Career Opportunities at DeForest Architects

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Project Architect | Custom Residential | Lake Tahoe

DeForest Architects | September 1, 2026

About Us

DeForest Architects is inventive, thoughtful, collaborative, and in need of a Project Architect to work on Custom Residential project in our Lake Tahoe Studio. Learn more about our work and unique client process at: https://www.deforestarchitects.com/process.

 

What’s Next

We have a slate of exciting custom residential projects on the boards in California, the Northwest, and the Mountain West. We are committed to staff development and recently launched a strategic planning process to expand firm leadership and foster a culture of design excellence.

 

About You

We need strong design and project management skills gained from a minimum of 6 years of experience working on challenging projects in all phases, including at least 2 years on complex custom single-family residential projects. Technical knowledge and thoughtful detailing are a must. Excellent communication – with clients and team – and organizational skills should be second nature. We seek:

 

Idea people who are also capable of contributing to projects from start to finish,

Collaborators who share their initiative, inspiration, and enthusiasm,

Professionals who combine wide expertise with a spirit of discovery, and

Talented designers who are devoted to serving clients. 

 

Other qualifications:

  • Minimum 6 years of overall experience in the field with at least 2 years working on custom residential projects

  • Experience managing all phases of design and construction administration

  • Knowledge of wood frame construction and detailing

  • Experience with complex land use issues, critical areas, and permitting

  • Proficiency with ArchiCAD preferred

  • Licensure in WA or CA preferred, but not required

  • Self-sufficient, great team player and responsible time management

  • A good sense of humor is a prerequisite!

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to multiple project teams as needed.

  • Provide support for project teams and principals.

  • Project management including client and team communication.

  • Design under the supervision of project leads and principals.

  • Design document production.

  • Construction document production, including details and specifications.

  • Consultant coordination.

  • Code research and compliance, handle complex land use issues, critical areas, and permitting.

 

Compensation:

  • 24 days of paid time off - includes holidays and health time.

  • Annual bonuses.

  • Simple IRA with 3% employer match.

  • Health and vision plan.

  • Continuing education stipend.

All applicants must be local to the area, (or willing to relocate at your own expense) and legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

DeForest Architects brings people, buildings, and ideas together. If the work we do sounds interesting to you, and you have the experience we’ve described, please email your resume, cover letter, and work samples to hiring@deforestarchitects.com.

Updated 9.10.2026