Our Work We are an architecture and real estate development social enterprise creating spaces that embody justice, healing, and self-determination. By designing with communities most impacted by incarceration and disinvestment, we build infrastructure that supports community ownership, redistributes power, and lays the foundation for a world rooted in care, not punishment. To achieve this mission our team is composed of architects, designers, real estate developers and community members working together to create solutionary spaces and places that bring dignity, well-being and care to the communities we serve.

How You Fit In Title: Intermediate Architectural Associate Location : Oakland, CA — Hybrid (3 days/week in office) Salary Range : $85,000–$110,000 Reports To: Studio Director You love our mission, bring excellent design skills across a variety of project scales, and are excited to apply those skills to community engagement, finance, and real estate development projects throughout California and across the country. You'll play a key role in advancing DJDS's design projects by contributing both technical rigor and creative vision. Your work will ensure that community input is honored in every phase and that design intent is carried through to completion.

Who You Are

S. Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture 5–7 years of professional experience across all phases of architectural design Skilled in producing full drawing sets, construction detailing, and coordinating with consultants and engineers Strong knowledge of construction materials, standards, and details Experience with pre-design, building programming, code research, and navigating entitlement and permitting processes Proficient in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps Strong model-making skills (physical and digital) Excellent verbal and written communication, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative interpersonal style; comfortable representing DJDS in public forums and community settings High emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and a solutions-oriented mindset when navigating challenges Ability to take both initiative and direction; accountable and open to feedback Deep commitment to justice and equity, with an understanding of systemic racism and its impacts; embrace community-led, cross-disciplinary design processes Professional, adaptable, teachable, and aligned with DJDS's mission and values Experience That’s Helpful but Not Required Familiarity with the programming phase of architectural design Fabrication or 3D printing experience Trauma-informed design knowledge Public speaking and facilitation skills Community engagement experience Spanish fluency Graphic design, sketching, or illustration skills What You’ll Lead Prepare design diagrams, design studies, and conceptual design presentation materials; present design materials to clients when appropriate. Advance design concepts through technical phases, ensuring documentation reflects intent and execution.

Contribute technical drawings and design support across projects including new construction, adaptive reuse, renovation, housing, commercial, education, and mixed-use developments. Support all phases of drawing production with experience in detailing, integration, and contract documents. Conduct building code and zoning research, including working knowledge of California codes, zoning, and permitting processes.

Assist with construction administration tasks, including RFIs, consultant/contractor coordination, and close-out documentation. Support community engagement efforts and translate engagement findings into building programs, design ideas, and narratives. Provide mentorship and support to interns or junior staff as needed.