Architects FORA isn't your traditional architecture firm. We're an award-winning, 100% virtual, women-led team of experts who are passionate about increasing quality housing and strengthening our communities. From large multifamily developments to densifying single family zones, our focus is simple: tackling the housing crisis from all angles. We work with clients who share our belief that housing should be affordable, beautiful, sustainable, and secure, enriching the lives of residents and their neighborhoods. 

In true Silicon Valley spirit, we practice less like your typical architecture firm and more like a burgeoning start-up with big goals and a rebellious spirit. Our team operates as a completely virtual practice and we're looking for collaborative, passionate, and solutions-minded professionals to join us. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow throughout all traditional phases of projects plus some not-so-traditional ones; we're breaking the mold and inventing new processes to offer unique value to our clients.

Architects FORA believes in creating a high quality of living for its staff and does so through transparent, equitable, and collaborative business practices. In recent years we’ve learned how important flexibility, autonomy, and compassion are to our wellbeing and ability to perform at our best. We intentionally designed our business to put those needs first. We know our approach is unique and while we love it, we know it’s not for everyone. Still, we hope that it helps move the industry towards a more balanced, healthy, supportive culture overall. 

FORA Quality of Life Commitments to Our Staff

While the following benefits are hard to quantify monetarily, we’ve found they’re extremely valuable given their impact on our health and happiness. We always offer:

• 100% remote work from anywhere with high-speed internet policy

• Set your own schedule (as long as you’re available for team & project meetings)

• 80 hrs/2 wks policy - work 80 hours whenever you’d like within a 2 week window

• Up to 8 hours per week time dedicated to pursuing a research/knowledge specialty you’re passionate about

• Intentional staffing to 40 hours max per week 

• Flexible “Life Happens” leave (paid and unpaid) and firm-wide mental health days 

• Meaningful, fun projects with great clients and supported by our communities

• Mutual mentorship - we educate one another and host learning sessions regularly

• Exposure to all areas of practice and business development

• A tech-forward, cloud-based setup with the latest tools, systems, and resources available to set you up for success

FORA Standard Benefits Package

Some of our more typical tangible benefits include (minimum value per year based on a 70k salary equals $18,000):

• 401k with 50% matching up to 6% of your salary

• QSEHRA contributions for health costs

• Technology/Home Office stipend (above and beyond company-provided equipment)

• Education reimbursement

• 1 Association Reimbursement

• 4 weeks/20 days Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 10 days Paid Holiday

• Robust company-issued tech+ package

FORA Equitable Salary Structure

Our salaries are simple and reflective of our belief that everyone on our team is valuable in their own unique way. We offer 3 salary levels, aligned with or above AIA National Compensation averages, according to assumed risk and responsibility. Salary increases are given equally to all employees according to annual cost of living inflation and company growth. 2022 salaries are:

/ General Staff - $70k salary

// Project Representative - $80k salary

/// Company Representative - $90k salary

FORA Bonuses

We know it takes everyone on the team doing their best for the firm to do its best, so everyone shares in the profits of our business to recognize our collective efforts. Bonuses are awarded based on 3 categories: Company Success (equal for all), Loyalty (based on years with FORA), and Performance (based on quarterly evaluations of your effort and growth). Earnings from 2021 provide for a bonus of up to $35,000 above base salaries.

FORA Role Expectations

Of our three responsibility levels, we expect the following (this opening assumes General Staff responsibilities, though Project or Company representatives would be great, too!):

/ General Staff 

• Collaborative with all team members (internal and external)

• Self-organizing and motivated

• Solutions and growth-minded with a service-first attitude

• Excellent communicator who keeps team updated on progress

• Comfortable with digital tools and a remote work environment

• Make positive contributions and additions to firm culture

• Demonstrate a respectful and inclusive attitude towards all

• Committed to meaningful work that supports strong communities

• Curious and dedicated to continuous learning and knowledge sharing

• Basic Revit skills at a minimum (advanced a plus!)

• Familiarity with G-Suite (Google Workspaces), Slack, Bluebeam, project management applications (ie Asana, Clickup, Monday, Monograph), and adobe products
  

// Project Representative

• All expectations of general staff

• Serve as primary point of contact and project lead internally and/or externally

• Generate beautiful and well coordinated deliverables and presentations

• Implement project budgets, schedules, and alignment with contracts

• Responsible for maintaining positive relationships with 4Cs (clients, contractors, consultants, communities)

• General and technical knowledge of architecture, building code, and project workflows (in office and on constructions sites) to coordinate the work of others, including consultants

• Work with/under direction of Company Representative/Principal/President
  

/// Company Representative 

• All expectations of general staff and a project representative

• Oversee entire project team and maintain accountability for all staff

• Ensure quality of deliverables and presentations that are well developed, coordinated, and on-brand

• Create and manage project budgets, schedules, and alignment with contracts

• Create new relationships with 4Cs (clients, contractors, consultants, communities) and cultivate new project opportunities

• Deep technical knowledge of architecture, building code, and project management to oversee the work of others, including consultants

• Demonstrated capability to represent the firm without a Principal/President present internally and externally 

• Share knowledge and expertise with the wider community

• Involved in and represent the firm at outside organizations

To apply, please submit your letter of interest telling us a little about what you're looking for and why you think this might be a good fit along with your CV/resume and a link to your online sample of work/portfolio to careers@architectsfora.com. 

Interview Process:

1. Applicant submission review 

2. 1st round of interviews: 30-45minutes with the owners focused on values, culture, mission, and goals alignment taking place first week of March

3. Notice to selected qualified candidate(s) with invitation for second interview

4. 2nd interview(s): 1.5-2 hours with firm leaders focused on knowledge and skills proficiency taking place mid-March

5. Offer extended to selected applicant via email with invitation to review together

6. Follow up meeting to discuss/confirm

7. Position made available immediately upon acceptance

Job Type: Full-time, Salaried, 100% Remote

COVID-19 Considerations: Safety and responsibility are extremely important to us. Vaccinations Required.