Staff Architect

Walt Disney famously said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.”  At Disney Experiences, our cast are the key to the magic and we work together to inspire the future generations of guests that visit our theme parks and attractions worldwide.  As a part of our creative, problem-solving team, you will have a hand in the jar of pixie dust, pushing the limits of entertainment design, innovation and themed architecture.

Architecture & Facilities Engineering (A&FE) is looking for an Architect to support the development and sustainment of Disneyland Resort and related properties.  As a resident subject matter expert, you will provide technical expertise, design management, problem solving and QA/QC for a wide range of projects including: attractions, shops, hotels, entertainment, maintenance facilities, offices and more.  Project scopes range from big to small and brand new to renovations of historic (and beloved) structures.  While drawings are seldomly produced in house, the majority of our construction drawings are produced by external Architects/Engineers hired for their services.  On each project you will act as the Owner’s Representative to provide design management of these outside resources ensuring projects are designed to Disney standards, fully coordinated with other disciplines, and compliant with codes. In close coordination with our other facilities, engineering and Imagineering disciplines, you will lead the design team to ensure all project partners and stakeholders are updated on project developments.  Your tasks might include preliminary research, partial or full facility assessments, conceptual design coordination, review of construction documents, contract administration and immediate response efforts.  You will also support immediate response efforts as they arise. If you’re enthusiastic about joining a versatile team that is passionate about making the impossible, possible, apply today!

You will report to the Sr. Manager – Architecture.

What You Will Do

Owners Rep

• Review project concepts with internal stakeholders and partners.

• Determine team required to fully execute project.

• Develop project scopes of work and create RFPs (Request for Proposals) for external Architects/Engineers/Consultants.

• Coordinate with Facility Assessment Management (FAM) partners to review scope, schedule and budgets.

• Provide internal cost estimates for project support and review budget throughout the project schedule.

• Manage the design and development of project construction drawings and specifications with internal and external resources.

• During design, coordinate schedule, meeting agendas, meeting participants to drive results

• Lead design reviews and meetings throughout the design process.

• Review drawings and specifications at each design milestone to comply with applicable codes, standards, and statutes.

• Ensure that the overall project design intent is achieved by successfully integrating facility design with partner design disciplines and components of the supporting development such as: infrastructure, area development, grading/drainage, area lighting, graphics, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, showset, ride engineering, etc.

• Review for scope completeness based on project requirements with a focus on constructability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability.

• Update stakeholders of all project developments throughout the project schedule (design and construction).

• Partner with internal teams to develop, maintain, communicate, and enforce Walt Disney Company design guidelines, standards, master specifications, and details.

• Provide guidance and concise decision matrices to support executive decisions.

• Leverage technical expertise and lessons learned when reviewing all projects.

• Liaison with City officials and external agencies to ensure project scope and implementation is coordinated and compliant with external requirements.

• Coordinate responses to city plan check comments and questions with the AOR/EOR.

• Coordinate constructability issues with project partners.

• Coordinate responses of all RFIs and submittals with AOR/EOR.

• Coordinate all internal team member feedback with the AOR/EOR/GC.

• Provide punch walk feedback; Gather all project documentation for closeout.

Architect 

• Influence the Architectural direction of the Walt Disney Company.

• Mentor architects and facility designers on career development, technical efforts, training and workflow.

• Develop varied facility design project work at all stages of assigned projects from concept, feasibility or schematic design through the preparation of construction documentation in accordance with established Disney quality standards.

• Develop project concepts with internal stakeholders and partners.

• Determine team required to fully execute project.

• Develop project scopes of work for internal Architects/Engineers/Project Partners.

• Resolve design issues creatively and thoroughly coordinating design with other disciplines.

• Manage and execute the design and development of project construction drawings and specifications with internal resources as the Architect of Record.

• Create drawings and specifications that comply with applicable codes, standards, and statutes.

• Coordinate all disciplines within each project.

• Leverage technical expertise and lessons learned when creating all projects.

• Respond to city plan check comments and questions.

• Respond to all RFIs and submittals with AOR/EOR.

• Provide punch walk list to the GC and FAM partners.

• Prepare and gather all project documentation for closeout.

• Work with stakeholders to provide architectural resources, both technical and aesthetic, to develop project scope including design, planning and code compliance for estimation and feasibility.

What We Look For

• Professional design experience in a wide range of project types and construction types.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all phases of design and construction practices and standards.

• Construction Administration experience including site observation visits and review of RFIs and Submittals.

• Direct experience in the preparation of architectural contract drawings and specifications.

• Knowledge and experience with creating code analysis summaries including life safety plans.

• Collaborate and endeavor in a team environment to guarantee a successful product.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Extensive knowledge of the California Building Code, health codes, CalOSHA, and the American with Disabilities Act.

• Experience developing custom details to support unique facility design conditions.

• Demonstrate leadership, team building skills, and mentoring young professionals.

• Strong problem solving/analytical skills and time management/organizational skills.

• Strong written, verbal, and graphical communication skills with the ability to present complex analyses and issues to all levels of executive management.

• Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to dynamic situations and personalities.

• Must be capable of working independently on programs and projects but must have the maturity to seek guidance/approval and communicate as appropriate.

• Ability to direct and motivate work efforts of others and handle stressful situations.

• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, often against tight deadlines.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s of Architecture or Master's of Architecture from an NAAB accredited school.

• Minimum of 13 years professional experience working in Architecture.

• Architectural License in the State of California is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master Planning Experience.

• CASp Certification.

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Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at .