Licensed Residential Architect / Design Manager

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.

About the role

The Licensed Residential Architect / Design Manager will lead architectural design and documentation for custom residential projects. You will guide clients through the design process, prepare and oversee construction documents, coordinate consultants, support permitting, and collaborate closely with the estimating, project management, and field teams. This is a hands-on leadership role with the opportunity to help shape Williams Contracting's design standards, systems, and long-term architectural services.

Responsibilities

• Residential Design
  • Lead the design of 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 clearly and guide clients through selections and design decisions
  • Maintain high standards for functionality, aesthetics, constructability, and detailing
• Construction Documents
  • Prepare and oversee complete architectural drawing sets
  • Produce plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details
  • Ensure documents are accurate, coordinated, and suitable for estimating, permitting, and construction
  • Review plans for code compliance, constructability, and consistency
  • Maintain organized project files, drawing standards, and documentation systems
• Permitting & Code Compliance
  • Prepare and coordinate permit submission packages
  • Communicate with local planning and building departments
  • Respond to plan-review comments and support projects through permit approval
  • Maintain current knowledge of applicable residential building codes, zoning requirements, and local regulations
  • Coordinate required revisions efficiently and accurately
• Consultant Coordination
  • Coordinate with structural engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, energy consultants, interior designers, and other project partners
  • Ensure consultant documents align with the architectural design and construction scope
  • Identify conflicts, missing information, and coordination issues before construction begins
  • Support the project team in resolving design and field questions
• Client Communication
  • Lead design meetings and maintain clear communication throughout the project
  • Explain design options, constraints, costs, and technical requirements in an understandable way
  • Document decisions, revisions, and client approvals
  • Build trust through professionalism, responsiveness, and strong follow-through
  • Help create an organized and enjoyable design experience for clients
• Design-Build Collaboration
  • Work closely with estimating and construction teams during design development
  • Incorporate budget, material availability, scheduling, and construction considerations into design decisions
  • Participate in project handoffs, preconstruction meetings, and field reviews
  • Respond to requests for information and provide design clarification during construction
  • Visit jobsites as needed to review progress and support accurate execution of the design
• Department Development
  • Help establish architectural standards, templates, workflows, and quality-control procedures
  • Recommend design software, documentation systems, and process improvements
  • Support the future development of an internal design team
  • Help evaluate design workload, project capacity, and architectural service opportunities
  • Contribute to the continued growth of Williams Contracting's design-build services

Requirements

• Current Washington State architect license, or the ability to obtain Washington licensure within an agreed timeframe
• Professional degree in architecture from an accredited program
• Strong experience designing custom homes, residential additions, or major remodels
• Experience preparing complete residential construction documents
• Strong knowledge of residential building codes, zoning, permitting, and construction methods
• Ability to manage multiple design projects, deadlines, and client priorities
• Proficiency with architectural design and drafting software
• Excellent communication, presentation, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to design and documentation quality
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for client meetings and jobsite visits
• Professional, collaborative, client-focused, and dependable

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of residential architectural experience
• Experience working within a design-build or custom home construction company
• Strong knowledge of high-end residential construction and detailing
• Experience coordinating structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and energy consultants
• Familiarity with building requirements in Olympia, Thurston County, and surrounding jurisdictions
• Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, SketchUp, or similar design software
• Experience developing project budgets or working closely with estimators
• Interest in helping build and lead an internal architectural department

Skills

• Custom residential design
• Architectural leadership
• Construction documentation
• Building code knowledge
• Permitting and zoning
• Client presentations
• Consultant coordination
• Design-build collaboration
• Constructability review
• Project organization
• Problem-solving
• Clear communication

Pay

$100,000-$130,000 per year, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, daytime hours.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• IRA match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional license renewal support
• Continuing education support
• Architectural software and equipment provided
• Local projects
• Steady, year-round work
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Opportunity to help build an in-house architecture and design department
• Supportive team environment focused on craftsmanship, communication, and professional growth

Why Join Williams Contracting?

This is an opportunity to play a central role in the growth of a respected custom home design-build company. Rather than working separately from the construction process, you will collaborate directly with the professionals responsible for estimating, planning, managing, and building each project. You will see your designs move from early ideas to completed homes while helping improve communication, coordination, and the client experience. Williams Contracting offers the opportunity to lead meaningful residential projects, influence company design standards, and help build an integrated architectural service focused on thoughtful design and excellent construction.