Senior Director, Architectural Design

JOB SUMMARY
As the Senior Director of Architectural Design at Model/Z, you will lead a dynamic team of architects and designers focused on revolutionizing modular construction. 

• Your expertise will drive the integration of technology into the architectural vision of our projects, ensuring excellence in standardization of design and specification across our portfolio.  
• This candidate will lead and build a team to take over all the architectural components of designing future Model/Z projects both for SoLa Impact and other clients of Model/Z. 

This role is pivotal in shaping the future of affordable housing and construction by pushing the boundaries of modular architecture. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in technology, architectural design, project management, and a passion for affordable housing solutions. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of modular construction and will be instrumental in shaping our product offerings, ensuring they are innovative, sustainable, and meet the highest standards of quality. They will collaborate closely with senior executives, eventually lead a talented team of architects and designers, and work across departments to seamlessly integrate design excellence with manufacturing efficiency and construction precision. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on addressing the housing crisis by delivering scalable, cost-effective housing solutions to underserved communities.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SoLa Impact is an award-winning real estate private equity firm with a double bottom line strategy focused on preserving, rehabbing, and creating high quality... high-quality affordable housing in low-income, Black and brown communities. Only five years after starting its first ground-up project, SoLa Impact was recognized as the 16th largest developer in the nation, and the largest developer based in California by the National Multifamily Housing Council. 

SoLa currently owns and manages over $1.2 billion of multifamily assets, almost all of which are in low-income, Black and brown communities. SoLa is currently leveraging private capital to develop 3,000+ affordable and workforce housing units in California. We are looking to not only help alleviate but to obliterate the obstacle of housing costs in our most marginalized communities. Having successfully raised and fully deployed its fourth fund ($300 million of equity), SoLa Impact expects to raise over $1.5B through a series of funds over the next 3-5 years from a combination of institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. SoLa Impact’s work and strategy have also been the subject of business school case studies at both USC’s Marshall School and Columbia Business School’s Masters of Real Estate program.

ABOUT MODEL/Z

Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region. 

Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Architectural Leadership:

• Develop and articulate the architectural design strategy aligned with the company's mission and values
• Lead the design team in creating innovative and efficient modular building solutions
• Ensure designs meet regulatory standards and incorporate best practices in sustainability and resilience

Team Management:

• Goal is to build a team to take over all the architectural components of designing future Model/Z projects for both SoLa and other customers
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of architects and designers
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages growth and excellence
• Set clear goals and expectations, providing guidance and support to achieve them

Technology & Innovation:

• Lead technology adoption and innovation across the design vertical to transform codes, and specifications into standardized design and architecture documents utilized by the team to permit and build the project ensuring coordination with the architectural, structural, and MEP packages
• Integrate AI technology in the development and delivery of new products by our Design & Engineering departments ensuring code and program requirements compliance
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in modular construction
• Drive innovation in design methodologies, materials, and building systems
• Conduct research and pilot projects to advance the company's modular architectural capabilities

Project Oversight:

• Oversee the design development process from concept through to construction
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams to ensure design feasibility and efficiency
• Manage project budgets and timelines, ensuring deliverables meet client expectations

Client Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements and objectives
• Present design concepts and solutions effectively, addressing client feedback and ensuring satisfaction

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience:
• Proven experience of 20+ years in architectural design leadership roles, preferably in modular or prefabricated construction
• Demonstrated success in managing architectural projects from concept to completion
• Demonstrated success in building and managing a team 
• Leadership in architectural design, team management, project oversight, innovation, and client collaboration
• Experience with technology, outsourcing architectural services, and managing multiple trades to deliver projects within budgets and schedules
• Skills:
• Deep understanding of architectural principles and construction methods
• Exceptional knowledge of the Building Code and architectural details is required
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, MS Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and/or other relevant design software is required
• Proficiency in 3D Rendering, Animation (V-Ray, Lumion, 3ds Max, Sketchup), and Graphic Design (Photoshop, Illustrator) software will be beneficial.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Creative thinker with a passion for sustainable and affordable housing solutions
• Education: 
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in the architectural industry 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field; Architectural license preferred.

Benefits

At SoLa Impact, we believe the work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability.  We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible.  We provide a rewarding and challenging environment.  We expect a lot, but give a lot in return.  Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided.  All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.