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, creative expression, and housing initiatives, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

As part of our expanding housing and community development work, MAP is developing affordable, sustainable, and community-centered housing projects that provide stability and opportunity for families. We are seeking an Architect to play a key role in the design, planning, and oversight of these projects. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with a passion for community-focused and equity-driven design.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Planning

• Develop conceptual and schematic designs aligned with MAP’s mission (affordable housing, supportive housing, community spaces)
• 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 ensure designs align with financing, budget, and programmatic goals

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 by providing drawings and technical input

Regulatory & Compliance

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

Construction Oversight

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

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present designs to community boards, nonprofit boards, funders, and city agencies
• Integrate community and tenant feedback into design where possible
• Communicate technical information clearly and accessibly to non-technical audiences

Administrative

• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying process challenges and implementing design and project delivery 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 under appropriate supervision
• Minimum 2–5 years of professional experience, ideally in affordable housing, community facilities, or urban infill projects
• Familiarity with NYC zoning, DOB approvals, and HPD/HDC design standards strongly preferred
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices, accessibility standards, and energy efficiency regulations
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with funders, communities, 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 in affordable housing and community-centered development projects
• Collaboration with nonprofit developers, architects, contractors, and city partners
• Exposure to every phase of project design and development — from concept to permitting
• Professional growth through leadership experience, mentorship, and references
• The opportunity to design spaces that promote equity, dignity, and long-term community impact

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (with relevant architectural samples) to hr@mentorapromise.org 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 bring stability, dignity, and opportunity to New York City’s most resilient families.