Architectural Residential Designer and Technician

Job Description

Job Description

About Krieger Klatt Architects

Krieger Klatt Architects is a design-driven architecture and interior design firm based in Royal Oak, Michigan. Our work includes custom residential, commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, hospitality, and national brand projects.

Our residential work is focused on thoughtful, well-detailed custom homes for clients who care about design, quality, and execution. We are looking for someone who understands that great residential architecture is not just about attractive imagery — it is about designing homes that are beautiful, buildable, coordinated, and carefully documented.

We operate in a fast-paced, collaborative studio environment where designers and technical professionals work closely together from concept through construction. Our team values initiative, accuracy, strong communication, and people who take pride in getting the details right.

The Role

We are seeking an Architectural Residential Designer / Technician with approximately 2–5 years of experience to support the design and documentation of custom residential projects.

This role is ideal for someone who has a strong technical foundation, understands how residential homes are constructed, and can contribute to both design development and construction documentation. The right candidate does not need to be a licensed architect but must be comfortable working through the realities of residential construction: plans, sections, elevations, details, framing logic, building systems, consultant coordination, existing conditions, and permit-ready drawing sets.

This is not a purely conceptual design role. We need someone who can help make custom homes real.

At the same time, this is not just a drafting position. We are looking for someone with design sensitivity — someone who understands proportion, materiality, spatial relationships, and how details support the overall architectural vision.

The strongest candidates will be technically capable, design-minded, organized, and eager to grow into more responsibility over time.

Key Responsibilities

· Produce design and construction documents for custom residential projects
· Develop floor plans, elevations, sections, wall sections, details, and coordinated drawing sets
· Translate sketches, design direction, and client goals into clear architectural drawings
· Assist with residential design development, material studies, and presentation documents
· Understand and document how custom homes are assembled, detailed, and built
· Coordinate drawings with project managers, architects, interior designers, consultants, and contractors
· Assist with zoning, code, and ordinance research as it relates to residential projects
· Field measure and document existing homes and site conditions
· Prepare existing condition drawings from field notes, measurements, and photographs
· Support permit, pricing, construction document, and construction administration phases
· Review drawings for accuracy, completeness, coordination, and constructability
· Maintain organized Revit models, CAD files, project folders, and drawing sets
· Participate in internal design reviews and project coordination meetings
· Assist with client presentations and consultant coordination when appropriate

Core Expectations

This role is best suited for someone who is both technically capable and design aware.

Successful candidates consistently demonstrate:

· Strong understanding of residential construction and how homes are built
· Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD
· Ability to create clean, accurate, well-organized drawings
· Strong attention to detail and pride in technical execution
· Design sensitivity and interest in custom residential architecture
· Ability to take direction, ask smart questions, and move work forward
· Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
· Clear and professional communication
· Willingness to learn, improve, and take ownership of assigned work
· Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative studio environment
· A positive, accountable, team-first attitude

Portfolio Requirement

A portfolio or work samples are required.

Applicants should demonstrate:

· Residential design or documentation experience
· Revit-based project work
· Floor plans, elevations, sections, details, or construction documents
· Examples that show clarity, organization, accuracy, and design judgment
· Custom residential experience is strongly preferred

Qualifications

· 2–5 years of architectural experience preferred
· Experience with custom residential or high-end residential projects strongly preferred
· Degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Architectural Drafting, or related field preferred, but not required
· Equivalent professional experience will be considered
· Proficiency in Revit required
· Proficiency in AutoCAD required
· Working knowledge of SketchUp and Microsoft Office preferred
· Experience with Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar graphic/rendering tools is a plus
· Understanding of residential building systems, construction methods, detailing, and code requirements preferred
· Ability to contribute to both technical documentation and design development

Work Environment & Benefits

· Competitive salary based on experience
· Health insurance options and flexible spending account
· Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
· Flexible work schedule, including half-day Fridays
· Professional development and growth opportunities
· Collaborative, team-oriented studio environment
· Opportunity to work on custom residential projects with a high level of design and detail

Why Join KKA

At KKA, you will not be placed into a narrow drafting lane. You will work with a collaborative team on meaningful projects and have the opportunity to contribute across multiple phases of the design and construction process.

Our custom residential work requires both creativity and technical discipline. You will be part of a team that values thoughtful design, strong documentation, construction knowledge, and a high level of care in the finished product.

We are looking for someone who wants to grow, take ownership, and help us produce exceptional custom homes.