Architectural Drafter

Minimal Living Concepts; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Minimal Living Concepts seeks a Lead Designer to oversee design efforts for custom homes, ADUs, and spec homes, shaping our residential portfolio in Arizona. You will partner with the co-founder and drafting team to turn client visions into innovative, buildable designs while balancing aesthetics with practicality.

You will lead concept development, supervise detailed plans and renderings, ensure code compliance, and drive design quality from concept through construction, advancing the firm’s

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in residential design, leading high-end custom homes, ADUs, or spec homes.
• Mastery in design, drafting, and architectural processes to drive concept through construction.
• Strong knowledge of Arizona building codes, zoning regulations, and construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of all residential designs for custom homes, ADUs, and spec homes.
• Collaborate with the co-founder to define strategic design direction and mentor the drafting team.
• Oversee the design process from concept to completion, ensuring quality, originality, and adherence to standards.

Skills

Residential design leadership

Team collaboration

Communication

Design process management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in architecture/related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Overview: The Lead Designer will oversee all design efforts for our custom homes, ADUs, and spec homes, serving as the creative force behind our residential portfolio. This role requires a masterful designer with deep expertise in design, drafting, architecture, and design processes. The Lead Designer will collaborate closely with our co-founder and drafting team to develop innovative home designs for client projects and company-led investment properties built for sale. They will partner with our construction team to ensure buildability, balancing aesthetic brilliance with practical execution. This is a pivotal role for a visionary designer ready to shape the future of our firm’s residential offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of all residential designs, including custom homes, ADUs, and spec homes, ensuring each project reflects the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Develop a cohesive design vision that aligns with the firm’s brand while pushing creative boundaries to set industry trends.
• Oversee the design process from concept to completion, maintaining high standards of quality, originality, and functionality.

Client & Investment Projects

• Collaborate with clients to translate their vision, needs, and lifestyle into bespoke home and ADU designs, delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
• Lead the design of spec homes for company investment projects, creating market-ready properties that appeal to Arizona’s buyers and maximize resale value.
• Balance client-driven customization with scalable design strategies for spec homes to optimize both creativity and profitability.

Collaboration With Co-Founder & Drafting Team

• Partner with the co-founder to define the strategic direction of the firm’s residential product designs, ensuring alignment with business goals and market demands.
• Guide and mentor the drafting team, overseeing the production of detailed architectural drawings, renderings, and technical documentation.
• Review and refine designs and drafts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to the firm’s aesthetic and quality standards.

Construction Collaboration

• Work closely with the construction team to ensure designs are buildable, cost-effective, and structurally sound without compromising creative intent.
• Provide technical guidance during the construction phase, addressing challenges and approving design adjustments as needed to maintain project integrity.
• Participate in feasibility assessments to evaluate site conditions, zoning, and regulatory requirements impacting design decisions.

Design & Drafting Expertise

• Produce high-quality conceptual designs, sketches, 3D renderings, and presentations to communicate ideas to clients, the co-founder, and project teams.
• Oversee the creation of detailed architectural plans, ensuring compliance with Arizona building codes, zoning laws, and sustainability standards.
• Stay ahead of design trends, materials, and technologies to incorporate cutting-edge solutions into home and ADU designs.

Project Management

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing deadlines and coordinating with internal teams to deliver on time and within budget.
• Maintain clear documentation of design iterations, client feedback, and project milestones to streamline workflows and ensure transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field (professional licensure in architecture is a plus).
• 7+ years of experience in residential design, with a proven track record of leading high-end custom home, ADU, or spec home projects.
• Exceptional proficiency in design, drafting, and architectural processes, with expertise in tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent software.
• Deep understanding of Arizona’s residential building codes, zoning regulations, and construction practices.
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative, functional, and visually stunning designs that resonate with clients and buyers.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience working with construction teams, drafters, and senior leadership to bring designs to life.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Portfolio showcasing elite residential design work, including custom homes, ADUs, or spec homes.