Architectural Designer

Williams Contracting

Architectural Designer

Location: Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours

Compensation: $25-35 per Hr, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities

Help Design Exceptional Custom Homes

Williams Contracting is a custom home design-build company specializing in high-quality residential construction. Our work includes ground-up custom homes, major remodels, additions, and detailed residential projects throughout the Olympia area.

We are seeking an experienced Architectural Designer to support and strengthen our in-house residential design capabilities.

This position is ideal for a residential designer who enjoys working closely with homeowners, builders, engineers, consultants, and field teams to take projects from early concepts through permitting and construction.

Architectural licensure is not required. We are looking for someone with strong residential design skills, solid technical knowledge, excellent organization, and a practical understanding of how homes are built.

Position Overview

The Architectural Designer will work with a design team but be responsible for the design and documentation of the architectural design of custom residential projects.

Under the supervision of the Design manager, you will work with clients through the design process, prepare detailed construction documents, coordinate consultants, support permitting, and collaborate closely with interior designers, estimating, project management, and field teams.

This is a hands-on role with the opportunity to help improve Williams Contracting's design standards, systems, workflows, and in-house design services.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Design

Design custom homes, additions, and major residential remodels
Develop conceptual designs, floor plans, elevations, and architectural details
Translate client goals, budgets, site conditions, and construction requirements into practical design solutions
Present design concepts and help guide clients through design decisions
Balance aesthetics, functionality, budget, and constructability
Revise plans based on client, estimating, engineering, and construction feedback

Construction Documents

Prepare detailed residential drawing sets for estimating, permitting, and construction
Produce plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details
Ensure drawings are accurate, coordinated, and construction-ready
Review plans for constructability, consistency, and applicable code requirements
Maintain organized project files, drawing standards, templates, and documentation

Permitting & Code Coordination

Prepare and coordinate permit submission packages
Work with local planning and building departments
Respond to plan-review comments and coordinate revisions
Research applicable residential building codes, zoning requirements, and local regulations
Coordinate with licensed architects or engineers when professional stamping or specialized services are required

Consultant Coordination

Coordinate with structural engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, energy consultants, interior designers, and other project partners
Ensure consultant documents align with architectural plans and construction requirements
Identify conflicts, missing information, and coordination issues before construction begins
Help resolve design and field questions throughout the project

Client Communication

Participate in residential design meetings
Present plans and design concepts clearly to homeowners
Explain design options, constraints, costs, and construction considerations
Track design decisions, revisions, and client approvals
Maintain clear and responsive communication throughout the design process

Design-Build Collaboration

Work closely with estimating and construction teams during design development
Incorporate budget, scheduling, material availability, and construction considerations into design decisions
Participate in project handoffs, preconstruction meetings, and field reviews
Respond to design questions and provide clarification during construction
Visit jobsites as needed to review conditions and support accurate execution of the plans

Design Process Development

Help establish drawing standards, templates, workflows, and quality-control procedures
Recommend design software, documentation systems, and process improvements
Improve efficiency and consistency across the design process
Support the continued development of Williams Contracting's in-house residential design capabilities

Qualifications

Required

Professional experience or training in residential architectural design
Experience designing custom homes, additions, or major residential remodels
Experience producing residential construction drawing sets with the ability to produce permit and construction ready plans.
Strong understanding of residential construction methods and detailing
Working knowledge of residential building codes, zoning, and permitting
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, revisions, and client priorities
Proficiency with architectural design and drafting software
Strong communication, presentation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
The ability to explain designs, options and constraints clearly
Brings a creativeness and direction in the structure of the home of why we should do it specifically
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to drawing quality
Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, builders, engineers, consultants, and field teams
Has a teachable attitude regardless of experience
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for meetings and jobsite visits

Architectural licensure is not required for this position.

Preferred

Three or more years of residential architectural design experience or training
Experience with custom homes or high-quality residential construction
Experience working for a residential architecture firm, home builder, or design-build company
Experience coordinating structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, or energy consultants
Familiarity with Olympia, Thurston County, and surrounding jurisdictions
Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, SketchUp, or similar design software
Experience working alongside estimators and construction project managers

Compensation & Benefits

$25-35 per Hr, depending on experience
Performance-based bonus opportunities
IRA match
Paid time off
Continuing education support
Design software and equipment provided
Local projects
Steady, year-round work
Professional development opportunities
Opportunity to help develop an in-house residential design department
Supportive team environment focused on craftsmanship, communication, and professional growth

Why Join Williams Contracting?

This is an opportunity to play an important role within a custom home design-build company where design and construction work closely together.

You will collaborate directly with estimating, project management, and field teams and have the opportunity to see your designs progress from early concepts through completed homes.

Williams Contracting offers a strong opportunity for a residential designer who wants meaningful project ownership, direct involvement in construction, and the chance to help shape an expanding in-house design capability.