Lead Architectural Designer

Position Summary

The Lead Architectural Designer serves as the primary design professional during the preconstruction phase of luxury custom home projects. This individual is responsible for guiding clients through the discovery and conceptual design process, transforming ideas into buildable design concepts, and creating schematic plans that serve as the foundation for budgeting, project development, and construction.

This role combines architectural design, client leadership, and preconstruction collaboration. The ideal candidate is an exceptional listener, communicator, and designer who can quickly understand a client's vision, create inspiring design solutions, and guide clients confidently through the early stages of the design-build process.

Unlike a traditional architectural role focused on construction documents, the Lead Architectural Designer specializes in client-facing conceptual design, schematic design development, and project visioning.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership

• Lead Design Kickoff meetings and guide clients through the design process.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client's lifestyle, priorities, architectural preferences, and project goals.
• Serve as the primary design contact during the schematic design phase.
• Build trust and confidence through strong communication and professional guidance.
• Lead design presentations and facilitate productive design decisions.
• Help clients balance vision, functionality, aesthetics, and budget considerations.

Conceptual Design

• Create innovative and highly personalized custom home concepts.
• Translate client ideas into compelling architectural solutions.
• Develop floor plans, massing studies, site layouts, and preliminary elevations.
• Explore multiple design options and alternatives when appropriate.
• Refine designs through a collaborative and iterative process.
• Create homes that are beautiful, functional, and aligned with the client's lifestyle.

Schematic Design Development

• Develop schematic plans suitable for preliminary pricing and project evaluation.
• Coordinate design concepts with site conditions, zoning requirements, and project constraints.
• Collaborate with construction and estimating teams to ensure designs remain aligned with budget expectations.
• Incorporate client feedback while maintaining design integrity and project objectives.
• Prepare schematic design packages for internal review and pricing.

Design-Build Collaboration

• Work closely with ownership, sales, estimating, and construction teams throughout preconstruction.
• Participate in project strategy discussions and design reviews.
• Identify potential design, budget, or constructability challenges early in the process.
• Help establish realistic project expectations for clients.
• Support the transition from schematic design into construction document development.

Project Handoff

• Prepare clear and organized schematic design packages for production staff.
• Communicate design intent and critical project objectives to the assigned Architectural Designer.
• Participate in internal handoff meetings to ensure a seamless transition into construction documents.
• Remain available as a design resource throughout project development when needed.

Business Development Support

• Participate in initial client meetings alongside company leadership.
• Help prospective clients visualize possibilities and establish confidence in the design-build process.
• Contribute to project acquisition efforts through design expertise and professionalism.
• Serve as an ambassador for the company's design philosophy and client experience.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of residential design experience.
• Strong portfolio of custom residential design work.
• Proven ability to lead clients through a collaborative design process.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of residential construction and design-build delivery.
• Ability to quickly develop conceptual and schematic designs.
• Proficiency with residential design software and visualization tools.

Preferred

• Experience designing luxury custom homes.
• Design-build experience.
• Sales or client development experience.
• Experience collaborating with estimating and construction teams.
• Architectural degree or equivalent residential design experience.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary
• Profit-sharing bonuses
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan participation
• Professional development opportunities