Design Lead Job at Will Johnson Building Company in Chapel Hill

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Design Lead 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 and RFIs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) preferred, or equivalent design experience
• 6+ years of professional experience, ideally in residential or light commercial design/build projects
• Proficiency 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 methods
• Experience leading client meetings, presentations, and design reviews, with proven ability to mentor staff and coordinate consultants
• Strong freehand sketching ability, including live sketching with clients using trace overlays
• A spirit of collaboration aligned with our values of Excellence, Integrity, Solutions, Joy, and Accountability

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT

• Samples of built work (plans, elevations, sections, details)
• Evidence of projects where you served as lead designer or held primary responsibility for project delivery
• BIM models or digital workflows that showcase technical capability
• 3D visuals or renderings that communicate design intent
• Client presentation materials or public-facing design packages