Architect (Volunteer – Nonprofit Developer)

Architect (Volunteer – Nonprofit Developer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: New York City (with potential for hybrid/remote collaboration)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, literacy development, social-emotional learning, housing initiatives, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

Our housing and community development work is a cornerstone of this mission. By creating affordable housing, supportive housing, and community-centered spaces, MAP ensures families have stability and children have the opportunity to grow. The Architect will play a key role in designing projects that align with this vision while ensuring compliance, sustainability, and community-centered planning.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Architect to join our development team. The Architect will lead design and planning efforts for affordable housing and community projects, while also supporting compliance, construction oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with a passion for community-focused design and nonprofit development.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Planning

• Develop conceptual designs aligned with MAP’s mission (affordable housing, supportive housing, community centers)
• Prepare schematic designs, site plans, floor layouts, and elevations
• Ensure compliance with NYC Zoning Resolution, Building Code, ADA accessibility, and sustainability requirements
• Coordinate with development staff to align designs with financing, budgets, and programmatic needs

Project Management

• Collaborate with developers, engineers, contractors, and city agencies to maintain project schedules
• Oversee preparation of construction documents and technical specifications
• Support ULURP, BSA, and permitting processes with drawings and technical expertise

Regulatory & Compliance

• Submit plans for approval to DOB, HPD, HDC, and other agencies
• Respond to plan examiner comments and update drawings accordingly
• Incorporate affordable housing design guidelines, sustainability standards (Enterprise Green Communities, LEED), and NYC energy codes

Construction Oversight

• Conduct site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure alignment with approved plans
• Review and approve shop drawings and material samples
• Address design issues during construction and recommend solutions

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present designs to community boards, nonprofit boards, funders, and city agencies
• Incorporate community and tenant feedback into design where appropriate
• Communicate technical information in accessible ways for non-technical audiences

Administrative

• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring responses within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying challenges and implementing design and process solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from an accredited program (Master’s in Architecture preferred)
• Licensed Architect in New York State (RA), or on the path to licensure with appropriate supervision
• Minimum 2–5 years of professional architectural experience, ideally with affordable housing, community facilities, or urban infill projects
• Familiarity with NYC Zoning Resolution, DOB approvals, and HPD/HDC design standards strongly preferred
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices, ADA accessibility, and energy efficiency standards
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with communities, funders, and public agencies

Commitment

• Volunteer technical role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Primarily NYC-based projects, with flexibility for hybrid or remote collaboration

What You Will Gain

• Direct experience designing affordable housing and community-centered projects in New York City
• Collaboration with nonprofit developers, community partners, and public agencies
• Opportunities to shape spaces that directly impact families and children experiencing housing instability
• Professional growth through mentorship, references, and project-based leadership experience
• The chance to design with purpose — creating environments rooted in resilience, equity, and hope

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (with relevant architectural samples) to [email protected] with the subject line Architect – Nonprofit Developer.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Help us design with purpose — creating affordable housing and community spaces that open doors to stability, dignity, and opportunity for New York City’s most resilient families.