Custom Home Project Designer

PARTNERS Staffing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PARTNERS Staffing is seeking a junior Project Designer to grow within a skilled team focused on high-end custom homes. The role supports senior staff from concept through construction, producing detailed drawings, 3D models, and renderings to realize client visions.

Qualified candidates will hold a professional architecture degree with 1–3 years of residential experience, proficiency in CAD, ArchiCAD, and rendering tools, and a willingness to learn within a collaborative studio.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a NAAB‑accredited program.
• Minimum 1 year of high‑end residential architecture experience.
• Fluent in CAD and other supporting design software; ArchiCAD & Twinmotion a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support senior design staff in all phases of the architectural process (schematic design through construction documents).
• Attend client meetings and shadow senior staff to learn design intent and client communication.
• Produce detailed CAD drawings, 3D models, and renderings for construction documents.
• Coordinate consultant drawings and align design with budget and constructability.
• Ensure drawing accuracy and adherence to firm standards and codes.

Skills

CAD

3D Modeling

Rendering

Education

Architecture Degree

Tools

ArchiCAD

Twinmotion

Job description

Are you a passionate emerging designer looking to grow within a highly skilled team? If so, we are looking for you! Our busy firm is looking for the ideal candidate to bring our client’s ideas to life. This junior-level role is ideal for someone eager to learn the entire design-build process — from concept through construction — while contributing meaningfully to the design of high-end custom homes. Qualified candidates will be skilled designers with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in high-end Custom Homes. They will use their skills to support senior level design staff in developing designs, drawings, client presentation materials, & permitting. You’ll collaborate across all disciplines to help transform ideas into beautifully detailed, buildable homes that reflect our company's standard of craftsmanship and care.

Responsibilities:

• Support senior design staff in all phases of the architectural process — schematic design, design development, and construction documents
• Attend client meetings to shadow senior design staff — taking detailed notes, observing presentation techniques, and learning how to communicate design intent and manage client expectations effectively
• Produce detailed CAD drawings, 3D models, & renderings while assisting in the preparation of comprehensive construction document set
• Participate in design reviews and pick up redlines and revisions from senior architects accurately and efficiently; remain open to feedback and coaching throughout the process
• Assist in the coordination of consultant drawings (structural, landscape, civil, interiors) into architectural documents
• Collaborate closely with the construction and purchasing teams to align design intent with budget and constructability
• Handle and coordinate all permit & regulatory acquisition activities, including preparing submittal packages, completing application forms, tracking review status, and communicating with municipal officials to ensure timely approvals to support project goals
• Help ensure drawing accuracy, quality, and adherence to firm standards and applicable codes

Qualifications:

The Project Designer role is tailored for an emerging professional ready to continue to build upon a strong foundation in high-end custom residential design. The right candidate will have a professional degree in architecture, excellent design and graphic ability, a passion for residential architecture, & knowledge of all phases of the architectural process. Proficiency in digital modeling and other visualization skills is preferred. In addition, the position requires the following qualifications:

• Must have a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a National Architectural Accrediting Board approved program is required
• Minimum 1 year of high-end residential architecture experience
• Fluent in CAD and other supporting design software (Graphisoft ArchiCAD & Twinmotion experience a plus)
• Familiarity with AI tools and their applications in architectural design, visualization, or workflow optimization is a plus
• Basic understanding of construction methods and residential building codes
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Willingness to learn, get feedback, and grow within a collaborative studio environment
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and good judgment while taking ownership of responsibilities
• Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and composure
• Dedication to continuous learning & growth