RESIDENTIAL DESIGN ASSOCIATE
Architectural Production & Documentation
Part-to-Full-Time | In-Person | Madison, Wisconsin
ABOUT THE STUDIO
Udvari-Solner Design Company is a full-service residential design practice specializing in high-end custom homes, remodels, and additions. For over 35 years, our work has grown primarily through referrals, based on a reputation for thoughtful, highly personalized design. We guide each project from concept through completion in close collaboration with our clients, creating intentional homes shaped by how they live, the character of the property, and an emphasis on lasting quality for timeless design. As our firm continues to grow, we have expanded to include a dedicated interior design department, allowing us to provide a cohesive experience from architecture through interiors. Our interior work is layered, editorial in approach, and thoughtfully curated to create spaces that feel distinctive and enduring.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a part-to-full-time Residential Design Associate to support our design team. This role is primarily drafting and documentation-based, with additional project coordination and client-related administrative support. The ideal candidate has professional experience preparing architectural drawings, reading plans, translating design direction into accurate documents, and maintaining project information with care and consistency. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys the technical side of design, understands residential construction, has a strong eye for thoughtful design, and is comfortable working within a small, focused studio environment.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Professional experience in architectural drafting, residential design documentation, interior architectural documentation, or a related field.
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Revit, and Lumion.
- Efficient with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Suite, and digital file management.
- Ability to read, prepare, and revise plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and coordinated drawing sets.
- Working knowledge of residential construction, especially wood-frame construction.
- Efficiently translate meeting notes, redlines, emails, and verbal direction into documented project updates.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and open items.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will assist the Lead Designer throughout the design and documentation process, taking ownership of the technical details that keep projects organized and moving forward. Responsibilities include drafting, 3D modeling, documentation, coordination, and client-related project administration.
DESIGN DOCUMENTATION & DRAFTING
- Research property records, existing conditions, zoning, municipal requirements, and other preliminary project information.
- Field measure existing homes and prepare existing condition drawings.
- Prepare drawings and construction documents using AutoCAD.
- Create and revise floor plans, elevations, sections, details, reflected ceiling plans, finish plans, schedules, and related drawing sheets.
- Build and update 3D models and renderings using SketchUp Pro and Lumion.
- Revise drawings based on redlines, client feedback, decisions, and consultant input.
- Assist with project manuals, specifications, schedules, finish documentation, permit applications, and supporting project materials.
- Maintain accurate and organized drawing sets throughout each phase of the project.
PROJECT COORDINATION & CLIENT-RELATED ADMINISTRATION
- Support the Lead Designer with project organization, meeting preparation, and follow-up.
- Document project decisions, track open items, and maintain grip on required next steps.
- Coordinate project communication with clients, builders, and consultants, as directed.
- Maintain organized project files, drawings, notes, binders, and supporting materials.
- Assist with new client setup, weekly project updates, and internal team coordination.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are looking for someone who is careful with documentation, confident with drafting, responsive to direction, and able to manage details without constant oversight. This person should be collaborative and willing to assist where needed as project priorities shift. The ideal candidate is technically strong, organized, and self-directed. A strong candidate will have an eye for custom residential design and an appreciation for spaces that are intentional, layered, and specific to each client rather than formulaically standard.
STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
Udvari-Solner Design Company is a small studio, which means each team member has a clear role while also contributing where needed. Our office is friendly and focused. We work efficiently, communicate directly, and take the quality of our work seriously. This is a good fit for someone who appreciates the pace and adaptability of a small business and is comfortable being part of a close team where project awareness, initiative, and attention to detail matter.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE
Our work is highly collaborative, which requires in-person participation at our Madison, Wisconsin office. The position is part-to-full-time, with structured but flexible hours based on project workload and studio needs. Standard office hours - Monday through Friday.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation is hourly and based on professional experience, technical knowledge, drafting ability, and design software proficiency.
Eligible benefits include unlimited paid time off [subject to maintaining project responsibilities, billable expectations, and deadlines] and a health insurance reimbursement stipend processed through payroll in accordance with applicable tax regulations and company policies.
HOW TO APPLY
Individuals with architecture, architectural technology, interior design, or related design backgrounds are encouraged to apply. AIA or NCIDQ licensure is not required.
Please submit the following:
- Resume
- Portfolio or relevant work samples
- Examples of drafting, construction documentation, 3D modeling, or residential design work
- A brief introduction describing your interest in the position
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
