Architectural Designer

SoBo Homes is a residential design build firm in Boulder, CO. We are striving to build joy through collaborative remodeling, architecture, and design. We love remodeling and updating homes in and around Boulder. As such, 99% of our work is remodels and additions on single family homes. If this does not excite you, you need not apply.

Are you tired of doing everything by yourself? Are you tired of builders hacking up your design? Are you tired of not knowing what things cost? Are you tired of your awesome designs not getting built? Look no further!

Job Purpose:

The Architectural Designer is responsible for designing all of Sobo's projects; focusing on the architectural and systemic elements of each home. We're looking for a collaborative person who can navigate the needs and realities of our clients and can effectively communicate design intent and create required documentation to ensure the integrity of the design. We need someone who's creative and innovative and understands budget constraints and can design inside these constraints. Execute and manage client communication and expectations during Architectural Design.

Specific Duties:

- Client Interaction during Design Phase - 10% of job

- Architectural Creativity/Mastery - 10% of job

- System Design, & Permitting - 30% of job

- Engineering, Structural Design - 20% of job

- Collaborate with Sobo Team - 30% of job

Client Interaction during Design Phase:

- Coordinate with clients to gather As-built measurements.

- Collaborate with Head of Sales on concepts for Initial Design Phase.

- Develop project details with clients; includes regular meetings with clients.

- Help client navigate all decisions regarding MEP, architecture, and exterior finishes/elevations.

- Build stoke, excitement, and confidence with clients. Make them glad they chose SoBo to design their home.

- No ego: the clients needs are #1.

- Stay organized and on top of client interactions. Quick client responses, correct google calendar invites.

- Keep Architectural phase of project on schedule; help guide client with proper pace and energy.

Architectural Creativity/Mastery:

- Provide creative architectural solutions to our clients' projects.

- Award winning level of architectural innovation/problem solving. NOTE: Not all projects will have the budget/need for superlative architecture.

- Understand cost implications of different solutions.

- Develop floorplan, rooflines, interior and exterior elevations, details and sections.

System Design and Permitting:

- Build as-builts in Chief Architect/Revit. Include existing system details (eg-flu chases, mech equipment, electrical panel/meter details).

- Develop site plan, landscaping plan; integrate city/county requirements.

- Collaborate with estimator, interior designers, trade partners, and owners to design windows, insulation, framing.

- Manage energy mandates and all permitting needs.

- Smart and effective lighting and electrical design. Collaborate with Interior Designers.

- Mechanical design (heating, cooling, ventilation). Understand available options, pros/cons of different systems.

- Plumbing/gas design and collaboration with Interior Designers.

- Understand all permitting requirements and navigate each project through these requirements.

- Be the primary SoBo studio representative procuring all city and county permits. It is essential to become familiar with the city and county planning departments.

- Energy Efficiency requirements (COB, Boulder County, COL, etc).

- HOA approvals.

- Manage and Update Project Autopsy Schedule spreadsheet (portion regarding permitting).

- Fill out permit application documents.

- Procure all required documentation, details, etc.

Engineering, Structural Design:

-Coordinate with structural engineer to get final stamped structural plans.

- Draw structural details, connections.

- Comprehensive understanding of potential structural solutions.

- Be able to riff with the engineer and push back on over-designed elements.

- Understand the cost implications of the engineer's reviews and solutions.

- Complete comprehension of Engineer's notes, details and call-outs.

- Make sure the drawings are buildable.

- Manage engineering fees and invoices.

Collaborate with Sobo Team:

- Collaborate with Estimator for Construction Contract Specifications.

- Weekly coordination with Head of Design, Pre-Prod Coordinator, and Project designers regarding designs, details, and estimates.

- Maintain up-to-date drawings, elevations, details. Ensure everyone has the most recent plans, drawings, elevations, and details. Includes iterative drawings and final plan set.

- Understand the various modules of Co-Construct/Job Tread (project management software). Use it to communicate with Clients, Trade Partners, and SoBo team.

- Coordinate with Sales to understand the numbers on the client Google sheet.

- Dovetail efforts with Interior Designers to ensure seamless client experience and smart design.

- Act as a design and construction resource for clients and Project Managers.

SOFT REQUIREMENTS:

Have excellent customer service skills, interact with clients and vendors.

Be customer oriented. Be a leader. Have authentic people skills.

Align with Sobo Homes' values.

Love architecture and making clients' homes special.

Team Player.

Creative.

Humble, growth mindset.

Radically candid.

High integrity: do the right thing, not the easy thing.

Upbeat, hustler, positive energy.

Sensible, logical, feet on the ground.

Able to meet deadlines, keep on schedule.

Self aware, self advocator.

Able to follow company processes.

Understands the power of critical feedback.

Love of residential remodeling.

HARD REQUIREMENTS:

College degree - either in Architecture or Interior Design

5 years experience minimum in Residential construction

Computer skills: Google suite, Revit (or other CAD building software), Chief Architect.

5 years experience with direct client communication; able to run a design meeting.

In depth knowledge of home building and systems. Single family residential.

Experience with structural framing design and engineering details in residential applications.

Own and operate your own vehicle.

What Does Excellence Look Like?

Superlative architectural design.

Excited clients.

Projects staying on schedule.

Clients understand budget implications of design decisions.

Permit approved 1 month + before construction.

Construction Contract signed 2 months before construction.

Sobo team seeks you out for ideas/questions/clarifications.

Design Manager doesn't need to explain things.

No resubmittals for incomplete permit applications.

Full understanding of permit requirements, engineering, building science.

Correct math and calculations on all permit apps and forms.

"Drawing" folders are organized (G-suite and project management software). "Old Files" exists and only most recent drawings are in 'planset' folder.