Residential Building Designer/Architect

Will Johnson Building Company Employer

Chapel Hill, NC, USLocation:

Thu, May 21 '26Posted On

$90,000 - $140,000 annually Pay:

DESIGN LEAD

About The Rol e

We are seeking a Residential Building Designer who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, client leadership, and technical execution. You will lead projects from the earliest sketch through delivery of construction documents, guiding both clients and our internal teams with creativity, clarity, and precision. You’ll not only translate design intent into comprehensive documents but also bring ideas to life in real time using live sketching and trace overlays during client meetings to capture design preferences, test options, and communicate visually on the spot. As a trusted guide for our clients, you will lead them through the design process with clarity, creativity, and empathy, ensuring their vision is realized with both artistry and technical rigor.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership: Drive design development and ensure the client vision carries through every stage of the project

Live Sketching: Engage clients directly through quick, schematic sketching and trace overlays in real time, turning conversation into design ideas they can see and respond to immediately

Client Leadership: Act as a trusted advisor, fostering confidence through clear communication and thoughtful design solutions

Documentation & Technical Detailing: Produce and oversee high-quality drawings and specifications, ensuring accuracy and adherence to codes

Project Management: Coordinate schedules, budgets, and deliverables, balancing client needs with firm resources

Collaboration: Partner with our designers, BIM specialists, estimators, and the build team to refine designs and resolve challenges

Construction Administration: Provide ongoing support during construction, including site visits & RFIs

QUAL IFICATIONS

Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) preferred, or equivalent design experience6+ years of professional experience, ideally in residential or light commercial design/build projectsProficiency in BIM software (Archicad strongly preferred; Revit acceptable with willingness to transition)Demonstrated ability to produce complete construction document sets, with strong knowledge of building codes, detailing, and construction methodsExperience leading client meetings, presentations, and design reviews, with proven ability to mentor staff and coordinate consultantsStrong freehand sketching ability, including live sketching with clients using trace overlaysA spirit of collaboration aligned with our values of Excellence, Integrity, Solutions, Joy, and Accountability

Port Folio Requirements

Samples of built work (plans, elevations, sections, details)Evidence of projects where you served as lead designer or held primary responsibility for project deliveryBIM models or digital workflows that showcase technical capability3D visuals or renderings that communicate design intentClient presentation materials or public-facing design packages

Benefits Package

Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your familyLife and disability insurancePaid Time Off401K Retirement Savings PlanSupport for continuing education, AIA membership, and licensure fees

Who We Are

For over 30 years, Will Johnson Building Company has created homes that resonate with meaning, harmony, and craftsmanship. We believe great design is more than form; it’s about creating spaces rooted in story, care, and intention. As a boutique design/build studio serving the Triangle, our practice unites expertise in design and construction so our clients experience both seamless delivery and inspired design. Our core values of Excellence, Integrity, Solutions-Oriented Thinking, Joy, and Accountability aren’t just words; they shape every decision we make.

WHY JOIN US

Lead design-rich, high-craft projects that shape homes from sketch to buildCollaborate with a passionate studio where design and construction are fully integratedWork in an environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and client service equallyGrow into leadership — your career path will evolve as our studio expandsYour voice will shape both our projects and the future direction of our studioBe part of a firm where excellence, integrity, and joy guide our work — and where your expertise will help craft homes of lasting beauty and meaning.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offProfessional development assistanceVision insurance

Work Location: In person

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