Sr. Architect - Owner Architect

#Eng-IT-01

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled architect to provide architectural leadership and design management for a diverse portfolio of projects. This role involves overseeing projects from concept through construction and closeout, ensuring alignment with Disney's standards and regulatory requirements.

Location

This position is based in Anaheim, California, a vibrant city known for its entertainment offerings and proximity to world-renowned attractions, making it an exciting place to work and live.

Responsibilities

• Maintain expert knowledge of current codes and regulations applicable to projects in Anaheim, California, including the California Building Code, accessibility and fire-life-safety regulations, Cal-OSHA requirements, and Orange County Health Care Agency Food and Safety Codes.
• Lead project design reviews at key milestones to ensure compliance with Disney design guidelines, standards, and master specifications.
• Provide quality assurance across multiple projects, focusing on constructability, coordination, and long-term maintainability.
• Partner with internal teams to interpret, apply, and enforce Disney standards and code requirements while supporting creative and operational objectives.
• Demonstrate strong interdisciplinary communication, evaluating and integrating architectural design with structural, MEP, civil, facility infrastructure, and more.
• Identify risks, code challenges, and design conflicts early, and develop clear, actionable solutions.
• Support executive and stakeholder decision-making by presenting concise and fair technical analyses and recommendations.
• Lead and coordinate the architectural design of multiple concurrent projects, partnering closely with Disney Project Managers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage and direct external architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, and Disney standards.
• Develop detailed project scopes of work and prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for external design and consulting services.
• Serve as a technical architectural specialist with strong knowledge of architectural detailing, coordination of sections and elevations, and design options for fire protection and waterproofing.
• Participate in and support construction activities, including on-site presence to analyze and facilitate issue resolution.
• Provide leadership during Construction Administration, including coordination with Architects of Record, Engineers of Record, and General Contractors.
• Act as a liaison with the Authority Having Jurisdiction and regulatory agencies, representing Disney's interests throughout design and construction.
• Develop and present construction phasing plans for review and approval by AHJs, internal Disney partners, and construction teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program.
• Minimum of 9 years of professional architectural experience, including significant exposure to design management and construction administration.
• Active Architectural License in the State of California.
• Demonstrated experience with permitting and inspections involving Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
• Strong working knowledge of California codes, health and safety regulations, and construction practices.
• Experience working in complex, operationally active environments.
• Familiarity with large, multi-stakeholder organizations and fast-track project delivery.
• Experience developing construction phasing strategies in occupied facilities.