Residential Architect/Project Designer

Location: Des Moines, IA

Position Type: Full-Time, On-site. 

Focus: Custom Residential, Renovations, & Additions

Pay: 55k-80k, commensurate with experience. 

About Us

Cycle Design Studio is a boutique architecture studio based in Des Moines. We specialize in designing a variety of residential spaces and challenges. We believe that a home is more than just a structure; it is the backdrop for our clients’ lives.

We are a close-knit team that values craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the personal relationships we build with our homeowners, contractors and consultants.

Your Role

We are looking for a creative and technically proficient Residential Architect / Project Designer to join our team. This role requires a unique blend of high-level design sensibility and practical technical knowledge.

You will manage projects from the initial "kitchen table" consultation through the final punch list. You will work on diverse projects ranging from small renovations and remodels to multi-million dollar new construction homes, across the midwest.

This role is ideal for someone who loves solving spatial puzzles, understands the details and process of residential construction and thrives in a collaborative environment.

What You’ll Do

• Client Collaboration: Meet with homeowners to understand their lifestyle, needs, and aesthetic vision. Translate these into schematic designs and 3D visualizations.
• Design & Documentation: Lead the creation of detailed drawing sets, from preliminary sketches to permit-ready Construction Documents.
• Technical Detailing: specific focus on wood-frame construction, building envelopes, custom cabinetry/millwork detailing, etc.
• Site Verification/Measurements: Understand how to measure and verify existing site and building conditions for both renovation and new construction.
• Code Compliance: Navigate local zoning ordinances and the International Residential Code (IRC).
• Consultant Coordination: Working through consultant input (engineering, interior design, etc.) and design, ensuring proper coordination with architectural vision and design.
• Construction Observation: Conduct regular site visits to coordinate with general contractors and ensure the design intent is executed correctly.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Technical degree in Architecture or related field. 
• Experience: 3–8 years of experience, specifically with a focus on single-family residential projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Chief Architect or other related BIM software is highly preferred.
• Construction Knowledge: An experienced understanding of residential wood framing, construction details, and residential systems.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication skills. You must be comfortable guiding homeowners through the often personal and complex process of building or renovating a home. Our firm often changes “gears” quickly, so agility in your work and approach is a must.

Preferred:

• Visualization: Strong 2D & 3D rendering skills. We use a variety of programs to help support our design process, and not all projects take the same approach. Flexibility in what tool is right for the job is essential to our workflow.
• Design Communication: Ability to sketch or communicate quickly during client meetings to convey ideas.
• Interior Knowledge: Experience with interior architecture, including kitchen and bath design. Architecture and interior design operate in unison, so understanding how the spaces we design will function at the interior finish level is crucial in our design process.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: See your designs come to life quickly and directly impact how families live.
• Culture: A relaxed, creative studio environment where jeans are the norm and work-life balance is respected.
• Compensation: Competitive salary with bonus potential based on firm performance.
• Benefits: Flexible PTO , Professional Development / Continuing Education Assistance, License exam fee reimbursement upon the passing of each division.