McGriff Architects sees every home as a portrait. A reflection of the lives lived within.
Since establishing our firm in 2013, we have focused on connecting with clients on a personal level. Our human-centric approach combines our capabilities with care. Your family is our muse—before we draw a single sketch, we first draw upon your personalities and stories, searching for ways to celebrate your idiosyncrasies. We seek to understand the picture of your lives as the core of the project. We listen and hold space, translating human need and desire into physical form.
We create visceral spaces rooted in history, envisioning the future. While moored in the grace and hospitality of traditional homes, our practice flourishes within the innovative spirit of the West Coast. We believe in homes that will continue as legacies, unique expressions of our clients that will last generations. As such, our signature is never a single style, but a comprehensive approach—a new American tradition grounded in contemporary life and inspired by our forward-thinking clients. Taking away as much as adding, we edit down to reveal the essence of a home.
We value collaboration and believe in creating teams where the whole becomes more than the sum of its parts. Our tools are as much human as digital, prioritizing connection and teamwork. We imbue each brushstroke of your project with shared emotion.
The care and attention we place on each residence is a reflection of our dedication to our clients. Each home is a relationship for a lifetime. McGriff believes your home should be a portrait of your family.
Benjamin McGriff
Owner & Principal, AIA, LEED AP
While the homes he designs range from modern to rustic, Benjamin’s respect for the principles of classical architecture motivates the pursuit of timeless scale and proportions throughout his work. A firm believer in the “design narrative” of a home, Benjamin insists that the layout of every plan, and the creation of every detail, should tell a story about the family that lives there. Whether renovation or new construction, he believes all home designs should be grounded in history while providing an effortless, elegant, and bespoke backdrop to the life lived within. Though the aesthetics of his homes vary with the site and the client, they all embody the sincerity and care that the firm brings to all of its collaborations.
Benjamin spends his free time with his wife and two young daughters. Together, they live in a converted 1930’s hunting cabin where they share meals with grandparents, cousins, siblings and friends. Their home is the jumping off place for hikes in the woods and afternoons at the beach.
Eric Pereira
Studio Director, Licensed Architect
Growing up in New England, Eric developed a deep appreciation for the history of American architecture. With every design, he aspires to listen to, empathize with, and reflect his clients' vision for how they want to live. Eric’s work is guided by an interest in understanding how the built world affects our state of mind. He believes that design is a tool for connection—a stage for building memories and celebrating the everyday little moments. Keeping an ever-curious mind, Eric has a passion for designing details that celebrate beautiful craftsmanship and enhance the activities of daily life.
In his downtime you’re likely to find him either getting lost in new cities, hiking the varied terrain of the West, or mixing up a new cocktail.
Our Team
Brian Turner
Ellise Leone
Giorgia Sala White
Jonathan Page, RA
Liz Henrikson
Maggie Dickherber
Nick Podesta
Shirley Leong, RA
Tim Leccese
Hannah Williams
Careers
With offices in the Bay Area and New York, McGriff Architects specializes in custom residential spaces that nourish and inspire. As a part of our team of talented professionals, candidates will have the opportunity to be involved in every phase of the design and construction process.
We trust and empower our team with the agency to make decisions that impact the work and the culture of the firm, while making sure that each team member is supported and assisted by our amazing and diverse staff of architects. The nature of the office is casual with a sense of humor, yet our work is rigorous in quality and detail.
We are currently seeking candidates for the following positions:
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McGriff Architects is seeking a Director of Operations to work closely with firm leadership in translating design vision into operational clarity - supporting and mentoring project teams, refining workflows, and building systems that allow the firm to grow sustainably while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Who You Are
As a member of our leadership team, you are a proactive thought-partner who can orient yourself quickly and take the reins.
Enjoy mentoring junior staff and take pride in helping Project Managers grow into their potential.
Highly organized, with a sharp ability to identify inefficiencies and implement systems that improve how work gets done.
You balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail and are motivated by building a strong, collaborative studio environment.
Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Based in the Bay Area. Familiarity with the unique design and construction environment of the Bay Area is a plus.
Active member of Bay area design community, with strong relationships and networks.
Skills and Responsibilities
Partner with firm leadership to align operational processes with design vision and business goals.
Implement and monitor procedures that increase the quality of documentation and design across the firm.
Manage systems to equip teams with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
Mentor and support Project Managers, fostering professional growth, accountability, and high performance.
Monitor all projects to ensure that quality and production standards are met for all design and contract documents.
Track and improve project performance metrics, schedules, and resource allocation.
Contribute to a positive, organized, and high-functioning studio culture.
Experience
Thoroughly familiar with the entire process of custom residential architecture.
Proven experience in leadership within an architecture firm.
A background in supporting and mentoring project teams.
Strong organizational and systems-thinking skills, with a track record of improving workflows and processes.
Experience developing and enforcing quality and production standards across multiple projects.
Licensure preferred but not required.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary (commensurate with experience), paid time off and paid holidays. Our office has a hybrid schedule, currently with three days working together in-office, and two days at home. We cover 100% of health, dental and vision benefits. We also provide a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, continuing education benefits, the option to work remotely for up to 2 weeks per year, and excellent potential for professional advancement and growth. Incentives are also offered for completion of professional licensure.
