Architectural Designer

Aker Development; Rankin; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Memory/

Paid time off starts 2 weeks, grows to

Medical insurance reimbursement

Job summary

Aker Development in Vancouver, WA is seeking an Architectural Designer to join our full-service real estate team. You will develop architectural plans through construction for single- and multi-family projects up to 20 units, ensuring permit readiness and regulatory compliance.

The role requires CAD proficiency, 5+ years in architectural drafting and design, and strong communication and coordination with consultants and clients. A positive, collaborative mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in architectural drafting and design.
• Residential architecture experience and CAD proficiency.
• Thorough understanding of local building and zoning codes (Portland area and nearby jurisdictions).
• Familiarity with permitting processes and timelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop architectural plans from concept through construction for single- and multi-family projects (up to 20 units).
• Prepare detailed CAD drawings including site layouts, floor plans, elevations, foundations, surveys, and roof framing.
• Coordinate with engineers, truss designers, and civil teams.
• Coordinate the permitting process from initial application to final issuance.
• Track project status and communicate with staff, partners, field managers, and clients.
• Provide other business support functions as needed.

Skills

Architectural drafting

Autonomy

Communication

Detail orientation

Team collaboration

Project coordination

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Are you passionate about creating and designing beautiful living spaces? If you are, we have an amazing opportunity to join a well-established and full-service real estate firm located in Vancouver, WA. We specialize in residential housing development with a focus on infill development, build anything from single family homes to multi unit structures.

We are seeking an Architectural Designer who can excel both independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, focused on quality, and able to juggle multiple projects at once—ensuring on-time, accurate permit submission and innovative design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Drafting:

• Develop architectural plans from concept through construction, including site layouts, floor plans, elevations, and full permit sets for single- and multi-family projects (up to 20 units).
• Interpret and apply local building and zoning codes for various jurisdictions.
• Prepare detailed CAD drawings, including demolition plans, foundation plans, cross sections, plumbing layouts, decks, and roof framing.
• Coordinate with external consultants such as engineers, truss designers, and civil teams.
• Review and incorporate site survey data to ensure design efficiency and creativity; conduct site visits as needed.

Project & Permit Coordination

• Have the ability to coordinate the entire permitting process from initial application to addressing checksheet comments, culminating in final permit issuance.
• Ability to track and accurately document project status and communicate with various staff, partners, field project managers, superintendents, and clients.
• Provide other business support functions, as needed and as time allows.

Required Experience & Competencies

• Professional Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years in architectural drafting and design.
• Proven experience with residential architecture and CAD proficiency.
• Code & Zoning Knowledge:
• Thorough understanding of City of Portland Residential Building and Zoning Codes.
• Familiarity with zoning codes in nearby jurisdictions (Tigard, Beaverton, Washington County, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Vancouver, etc.).
• Permitting Processes:
• Clear grasp of Portland’s procedures and timelines for obtaining permits.
• Technical & Administrative Skills:
• Strong proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.).
• Soft Skills:
• Ability to work autonomously and within cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Great team player, proactive, with a high level of integrity.
• A pre-employment background check is required.

About Us

We are a growing company with a dynamic and supportive team culture. We value the synergy of teamwork while recognizing and rewarding individual contributions and achievements. Our goal is to see every team member thrive, and our compensation philosophy reflects this commitment, aligning rewards with both performance and personal growth.

• Competitive base pay
• Paid holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day: 2 days
• Christmas Day: 2 days
• Paid time off plan: Starts at 2 weeks and starting in third year goes to 3 weeks.
• Medical insurance reimbursement allowance.
• Location in Vancouver, WA.