Architectural Designer

Williams Contracting Architectural Designer

Location: Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours

Compensation: $25-35 per Hr, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities

Williams Contracting is a custom home design-build company specializing in high-quality residential construction. Our work includes ground-up custom homes, major remodels, additions, and detailed residential projects throughout the Olympia area.

We are seeking an experienced Architectural Designer to support and strengthen our in-house residential design capabilities.

This position is ideal for a residential designer who enjoys working closely with homeowners, builders, engineers, consultants, and field teams to take projects from early concepts through permitting and construction.

Architectural licensure is not required. We are looking for someone with strong residential design skills, solid technical knowledge, excellent organization, and a practical understanding of how homes are built.

The Architectural Designer will work with a design team but be responsible for the design and documentation of the architectural design of custom residential projects.

Under the supervision of the Design manager, you will work with clients through the design process, prepare detailed construction documents, coordinate consultants, support permitting, and collaborate closely with interior designers, estimating, project management, and field teams.

This is a hands-on role with the opportunity to help improve Williams Contracting's design standards, systems, workflows, and in-house design services.

• Design custom homes, additions, and major residential remodels
• Develop conceptual designs, floor plans, elevations, and architectural details
• Translate client goals, budgets, site conditions, and construction requirements into practical design solutions
• Present design concepts and help guide clients through design decisions
• Balance aesthetics, functionality, budget, and constructability
• Revise plans based on client, estimating, engineering, and construction feedback

• Prepare detailed residential drawing sets for estimating, permitting, and construction
• Produce plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details
• Ensure drawings are accurate, coordinated, and construction-ready
• Review plans for constructability, consistency, and applicable code requirements
• Maintain organized project files, drawing standards, templates, and documentation

• Prepare and coordinate permit submission packages
• Work with local planning and building departments
• Respond to plan-review comments and coordinate revisions
• Research applicable residential building codes, zoning requirements, and local regulations
• Coordinate with licensed architects or engineers when professional stamping or specialized services are required

• Coordinate with structural engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, energy consultants, interior designers, and other project partners
• Ensure consultant documents align with architectural plans and construction requirements
• Identify conflicts, missing information, and coordination issues before construction begins
• Help resolve design and field questions throughout the project

• Participate in residential design meetings
• Present plans and design concepts clearly to homeowners
• Explain design options, constraints, costs, and construction considerations
• Track design decisions, revisions, and client approvals
• Maintain clear and responsive communication throughout the design process

• Work closely with estimating and construction teams during design development
• Incorporate budget, scheduling, material availability, and construction considerations into design decisions
• Participate in project handoffs, preconstruction meetings, and field reviews
• Respond to design questions and provide clarification during construction
• Visit jobsites as needed to review conditions and support accurate execution of the plans

• Help establish drawing standards, templates, workflows, and quality-control procedures
• Recommend design software, documentation systems, and process improvements
• Improve efficiency and consistency across the design process
• Support the continued development of Williams Contracting's in-house residential design capabilities

• Professional experience in residential architectural design
• Experience designing custom homes, additions, or major residential remodels
• Experience producing residential construction drawing sets with the ability to produce permit and construction ready plans.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods and detailing
• Working knowledge of residential building codes, zoning, and permitting
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, revisions, and client priorities
• Proficiency with…