How to Apply
Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter that speaks to your interest in custom residential architecture and your leadership experience, a resume, and professional work samples in PDF format (or a link to your website).
Please send all items to careers@mcgriffarchitects.com with the subject line “Director of Operations - Your Name.” No telephone calls or recruiters, please.
McGriff Architects thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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Who You Are
• A self-starter who is collaborative, organized and self-directing within a larger team.
• A talented individual who is looking to take responsibility and grow within the organization.
• A mentor who is eager to work alongside junior staff.
• Someone who can manage client expectations while providing a high level of service and attention.
• A team player who can enthusiastically to jump in when needed.
• Based in the Bay Area, Los Angeles or New York. Familiarity with the unique design and construction environment of the Bay Area is a plus.
Skills and Responsibilities
• Able to lead construction detailing in collaboration with senior staff or technical consultants.
• Ability to manage budgets and schedules on several projects concurrently, while prioritizing efforts. The ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously is crucial.
• Experience with sustainable building and design practices, including the implementation of LEED and/or GreenPoint Rating procedures.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• An exceptional design sensibility and a strong portfolio.
Experience
• 10–15 years of experience with an architectural firm, including custom residential projects.
• At least 3 years of project management experience in custom residential architecture.
• Skilled in planning and creating reliable, well-coordinated AutoCAD drawings in all phases of design and documentation.
• Experienced with typical construction phase services including coordinating with contractors and consultants.
• Accredited degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• CA license, or in active pursuit of professional licensure.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary (commensurate with experience), paid time off and paid holidays. Our office has a hybrid schedule, currently with three days working together in-office, and two days at home. We cover 100% of health, dental and vision benefits. We also provide a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, continuing education benefits, the option to work remotely for up to 2 weeks per year, and excellent potential for professional advancement and growth. Incentives are also offered for completion of professional licensure.
How to Apply
Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter that speaks to your interest in residential architecture, resume, and professional work samples in PDF format (or a link to your website).
Please send all items to careers@mcgriffarchitects.com with the subject line “Project Manager - Your Name.” No telephone calls or recruiters, please.
McGriff Architects thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
-
Who You Are
• A self-starter who is collaborative, organized and self-directing within small teams.
• Someone who has experience with client, consultant and contractor interactions, and strong communication skills.
• A talented individual who is looking to take responsibility and grow within their projects and the organization.
• A team player who can enthusiastically jump in when needed.
• Preferably based in the Bay Area and familiar with our unique design and construction environment.
Skills and Responsibilities
• Possess an exceptional design sensibility and a strong portfolio.
• Able to create reliable, well-coordinated drawings across all phases of design.
• Collaborate with project managers and firm principals across many facets of the project, including design development, project deliverables, and meetings, both internal and external.
• Assist with code and planning research, and other research tasks.
• Produce presentation materials.
Experience
• At least 5 years of experience with an architectural firm, ideally focusing on residential projects in the Bay Area.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, MS Office, Adobe CS, G Suite.
• Accredited degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• CA license, or in active pursuit of professional licensure.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary (commensurate with experience), paid time off and paid holidays. Our office has a hybrid schedule, currently with three days working together in-office, and two days at home. We cover 100% of health, dental and vision benefits. We also provide a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, continuing education benefits, the option to work remotely for up to 2 weeks per year, and excellent potential for professional advancement and growth. Incentives are also offered for completion of professional licensure.
How to Apply
Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter detailing your interest in residential architecture, resume, and samples of work (10 MB maximum) in PDF format or a link to your website.
Please send all items to: careers@mcgriffarchitects.com with the subject line “Designer - Your Name.” No telephone calls or recruiters, please.
McGriff Architects thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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We're looking for an experienced architect to join McGriff Architects in a senior technical role on a contract basis. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves the craft of making buildings and who can usher a project from design through construction with rigor and care.
We value someone who takes genuine satisfaction in supporting and mentoring junior staff—someone who is willing to explain the reasoning behind a detail, walk others through code interpretations, and provide redlines that teach rather than simply correct.
Depending on office needs and project demands, expected hours will vary from ~8-20 hours/month.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform QA/QC reviews of architectural drawings produced by the drafting and production teams.
Identify nonconformance issues, coordination conflicts, and detailing errors within project drawings.
Review coordination between Architectural, Structural, and MEP consultant drawings.
Ensure drawings meet constructability requirements and professional architectural standards before final submission.
Provide clear feedback and correction notes to the drafting team to improve drawing accuracy and consistency.
Support internal teams by ensuring drawings follow company standards and project documentation requirements.
Help maintain quality standards across projects and reduce repetitive corrections, ensuring lessons learned from previous projects are applied to future projects to improve overall drawing quality.
Technical Skills and Experience:
15+ years of experience, licensed in California, and with deep familiarity with CA Building Code as well as the various local jurisdictions in the North and South Bay.
Ability to review and coordinate multi-disciplinary drawing sets, identifying coordination issues and ensuring that all documentation meets technical and constructability standards before project delivery.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
If this sounds like you please reach out to careers@mcgriffarchitects.com
Contact
We are located in the heart of the Mission District of San Francisco and in Park Slope in Brooklyn.
San Francisco
415.525.3561
New York
347.384.9089