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 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.
