Residential Building Designer

Archinect; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Archinect seeks a Lead Residential Building Designer to transform ideas into complete working drawing sets for interior remodels, home additions and ADUs. You will own the design process from field measurements through permit issuance, working closely with our construction team and clients.

Key duties include producing site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and MEP layouts; managing permit submittals with cities/counties; performing on-site field surveys; and providing client and field

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience producing residential architectural plans in California.
• Strong knowledge of California Residential Code (CRC) and CBC.
• Experience guiding plan sets through city/county plan checks.

Responsibilities

• Produce complete, detailed working drawing sets (site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, detailing, and layouts).
• Prepare, submit, and track permit applications with local cities/counties.
• Perform initial on-site field measurements to create accurate as-built drawings.
• Consult with clients and support field crews to keep builds on schedule.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

Chief Architect

SketchUp

CRC knowledge

CBC knowledge

ADU regulations knowledge

Job description

As our Lead Residential Building Designer, you will turn ideas into full working drawing sets for custom interior remodels, home additions, and ADUs. You will own the design process from initial field measuring through permit issuance - working directly with our construction team, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Drafting: Produce complete, detailed, and accurate working drawing sets (site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural detailing, electrical/plumbing layouts, and cabinet elevations).
• Permit & Submittal Management: Prepare, submit, and track permit applications with local cities/counties. Act as the main point of contact to clear plan check comments and coordinate with municipal plan checkers.
• Site Surveying: Perform initial on-site field measurements of existing conditions to create accurate as-built drawings.
• Client & Construction Support: Conduct client design consultations, assist with finish/material selections, and respond to RFIs from our field crews to keep builds on schedule.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years of experience producing residential architectural plans in California (design-build or residential firm background preferred).
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in AutoCAD, Revit, Chief Architect, or SketchUp.
• Codes & Regulations: Strong knowledge of California Residential Code (CRC), California Building Code (CBC), Title 24 Energy Efficiency standards, and local zoning/setback ordinances (including ADU laws).
• Permitting Expertise: Proven track record of successfully guiding plan sets through city/county plan checks to approval.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to articulate design decisions to clients and negotiate solutions with city officials.
• Driving: Valid CA Driver's License and reliable transportation for field visits.