Role : Architect / Drafter in Independent Contractor (1099) capacity
Firm : AB Smith Architecture
Location : Huntsville, Alabama ( Remote / Hybrid )
Engagement Type : Independent Contractor (1099)
Compensation : Hourly / Per-Project ; competitive rates above the state average
Availability : Ongoing, project-based engagements vary in scope and frequency according to scheduled demand
Our Firm
AB Smith Architecture, based in Huntsville, AL, is an experienced and acclaimed Alabama practice specializing in the design of commercial, light industrial, and high-end residential structures. Our portfolio includes retail centers, office buildings, restaurants, multi-tenant residential facilities, custom private residences, warehouses, logistics facilities, and manufacturing buildings. We are licensed/registered to practice in the Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida jurisdictions and undertake projects in and across those respective markets.
We maintain a talented in-house team of senior architects and drafters, and we regularly augment this capacity by engaging qualified independent design professionals.
Visit our website : https://www.absmith3.com
Engagement Scope
We are recruiting experienced drafters and junior-to-mid-career architects to provide design and drafting services on a contract basis. Contractors will be engaged on a per-project or hourly basis, depending on project requirements.
The majority of our most capable 1099 subcontractors are offered engagement volumes exceeding 20 hrs / week within the first 90 days after demonstrating consistent performance. Exceptional, consistent performance will result in priority eligibility for full-time employment roles as they open.
Typical Assignment Types
- Producing construction document sets (floor plans, elevations, building sections, wall sections, and details) from schematic or design-development-level direction provided by the firm's project leads
- Producing compliance documentation satisfying Life Safety , ADA/FHA , Energy Code, Hazardous Materials Testing requirements
- Developing, refining, and detailing design concepts within parameters established by the firm's principals
- Preparing site plans, code-compliance diagrams, and accessibility documentation
- Coordinating drafted output with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering documents
- Performing code research (IBC, Alabama Building Code, local zoning ordinances) as applicable to assigned projects
- Preparing and administering permit submission packages
- Making revisions and incorporating review markups from internal QA/QC review and client feedback cycles
- Assist with devising and drafting proposals
- (For 1099s local to the Huntsville AL area) Perform on-site measurements and organized recording of relevant site conditions, including as-built features of existing structures.
- Coordinate with affiliates and sub-contractors from related disciplines
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in architectural drafting or design, including demonstrable familiarity with project types listed above
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD — candidates must be able to produce clean, organized, and dimensionally accurate construction documents with low to moderate supervision
- Working knowledge of building codes applicable to commercial and multi-family occupancies (IBC, ADA/accessibility standards, fire/life safety)
- Familiarity with standard construction document organization (CSI format, sheet numbering conventions, drawing set structure)
- Ability to interpret and work from redline markups, hand sketches, and verbal design direction
- Mature communication skills and ability to build durable rapport with core team members and peer affiliates
- Ability to assist in translating client needs and regulatory parameters into design concepts and project plans
- Thorough knowledge of regulatory parameters specified by relevant local, regional, state and federal authorities
- Strong organizational skills , including the ability to manage portions of larger project management schedules
- Knowledge of contract documents, competitive bidding proposals, and submittal procedures
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) or architectural technology / drafting
- Alabama architectural license or registration in any recognized U.S. jurisdiction (not required for drafting-only roles), completed NCARB Program
- Familiarity with SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, or comparable 3D modeling software applications
- Prior experience working as an independent contractor or in a contract/freelance capacity
- Expertise in estimating and project scoping/planning will strongly iprove candidates' success
Terms of Engagement
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, equipment, and software licenses. This engagement does not constitute employment and does not include employee benefits. Contractors will be expected to execute an independent contractor agreement that includes a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement prior to commencing work.
Project assignments, schedules, and deliverable expectations will be defined at the outset of each engagement. The firm does not guarantee a minimum volume of work.
To Apply
Submit the following to :
- Resume or CV summarizing relevant experience
- Portfolio or work samples demonstrating completed construction document sets across multiple project types (for candidates applying for registered architect position)
- Portfolio or work samples : construction document sets preferred; elevations and floor plans accepted (for candidates applying for drafter positions)
- Brief statement of availability (hours per week, lead-time for new assignments)
- Proposed hourly rate or per-project rate expectations
AB Smith Architecture is an equal opportunity business. We evaluate all affiliate candidates without reference to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Education:
Experience:
- drafting and design: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Work Location: Remote
