Project Lead/Design Technicians

Draftline (2021) Limited; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Draftline (2021) Limited in Christchurch is seeking Project Leads / Design Technicians to own projects from initial client engagement through to design, consent and completion. You will manage the full journey, coordinate drawings, documentation, consultants and consent requirements, and ensure on-time delivery to NZ Building Code standards.

Strong Archicad skills and 3–5 years of architectural design experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in architectural design and documentation.
• Experience producing detailed architectural drawings and documentation for residential/commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of design quality, documentation requirements and project delivery processes.
• Hands-on Archicad experience is required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full project journey from client engagement through to design, consent and completion.
• Coordinate drawings, documentation, consultants and consent requirements; ensure accuracy and progress.
• Develop practical and innovative design solutions while coordinating with internal teams.
• Maintain regular updates and manage customer expectations throughout the process.

Skills

Architectural design

Documentation

Client engagement

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

NZ Building Code knowledge

Tools

Archicad

Job description

At Draftline, we deliver tailored architectural solutions with a client-first approach. We take the time to understand each project—balancing design, budget, and practical requirements to bring our clients’ vision to life.

From concept through to consent, we manage the full process. This includes architectural drawings, 3D renders, record drawings, and design amendments, along with coordinating engineers and specialists where needed.

We simplify the complex—handling council submissions, securing approvals, and ensuring all plans meet regulatory requirements. We also provide clear planning advice so clients understand what’s possible on their site.

Our goal is simple: make the process seamless and deliver build-ready outcomes that reflect our clients’ ideas, not ours.

About the role

We are on the lookout for Project Leads / Design Technicians for our Christchurch Office, who are ready to take real ownership of projects from initial customer engagement through to design, building consent and completion.

These are hands-on role where you will be responsible for managing the full project journey — building strong relationships with customers, developing practical and innovative design solutions, coordinating consultants and internal teams, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, to a high standard and in line with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant requirements.

You will be the primary point of contact for your customers, taking the time to understand their needs, provide regular updates and manage expectations throughout the process. As well as coordinate drawings, documentation, consultants and consent requirements, ensuring everything is accurate, complete and ready to progress.

With multiple projects underway at any one time, you will need to be confident managing priorities, solving problems and keeping projects moving. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, makes sound decisions and is comfortable taking the reins rather than waiting to be directed.

You will work closely with the wider design and project team, sharing knowledge, supporting your colleagues and contributing to a high-performing and collaborative environment. There will also be opportunities to identify and implement improvements across design, documentation, project delivery and customer experience.

About You

This opportunity will suit an experienced Architectural Technician / Designer who enjoys taking ownership, working directly with customers and seeing projects through from concept to completion. Strong technical capability will be complemented by excellent communication, organisation and project management skills.

Key experience and attributes include:

• 3–5 years’ experience in architectural design and documentation, preferably within the New Zealand residential or commercial construction industry.
• Proven experience producing detailed architectural drawings and documentation for residential projects. Commercial experience is highly regarded but not essential.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from initial client engagement through design, consent and completion.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand Building Code, Building Act and relevant standards.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of building consent documentation and processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of work.
• Experience working collaboratively with clients, architects, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders throughout the design and consent process.
• A strong understanding of design quality, documentation requirements and project delivery processes.
• Hands-on experience with Archicad is required.
• Strong technical design and documentation capability, supported by excellent attention to detail.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to make informed decisions and take ownership of projects.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and effectively manage customer expectations.
• A collaborative mindset, with a willingness to contribute knowledge, support colleagues and help strengthen a high-performing design team.

Why Join Draftline?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and dynamic organisation where your work has a genuine impact, and your contribution is recognised and valued. At Draftline, you will have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of residential and commercial projects, strengthen your technical expertise and play an important role in delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

We offer competitive remuneration and a supportive workplace where performance, professionalism and personality all matter. We recognise that everyone works differently, and we aim to create an environment where people have the flexibility, trust and support to do their best work.

Our culture is built around our people — supportive, practical, collaborative and down-to-earth. We share knowledge, back each other, celebrate successes and enjoy a good laugh along the way. At the same time, we take pride in our work and are committed to maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

Joining Draftline means becoming part of a team that is passionate about design, quality, continuous improvement and professional growth. As the business continues to grow, there are opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, contribute ideas and build a rewarding career with a team that invests in its people.

A quick note: applicants for this position must have New Zealand Residency.