What are the responsibilities and job description for the Architectural AutoCAD Draftsperson position at PDS Architecture?
About the Role
PDS Architecture is a growing architectural firm based in Fort Myers, FL with a portfolio spanning commercial, restaurant, retail, and mixed-use projects. We are seeking an experienced Architectural AutoCAD Draftsperson to produce accurate, well-coordinated construction document sets and support our project teams from preliminary design through permitting and construction.
This is a production-focused position centered on AutoCAD. The right candidate can independently translate project manager markups, prototype standards, field information, and consultant drawings into complete architectural documents. Experience with Revit, SketchUp, and Lumion is strongly preferred and will be used to support BIM coordination, design studies, and client presentations as needed.
Key Responsibilities
AutoCAD Documentation and Production
- Develop complete architectural drawing sets in AutoCAD across Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document phases
- Set up and maintain AutoCAD files, external references, layouts, sheet sets, layers, annotation scales, blocks, and plot styles in accordance with firm standards
- Produce and coordinate floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, roof plans, exterior and interior elevations, building sections, wall sections, enlarged plans, and construction details
- Draft details, schedules, equipment layouts, and other project-specific architectural components
- Incorporate project manager redlines and coordinate architectural drawings with structural, MEP, civil, and other consultant documents
- Manage sheet numbering, drawing indexes, revision clouds, delta tags, and issue dates throughout the project lifecycle
- Prepare permit-ready drawing sets that clearly document applicable building code, accessibility, egress, and life safety requirements
- Revise drawings in response to quality-control reviews, client comments, consultant coordination, and permit review comments
- Prepare drawing revisions for Architectural Supplemental Instructions and Requests for Information during construction administration
- Maintain record drawings and update as-built information as projects reach closeout
- Assist in maintaining firm CAD standards, title blocks, detail libraries, standard blocks, and drawing templates
BIM, Modeling, and Visualization Support
- Create accurate SketchUp models from architectural drawings for design review, coordination, and client presentations
- Develop Lumion scenes, still images, and walkthroughs when visualization is required for a project
- Assist with Revit-based projects, model updates, and drawing production when the project workflow requires BIM
- Coordinate file exports and reference information between AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other project platforms
- Prepare presentation materials that combine drawings, diagrams, models, and rendered views
- Support the design team with quick massing studies, layout options, and graphic updates during early project phases
Required Qualifications
AutoCAD and Construction Documentation
- 2 to 5 years of professional experience producing architectural construction documents
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, including external references, paper space layouts, sheet organization, layers, blocks, annotation, and plotting
- Demonstrated ability to work independently from sketches, redlines, field information, prototype standards, and consultant backgrounds
- Solid understanding of construction detailing, including wall assemblies, roofing, waterproofing, storefront, door and window conditions, and finish transitions
- Working knowledge of code-compliance documentation, including occupancy, accessible routes, egress, life safety, and basic building-system coordination
- Experience coordinating multi-discipline drawing sets and accurately incorporating consultant information and markups
- Strong understanding of CAD layer standards, line weights, graphic conventions, drawing scales, and document quality
- Ability to read and extract information from structural, MEP, civil, equipment, and landlord drawings for incorporation into architectural documents
Additional Software and Design Support
- Working knowledge of Revit for model navigation, basic documentation, and coordination is preferred
- Proficiency in SketchUp for architectural modeling and design studies is preferred
- Experience with Lumion or V-Ray for still renderings, scene setup, and walkthroughs is preferred
- Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Bluebeam Revu, or similar production and presentation tools is a plus
General
- Ability to manage multiple project deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced studio environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordination with project managers, clients, and consultants
- High attention to detail and a commitment to drawing accuracy, completeness, organization, and consistency
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Drafting, Interior Design, or relevant work experience
- Experience with commercial, restaurant, retail, or tenant-improvement project types
- Familiarity with the Florida Building Code and Southwest Florida permitting jurisdictions
- Professional experience using Revit as a secondary construction-document production platform
- Experience creating architectural models and presentation graphics in SketchUp and Lumion
- Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator
- Interest in long-term professional growth within an architectural production environment
Software ProficiencyAutoCADRequired | Primary construction document production platformAutodesk RevitPreferred | BIM coordination and supplemental document productionSketchUp ProPreferred | Architectural modeling and design studiesLumionPreferred | Still rendering, scene development, and walkthroughsBluebeam RevuPreferred | Markups, drawing review, and document coordinationAdobe PhotoshopPreferred | Presentation graphics and image editingAdobe InDesign / IllustratorAdditional asset | Presentation boards and marketing graphicsWhat We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health benefits
- Paid time off and firm holidays
- Collaborative studio culture with diverse project types
- Exposure to a wide range of commercial work including restaurants, retail, and mixed-use development
- Opportunities for professional growth and expanded technical responsibility
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, work samples or portfolio (PDF or shareable link), and a brief cover letter to:
info@pdsinconline.com
Subject line: AutoCAD Draftsperson | [Your Name]
Work samples should include examples of architectural construction documents produced in AutoCAD. Examples of Revit, SketchUp, or Lumion work are encouraged when available. Applications without relevant drawing samples may not be reviewed. PDS Architecture is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.