Senior Residential Architectural Designer

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Residential Architectural Designer who is highly proficient in Chief Architect, thrives on responsibility, and wants to play a meaningful role in a growing design practice.

This is not a narrow production role. You will be involved in nearly every part of the business — from client interactions to field verification to technical design development — and you will help serve as the local design presence while the founder travels abroad for a year.

Responsibilities

• Producing high-quality residential design drawings and construction documents in Chief Architect
• Performing as-built field measurements and translating existing conditions accurately
• Developing plan sets that balance aesthetics, constructability, and code compliance
• Working directly with homeowners and project stakeholders
• Collaborating with a studio environment that includes experienced architects and designers
• Supporting visualization, design development, and iterative client design processes
• Helping maintain continuity and momentum while the principal is traveling internationally

Requirements

• Degree in Architecture (or closely related field)
• Experience working within architectural offices or alongside licensed architects
• Strong background producing construction documents
• Advanced proficiency in Chief Architect
• Experience with residential design (custom homes and/or additions/remodels)
• Comfort interacting directly with clients and consultants
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to take ownership and manage responsibilities with minimal oversight

Valued Skills

• Construction or field experience (design-build background a major plus)
• Strong understanding of building systems and constructability
• Familiarity with high-performance building principles
• Ability to bridge design intent with real-world execution

What You Might Be

• Loves custom residential work and cares deeply about detail
• Prefers responsibility over being micromanaged
• Enjoys both studio collaboration and independent problem-solving
• Excited to be part of something growing and evolving
• Values long-term relationships over transactional projects

Location

The position is based in the Portland / Northern Oregon Coast region with a hybrid studio + field involvement.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Portfolio (especially custom residential work) - add a link in your Cover Letter
• Brief note describing why this role resonates with you and how you see yourself contributing

We are not looking for someone who just wants a job. We’re looking for someone who wants to build something meaningful — homes, relationships, and a body of work they’re proud of.