Senior Architect - Owner’s Architect

Architecture & Facilities Engineering (A&FE) is seeking a highly experienced Senior Architect to represent the Disneyland Resort on projects. Our department supports a wide range of project sizes and types that include retail shops, attractions, hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, maintenance facilities, offices, and nearly any facility and area development found on our property. Projects range from preliminary research to full facility assessments to minor or major renovations to new facilities. You will work in close collaboration with other engineering disciplines and multiple internal Disney project teams. This role is responsible for the overall architectural design management of numerous, simultaneous projects across a wide variety of facility types.

Our Architects lead the projects, develop project scope, coordinate internal Disney partners, and manage external design firms and contractors to deliver projects that meet Disney standards, regulatory requirements, and operational needs. You are expected to possess deep technical expertise, strong knowledge of applicable codes, and the ability to actively participate and lead in all phases of design and construction. You will be stepping into any phase of a project to technically review drawings, resolve issues, and facilitate progress to ensure a successful project delivery.

You will report to the Manager – Architecture.

What You Will Do

Owners Architect: Provide architectural leadership and design management at the project level for a portfolio of projects from concept through construction and closeout.

• Lead and coordinate the architectural design of multiple concurrent projects (25+ at a time), partnering closely with Disney Project Managers and internal stakeholders. Projects will vary in scale.

• 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, requirements for UL listing, design options for fire protection, waterproofing and material transitions.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all phases of design and construction, from feasibility and schematic design through construction administration and closeout.

• Participate in and support construction activities, including on-site presence to analyze and facilitate issue resolution.

• Provide leadership during Construction Administration, including: 1) Coordination with Architects of Record (AOR), Engineers of Record (EOR), and General Contractors; 2) Guidance on permitting strategies, inspections, and field issue resolution; and 3) Review, processing and resolution of RFIs.

• Act as a liaison with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) 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.

• Ensure projects are coordinated across disciplines and integrated with operational, safety, and guest experience requirements.

• Maintain high-level knowledge of current codes and regulations applicable to projects in Anaheim, California, including but not limited to: California Building Code (CBC), Accessibility and fire-life-safety regulations, Cal-OSHA requirements, Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) Food and Safety Codes.

• Understand all construction types and their implications on design, permitting, and construction execution.

Design Assurance and Disney Standards: Ensure all projects meet Disney’s quality, safety, and design expectations.

• Lead project design reviews at key milestones to ensure compliance with Disney design guidelines, standards, and master specifications.

• Provide quality assurance (QA/QC) 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 with the ability to evaluate and integrate the architectural design with Structural, Civil, MEP, Facility Infrastructure, Show/Attraction Specialties, Ride Engineering, Graphics, Operations 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.

What We Look For

• 9+ years of professional architectural experience, including significant exposure to design management and construction administration.

• Demonstrated experience with permitting and inspections involving AHJs.

• Strong working knowledge of California codes, health and safety regulations, and construction practices.

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task effectively while managing a large volume of simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working under pressure with tight deadlines and can adapt quickly to changing priorities.

• Experience translating highly complex technical and regulatory issues into clear guidance for non-technical partners and executive leadership.

• Experience presenting to large groups, including internal leadership, external partners, and regulatory agencies.

Required Education and Licensure

• Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree from an NAAB-accredited program.

• Active Architectural License in the State of California.

#DXMedia #DXFOS #LI-YW1

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.

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $111,900.00 to $138,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.