Lead Architect

Lead Architect

Zenith Design Build • West Des Moines, Iowa • In Person

Are you an architect who thrives at the intersection of design excellence and real client relationships? Do you love guiding a homeowner from a rough idea to a fully envisioned, permitted project and have the confidence to ask for the commitment when the time is right?

At Zenith Design Build, our Lead Architect is the cornerstone of the client experience. You own the relationship from the very first conversation through the handoff to construction and everything in between. This isn't a behind-the-scenes drafting role. You'll be the face of Zenith during the most important phase of a project, combining architectural expertise with the consultative ability to help homeowners say 'yes' with confidence.

THE ROLE

You will be the single point of contact for every client from initial inquiry through construction start. That means leading discovery calls, conducting site visits, developing design concepts, presenting proposals, guiding material selections, and closing the project all while producing the architectural drawings and documentation that make it buildable. You'll work closely with Zenith's project managers and field team to ensure a seamless transition once the contract is signed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•      Own the client relationship from first contact through construction start

•      Serve as the primary and consistent point of contact throughout the entire pre-construction phase

•      Lead initial client consultations: listen deeply, assess project feasibility, establish budget parameters, and set clear expectations

•      Develop full architectural design concepts, drawings, and construction documents in Chief Architect (Zenith's platform) — proficiency in similar tools is welcome, but willingness to work fluently in Chief Architect is required

•      Present design solutions compellingly and guide clients through investment levels, scope decisions, and trade-offs with confidence and clarity

•      Ask for the commitment — you're comfortable closing a project when the design and trust are there, without pressure tactics

•      Lead clients through material and finish selections, coordinating with showrooms and vendors as needed

•      Collaborate with estimators, project managers, and field superintendents to ensure designs are accurate, buildable, and on-budget

•      Produce thorough, accurate permit-ready drawings and design documentation for a clean handoff to production

QUALIFICATIONS

•      Minimum 5 years of experience in residential construction — remodeling and additions experience strongly preferred

•      Demonstrated ability to sell: you've guided clients through design-to-commitment conversations and aren't afraid to ask for the close

•      Proficiency in Chief Architect, AutoCAD, Revit, or similar residential design software — must be willing to work in Chief Architect as Zenith's primary platform

•      Strong understanding of residential construction methods, structural considerations, zoning, and permitting

•      Excellent verbal and written communication skills — you can explain complex design decisions to a homeowner in plain language

•      Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and project management/communication tools

IDEAL BACKGROUND

•      Architect or senior designer at a residential design-build firm who has owned the client relationship end-to-end

•      Residential architect with experience presenting proposals and closing custom home or remodel projects

•      Design professional who has naturally evolved into a consultative, client-facing role and loves it

CORE VALUES — MUST BE A FIT

•      Excellence

•      Courage

•      Positive Mindset

•      Continuous Improvement

•      Extreme Ownership

•      Empathy

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: Competitive, starting from $75,000-$150,000 year

401(k): Yes

Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision

Time Off: Paid time off

Location: In-Person • West Des Moines, Iowa

Phone: 515-518-0237

Apply today and own the role where your architectural expertise and client instincts directly shape project outcomes — and the growth of a company that's building something special.