David Baker Architects is a collaborative team of optimistic designers and architects committed to leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We are national leaders in affordable housing and innovative sustainable design, and we pursue projects that have the power to build, transform, and reflect the character and strength of a community. We understand that designing climate-responsive housing is more than pursuing a zero carbon building, and that the context of community development, infrastructure and social equity drive the impact of a project.

As a JUST-certified organization, we are committed to equity and social justice both in our practice and our workplace culture. DBA is headquartered in San Francisco, with an office and fabrication shop in Oakland, California, and a growing base in Birmingham, Alabama.

DBA_WORKSHOP is an in-house design and fabrication studio within David Baker Architects (DBA). This full-service wood and metal shop collaborates closely with DBA’s architects and designers to create unique elements for architectural projects and supports teams with the capacity to prototype and fabricate custom furniture and casework. The shop staff works with a variety of materials—wood, metal, concrete, and more—and are always learning new processes, tools, and techniques. DBA_Workshop is housed at DBA_OAK, the firm’s Oakland location.

Role description

We seek a candidate for a full-time designer/fabricator to assist with a wide range of projects, including the fabrication of custom furniture, casework, large architectural ceiling elements, and rapid prototyping, among other built-in architectural installations for the buildings we design. 

The workshop runs with two full-time fabricators with help from a Principal who serves as a liaison to the larger architectural practice. This team occasionally coordinates with outside makers and shops. We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to bring their expertise, expand their skill set, and integrate as a vital part of our collaborative team and mission-driven firm.

Role responsibilities

Fabrication

• Assist in the fabrication of custom furniture, casework, and built-in features for architectural projects with a heavy emphasis on woodworking

• Fabrication processes range from woodworking and metalwork, to concrete work and general construction, but are not limited to these areas. See the qualifications & skills section below for desired skills for the position

• Work safely, accurately, and quickly using materials and resources efficiently

• Loading and delivering heavy objects and finished products when needed

Workshop Management

• Work with designers, architects, and the workshop lead to develop and problem solve new projects

• Ability to manage your own projects, time, and resources

• Perform workshop management tasks such as tool maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and resupplying materials or inventory.

• Develop new processes and personal skills to further workshop goals

• Research, source, and acquire materials

This is a full-time role based in the San Francisco Bay Area with the expectation of coming into the Oakland shop 5 days a week.

Job qualifications and skills

Below is a list of desired qualifications, qualities, and skills, but we are willing to train the right candidate as needed.

• 2-8 years of design/fabrication/shop experience

• Be able to read, understand, and build from shop drawings

• Passion for building and fabrication

• Detail-oriented and highly organized

• Flexible and responsive to changing/shifting tasks in a busy work environment

• Demonstrated ability to employ problem-solving skills

• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area

• Dedicated to the quality of your work and the quality of the work that the shop produces

• Effectiveness in communication and following direction

• Openness to feedback and learning

• Comfortable operating in an active workshop environment

• Physical ability to safely lift 50-100 lbs, push heavy carts or crates, and can stretch, reach, kneel, or crawl as may be required by certain tasks

• Strong professional references
  

• Metalworking Skills

  • TIG / MIG Welding

  • Metal Finishing

  • Grinding

  • Drilling and Tapping

• Woodworking Skills

  • Lumber Selection

  • Processing Raw Lumber / Milling

  • Joining, Planing

  • Planing

  • Straightlining

  • Glue ups

  • Jig Making

  • Shaping

• CNC Operation

• 3D Modeling (Revit, Rhino, Sketchup, Fusion 360)

• 2D drafting (CAD)

• Interest and/or experience in public interest design and/or affordable housing

Benefits

We are proud to provide an inclusive and positive work environment that fosters employee happiness. All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• 11 paid holidays
  
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans
  
• Subscription to Modern Health which includes 12 virtual coaching sessions
  
• Bike & car share memberships
  
• Commuter benefits
  
• Office well-being: weekly culture lunches, healthy snacks, and monthly massages
  
• Annual staff retreat
  

Paid Leaves

• 15 days of annual PTO, increasing after 5 & 10 years
  
• Up to 22 weeks of paid Maternity Leave (in conjunction with state offering)
  
• Up to 8 weeks of paid Paternity Leave (in conjunction with state offering)
  
• School Visitation Leave
  
• Bereavement Leave
  

Retirement/Savings

• 401(k) program
  
• Profit-sharing plan
  
• 529 College Savings Plan
  

Professional Growth

• Mentorship opportunities
  
• Learning and development stipend of $1000 annually
  
• Reimbursement for Licensure and Certifications
  
• Opportunity to attend design conferences annually

You can learn more about us and our work at www.dbarchitect.com.

Please Note: At this time DBA cannot offer sponsorship for employment.

If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum requirements, we highly encourage you to apply or to connect with us to learn more about this role. 

Thank you for your interest in our firm and we look forward to your application.