Why this role existsRevive 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
What we offer- Competitive salary & benefits in a high-growth, VC-backed company
- Real ownership, clear accountability, and the authority to make decisions that matter
- Direct working relationships with Revive's founders and senior leaders on initiatives that shape how the company grows
- The opportunity to design and build in a company where craft, clarity, and outcomes are valued
- A fast-moving environment where strong work leads to more responsibility and more opportunity
- Flexibility in how and where you work, paired with high expectations for impact
- A culture that values contribution, judgment, and follow-through over titles or tenure
The pay range for this role is:
80,000 - 120,000 USD per year (Irvine, CA)
