Residential Architect, Project Development

Residential Architect, Project Development

Full-Time | Onsite | Mountain View, CA

Join an award-winning, employee-owned Design + Build firm where your architectural expertise, client communication skills, and ability to create beautiful, buildable homes directly support exceptional client experiences.

At Harrell Design + Build, we are seeking a skilled Residential Architect / Project Developer to help guide clients through the early stages of their remodeling journey while developing thoughtful, constructible residential designs.

This role is ideal for someone who understands residential remodeling, enjoys working directly with clients, and can balance design creativity with feasibility, budget, permitting, and construction realities.

What You’ll Do

Client Discovery & Project Development

Meet with homeowners to understand their goals, lifestyle needs, budget, and project visionSupport early project conversations by helping define scope, feasibility, and design directionCommunicate the value of the design-build process with professionalism and confidence

Residential Design & Documentation

Develop architectural concepts, space plans, and design solutions for custom residential projectsPrepare accurate, code-compliant, and constructible drawings for design development and permittingEnsure designs align with client priorities, budget expectations, schedule, and Harrell standards

Feasibility, Permitting & Code Coordination

Evaluate project feasibility, site conditions, zoning requirements, and applicable building codesCoordinate permit submittals and respond to plan check comments as neededWork with consultants, jurisdictions, and internal teams to support a smooth approval process

Team Collaboration

Partner with Sales, Interior Design, Estimating, Consultants, and Production to keep projects alignedProvide design and constructability input throughout the preconstruction processSupport smooth handoffs from design into construction

Client Experience

Build trust-based relationships with clients through clear communication and follow-throughHelp deliver a polished, professional, and high-touch client experienceRepresent Harrell Design + Build with professionalism in the office, with clients, and on job sites

What Makes You Successful in This Role

5+ years of experience in residential architecture, residential remodeling, or design-buildBachelor’s degree in Architecture requiredCurrent and active architect license requiredStrong understanding of residential design, space planning, permitting, and construction documentationExperience with remodels, additions, ADUs, and custom single-family residential projectsKnowledge of local zoning, California Residential Code, and Title 24 coordinationAbility to create designs that are both beautiful and buildableStrong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skillsHighly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlinesProficiency with tools such as Chief Architect, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe, Microsoft Office, BuilderTrend, or similar platformsValid driver’s license and ability to attend in-person client meetings and job walks

Who You Are

A polished, professional, and client-focused architectA strong listener who can translate client goals into thoughtful design solutionsCreative, practical, and constructability-mindedCollaborative and team-orientedDetail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger pictureComfortable discussing design, budget, feasibility, and project expectations with clientsProactive, organized, and solutions-focusedCommitted to quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary:

$95,000.00 - 115,000.00

Final compensation range to be confirmed based on experience, licensure, and qualifications.

Additional Benefits:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan — share in company successMedical, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off + holidaysMileage reimbursementProfessional growth and development opportunitiesOpportunity to work on high-quality, design-forward residential projects

Why Join Harrell Design + Build

Employee-owned company with long-term wealth-building opportunity35+ years of industry leadership and award-winning residential design-build workHigh-quality custom residential projects in the Bay AreaCollaborative environment with experienced design, sales, estimating, and production teamsMeaningful, creative work that directly impacts how clients live in their homes

Success in This Role Looks Like

Producing thoughtful, high-quality residential designsHelping clients feel confident and supported through the design processDelivering accurate, timely, and permit-ready documentationSupporting strong alignment between design, budget, feasibility, and constructionCollaborating effectively with internal teams and outside consultantsContributing to a professional, client-focused, employee-owned culture

Physical Requirements

This role requires working at a computer for extended periods, reviewing plans and specifications, attending client meetings, and participating in site visits or job walks. Site visits may include walking, standing, bending, climbing stairs, navigating uneven terrain, and wearing required PPE. The role may occasionally require lifting or carrying drawings, samples, or equipment up to 25 pounds.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and portfolio or relevant project samples to [email protected]

We encourage you to explore our work before applying:

www.harrelldesignbuild.com

*Principals only—no recruiters please. We review applications electronically and will contact qualified candidates.*