about AI and emerging design technologies.
• Interest in licensure, mentorship, and professional growth.

What We Offer

• Meaningful design responsibility on socially impactful projects.
• Close mentorship in housing, design, policy, and construction.
• Opportunities to experiment with AI, visualization, and new design tools.
• A healthy, collaborative studio culture with site visits, community events, potlucks, coffee, snacks, and occasional puppies.
• A sunny loft office overlooking Strawberry Creek Park in Berkeley.

YCA is a small, creative, BIPOC-majority architecture practice rooted in housing justice, social impact, and design activism. We strongly encourage applicants from communities historically underrepresented in architecture and design. Multi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please email [email protected] with:

1. Brief letter of interest

2. Resume

3. Portfolio samples