Project Architect

Position: Full-time

Location: Oakland, CA (on-site)

Expected Start Date: ASAP 2026

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

About oWOW

At oWOW, we’re on a mission to Accelerate Housing Abundance to Unlock Human Potential.

We design and build housing up to 65% below market cost and deliver it in months instead of years by automating design, industrializing construction, and deploying prefabricated, componentized building systems at unmatched speed.

oWOW is growing quickly to expand project delivery across the state of California and nationwide. Our goal is to start construction on 2,000 affordable housing units by the end of 2026.

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

  • Project equity/promote

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

  • 401K (no employer match)

  • Commuter Check program

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Medical and Childcare

  • Free lunch at the office 4 days a week

  • Dog-friendly office (bring your dog to work!)

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

Application Process

Please submit your resume, brief cover letter, and work samples (<10 MB) showcasing your relevant project experience to careers@owow.com. We are an equal opportunity employer and value a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Note: for candidates needing work visas, we can only consider candidates eligible for non-lottery visas (e.g. TN, E-3, O-1) or existing H-1B visas eligible for transfer.