Architect/Permit Specialist

“We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Disney Parks Experiences and Products. At Disney, you’ll help inspire magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create innovative built environments. You will collaborate to develop ideas/thoughts into physical reality! Architecture & Facilities Engineering (A&FE) is looking for an Architect to support the development and sustainment of projects we support throughout the Disneyland Resort. Our department supports a wide range of project types including Attractions, Maintenance, Foods, Merchandise, and Entertainment. Projects range from minor renovations to new facilities. You will also support immediate response efforts with reactionary projects.  

You will act as the Architectural Owner’s Representative with technical expertise for architectural issues, design management of in-house and outside resources, code compliance, permitting, Disney design standards, documentation, specifications, and life cycle cost analysis for best value. 

This role also involves close collaboration with other engineering disciplines and multiple Disney project teams including Facility Asset Management (FAM) Project Management, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), Creative Entertainment (CE), and Operations. 

This is a 100% onsite position. You will report to the Architecture Team Lead. 

What You Will Do 

• Manage and process plan check/permits with City of Anaheim Departments for construction and inspections. This role involves collaboration with various Disney project teams including FAM Project Management, WDI, CE, and Operations to submit plan check packages and obtain building permits. Work with relevant Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) including City of Anaheim Building, Planning, Public Works, Public Utilities, and Anaheim Fire Department (AFD) to secure permits to construct and schedule related inspections.  Assure construction permits are closed out following the final inspection. 

• Act as Owner’s Representative on projects from concept through construction at the Disneyland Resort. Review with a focus on constructability, efficiency, and long-term maintainability. 

• Project types will include shops, rides, hotels, shows, maintenance facilities, and nearly any built facility and area development found on our property. 

• Manage the design and development of contract documents of projects with in-house and outside resources to meet project scopes, schedules and budgets. 

• Develop concepts and RFPs (Request for Proposals) with direction from senior staff. 

• Attend, participate, and problem solve during site visits from concept through construction. 

• Review drawings and specifications and ensure that all projects are designed and executed to applicable codes and statutes. 

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

• With collaboration from the design team and stakeholders, resolve design issues creatively and thoroughly coordinate design with other disciplines. 

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

What We Look For  

• Experience in plan check/permitting/inspection process with AHJs. 

• 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 and knowledge 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 is required. 

• Demonstrated database maintenance experience (Excel, Airtable, or equivalent). 

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

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

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

• 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 of Architecture from an NAAB accredited school. 

• Architectural License in the State of California.

• 8 years of experience in design and construction industry. 

• Experience in plan check/permitting/inspection process with AHJs.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master of Architecture from an NAAB accredited school. 

• Experience with Conditional Use Permits (CP) with AHJ. 

• Experience with Request for Modification (RFM) with AHJ. 

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 https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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