Residential Building Designer

Residential Building Designer

The Residential Building Designer is responsible for creating and coordinating residential and light commercial building designs from initial concept through completed construction documentation. This role develops detailed floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, building sections, roof plans, and site plans using Revit, AutoCAD, and other approved design software.

Working closely with clients, contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, Sales, Estimating, and internal project teams, the Construction Designer translates customer needs into practical, code-compliant, and visually appealing designs. The ideal candidate combines technical drafting expertise, residential construction knowledge, creative problem-solving, and strong customer communication skills.

Design & Construction Documentation

• Create and coordinate designs for single-family homes, twin homes, remodeling projects, and occasional light commercial projects
• Prepare detailed construction documents, including:
• Floor plans
• Foundation plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Site plans
• Construction details
• Produce accurate drawings using Revit, AutoCAD, and other approved drafting and design software
• Revise drawings throughout the design process based on customer feedback, field conditions, code requirements, and project changes
• Ensure design documents are complete, coordinated, and suitable for estimating, permitting, and construction

Residential Construction Design

• Apply knowledge of residential construction materials, methods, and building systems when developing designs
• Design and detail foundation systems, wall framing, stairs, floor systems, roof systems, and insulation assemblies
• Incorporate structural components such as beams, headers, girders, and related framing elements into project documents
• Research and develop alternate construction details and methods, including energy-efficient technologies and materials
• Evaluate designs for constructability, practicality, aesthetics, and alignment with customer expectations

Code & Technical Review

• Review designs for compliance with the International Residential Code and applicable local requirements
• Research building code provisions and technical requirements when project conditions require clarification
• Identify potential construction conflicts, missing information, or design concerns before documents are issued
• Coordinate technical questions with contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and internal stakeholders
• Maintain current knowledge of residential construction practices, materials, and industry developments

Client & Project Coordination

• Lead client meetings to gather project requirements, review design phases, and present recommendations
• Guide clients through the design process while clearly communicating options, limitations, costs, and next steps
• Conduct site visits and measure existing conditions for remodeling or renovation projects
• Coordinate project information and design changes with clients, contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and internal teams
• Provide exceptional service to both external and internal customers
• Manage multiple design projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously

Estimating & Work Order Support

• Analyze project requirements and assist with estimating project costs
• Prepare work orders, contracts, and supporting project documentation
• Coordinate with Estimating and Sales to ensure design scope, pricing assumptions, and customer expectations are aligned
• Maintain accurate project files, design records, revisions, and client documentation

Industry Engagement & Continuous Improvement

• Attend trade shows, training seminars, builders' association meetings, and similar industry events
• Represent the company at trade shows, including occasional weekend events
• Stay current on construction trends, design technology, energy-efficient solutions, and building practices
• Identify opportunities to improve design quality, workflow efficiency, and customer experience
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

What you'll bring:

• Strong architectural drafting and residential design skills
• Advanced understanding of new-home construction materials, methods, and processes
• Ability to combine creative design concepts with practical construction requirements
• Strong knowledge of foundation, wall, stair, floor, roof, and insulation systems
• Understanding of structural framing components and their placement
• Strong creative and technical problem-solving abilities
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Strong customer service and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects independently
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to drawing accuracy
• Ability to research and interpret building code requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Associate degree or diploma in Architectural Technology, Drafting, Construction Design, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in…