What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Architectural Designer position at Riemco Design Build?
Lead Architectural Designer -Residential Design Build
At Riemco Design Build, we’ve been crafting beautiful, lasting homes since 1988. We’re searching for a Lead Architectural Designer who brings strong design sensibility, structural understanding, and the leadership presence to mentor a creative design team — all while delivering exceptional client experiences.
This is a client-facing, vision-shaping, detail-driven role. You’ll collaborate with homeowners, engineers, estimators, and our build team to create custom homes and remodels that balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget. You’ll be hands-on in both creative design development and documentation, ensuring that what we imagine is exactly what we build.
What You’ll Do
- Lead architectural designs for custom homes, additions, and remodels
- Develop concepts, architectural drawings, and design documentation that ensure adherence to Michigan residential building codes
- Mentor and guide a small team of designers and drafters
- Review and oversee drawing sets for accuracy, feasibility, clarity, and buildability
- Prepare accurate site plans that reflect regulatory constraints and project requirements.
- Deliver clear, compelling presentations to communicate design ideas
- Collaborate closely with clients throughout the design journey — listening, interpreting, and inspiring
- Partner with our estimating and construction team to align designs with scope, schedule, and budget
- Support the construction team with design insight as questions arise
Who You Are
- A creative thinker with strong architectural design sensibilities
- Skilled at balancing big-picture concepts with detailed execution
- Confident leading projects and mentoring junior designers
- Empathetic, professional, and an excellent listener in client interactions
- A strong communicator who collaborates easily across teams
- Calm, organized, and constructive — even in a fast-paced environment
- Someone with a sense of humor who enjoys being part of a tight-knit team
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field
- Architectural license preferred but not required
- 5 years of experience in residential design and documentation
- Solid understanding of residential construction methods, detailing, and buildability
- Proficiency in BIM/3D design software (Revit, ArchiCAD, Chief Architect preferred)
- Strong knowledge of zoning, building codes, and site planning
- Experience mentoring or leading a design team
- Familiarity with Passive House principles, standards and best practices (nice to have)
- Experience using design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems and drive user-center solutions
Why Join Us
- Work on custom, high-end residential projects that challenge your creativity
- Team up with passionate designers, builders, and industry experts
- Make a true impact — your ideas will shape real homes, not just drawings
- Competitive compensation, Flexible schedule, PTO, and retirement plan
- A fun and collaborative workplace where great design and great people matter
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Residential Architectural Design: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person