Following last week's visit to New York-based Snarkitecture, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week where we meet Kadre Architects.

Founded by Nerin Kadribegovic, the firm describes itself as "emerging as a nucleus for interdisciplinary collaborations focused on solving critical issues facing metropolitan urban centers around the world; cities gripped by displaced populations and environmental and/or socio-economic crises." As part of this mission, the firm is designing several long-term housing projects for people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles and California.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for several positions. For candidates interested in applying for a position, or anybody interested in learning more about life at an architecture studio, we spoke with Kadribegovic for a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

How did Kadre Architects get started?

After 20 years of partnership and leadership in a prominent LA design firm, it was time to pursue a long-held vision for bringing together teams from spheres of influence outside of architecture (cadres unique to specific project expertise) with the idea to maximize design leadership impact.

How big is your team?

We are currently at 13 and growing.

Describe the area of Los Angeles your office is located in.

Eagle Rock. Close to Occidental College, Highland Park, and Pasadena. Diverse, eclectic, and creative neighborhood.

What is your favorite thing about working in Los Angeles?

It’s the best place in the world to practice architecture. We are awash with the architectural avant-garde, cultural offerings, half a dozen of design schools with incredible emerging talent, and a forgiving climate (mostly).  

Is your team working fully in the office or on a hybrid/varied schedule?

We mostly work in the office. Zoom is now a great tool to have meetings and not have to drive across town. But design happens in person. Learning and leading happen in person.

Is your office open-plan or subdivided? 

We operate out of a single-family house. It was a conscious decision to step away from a large open studio format, especially coming out of the pandemic. A home offers comforts, like a full kitchen and a living room, and we feel like it is a good transition into office life from working at home. Bedrooms are offices that offer a modicum of privacy, but we still feel connected and part of a whole.

What is one book (architectural or non-architectural) that you would recommend to our audience?

Any book by Yuval Noah Harari. Sapiens is a classic. 

If you organized an office trip to one U.S. building, which would it be?

The Salk.

What does your office ‘sound’ like? Do you listen to music or radio at work, can you hear the city life outside, or is it a place of quiet work?

Our setup enables multiple soundtracks. Model studio run by Andy probably has the most eclectic one. It could be Philip Glass or Pink Floyd. You never know what you’ll walk into. The living room studio soundtrack is orchestrated by Saad, our in-house bassist. Some offices are quiet, others have gangsta rap or bossa nova, depending on the mood.

Where is the most popular lunch spot in or around the office?

Our umbrella-covered table in the back yard which sports weekly Friday BBQs.

What is the most popular design tool in the office?

Roll of trace! 

What are some other 'fun facts' about your firm?

Most of our clients are mission-driven organizations, and we are driven by design for social causes. We have a real estate development arm. Some of our self-developed projects are on our website. We have a non-profit initiative that benefits folks currently experiencing homelessness.

Tell us about a project you are proud of, whether completed or in progress. 

We just completed our first official project, The Alvarado, which provides interim housing for 43 families experiencing homelessness. We eliminated the use of fossil fuels and turned a blighted site into a community hub.

What position(s) are you currently hiring for?

Senior Technical Director, Project Manager, and Project Designer. 

What project(s) are the new team members likely to be working on?

23 Acre Master Plan with a park, navigation center, and inclusionary housing. Several Permanent and Interim Supportive Housing projects for folks experiencing homelessness.

In three words, how would you sum up Kadre’s ethos? 

Energy, agility, excellence!

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series showcasing the opportunities available on our industry-leading job board. Our Job Highlights series looks at intriguing and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, while our weekly roundups curate job opportunities by location, career level, and job description.