Workshop Designer / Fabricator

David Baker Architects (DBA) is a nationally recognized, locally oriented architecture and urban design firm with a focus on sustainable, mixed-use communities that support stability and connection. At the nexus of housing, climate, and community, DBA’s work seizes opportunities to enact meaningful change—forging strong partnerships to create livable density and resilient, human-centered places that uplift communities at all scales.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Birmingham, Alabama, DBA’s diverse, collaborative team is committed to designing and leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We design thoughtful places that allow communities to thrive and that serve as a “multiplier of good”—that is, that enable and support engagement, connection, and other neighborhood benefits.

DBA is a Certified B Corp, a JUST 2.0 Label organization, and a seven-year signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment, with strong values in advancing social equity and sustainability in architecture.

DBA endeavors to support local businesses that are certified minority- and women-owned businesses (MBE / WBE), certified B Corps, and JUST organizations.

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

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 :

Paid Leaves

Retirement / Savings

Professional Growth

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.

Salary : $1,000