Find & Apply For Civil / Architectural Designer / Drafter Jobs in Monterey, California

The Role The Project Designer plays a central role in translating a client's vision into thoughtful, buildable design solutions. Working within our design-build model, this position bridges creativity and practicality—developing designs that reflect the client's lifestyle while ensuring they can be executed successfully in the field. Project Designers at Bakker Construction work closely with clients, estimators, and production teams throughout the early stages of a project. From conceptual planning through construction documentation, this role helps ensure that the design intent, project scope, and budget remain aligned. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys both the creative and technical sides of residential design—someone who values collaboration, clear communication, and the satisfaction of seeing a thoughtfully developed design become a finished home. What Success Looks Like in this Role Project Designers who thrive at Bakker Construction bring both creativity and discipline to their work. Because our design process is closely integrated with production, success in this role comes from balancing design inspiration with technical clarity and buildability. Success in this role typically includes: Translating client ideas and aspirations into clear, thoughtful design concepts Developing drawings and construction documents that can be easily understood and executed by field teams and trade partners Collaborating closely with estimators and production leaders to keep designs aligned with project budgets and timelines Guiding clients through material selections and design decisions with clarity and confidence Maintaining strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and trade partners Continuously expanding knowledge of materials, products, and design trends within the residential construction industry

Core Responsibilities Design:

1) Meet with prospective clients to discuss the possibilities and/or feasibility of their design ideas. 2) Perform all design work/tasks that may include: a. Measure existing residence and property as necessary to complete drawings of existing in CAD program. b. Preliminary, conceptual plan and revisions. c. Complete list of recommended fixtures and materials for client review in Job Tread. 3) If the project and budget based off of design is approved by client, tasks may include: a. Finalize plan set for both permitting and job use- A.K.A. construction docs. b. Final product specifications and locations. c. Assemble samples of finishes selected. d. Provide plans, permits, spec sheets, and installation instructions on all products selected to the Production Manager and Superintendent assigned to the project. i. This includes involvement in design-production hand-off meetings prior to project construction start date. 4) Communicate with and assist clients with selection of materials. a. Prepare decision lists as necessary. 5) Retain design industry knowledge. a. Collect and maintain samples of finish products and product finishes. b. Maintain knowledge availability/quality of plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, countertop materials, door and cabinet hardware, tile, stone, flooring materials, bathroom accessories. c. Know where to shop for various materials and how to express differences in various products to clients. i. This includes the ability to source materials or products that may be more cost effective to achieve clients' desired budgets. d. Keep up to date knowledge of new products and industry trends. e. Establish strong relationships with local vendors.

Development:

1) Create construction documents to be utilized and understood across all trades and field crew for project production. a. Update plan sets throughout project as field changes and client requests arise. 2) Complete various development operations: a. Ensure permit acquisition. b. Various information gathering activities. c. Modify or create any forms that can help processes move forward predictably. d. Assist with change order creation during production of projects. 3) Cultivate strong, professional relationships with trade contractors and suppliers and seek out new providers. 4) Work with Estimator for budget check-ins on projects as they are developed to ensure design is staying within the clients' desired budgets.

Assisting Production Department:

1) Communicating with Managers and clients as needed. 2) Placing orders and processing returns as requested. 3) Research of products as needed.

General Responsibilities:

1) Uphold all in-house agreements. 2) Establish and maintain cooperative and productive work relationships with other employees, clients, trade contractors, suppliers, inspectors, and others. 3) Demonstrate open, honest, timely and clear communication. 4) Demonstrate enthusiasm about the industry and team. 5) Show initiative to learn new information and methods and pursue continuous improvement. 6) Show willingness to learn new skills, accept feedback and implement suggestions. 7) Provide encouragement, recognition, constructive feedback, and coaching to all team members. 8) Be proactive when in need for more tasks or projects to work on.

Characteristics Of Excellent Performance:

A Project Designer who excels in this role consistently demonstrates:

• Projects are carried out on budget, consistent with accuracy of estimate.

Creativity paired with practical understanding of construction methods. Strong organizational habits when managing drawings, specifications, and product selections. Clear communication with clients, team members, and trade partners. A collaborative mindset that supports both the design and production teams. The ability to anticipate potential challenges and proactively develop solutions.

• Solutions are offered to the sales department, which provide creative ways to enhance the design-build process.
• Assigned tasks are completed within the agreed upon time budget, or needed changes are communicated ahead of time.
• Conflicts are resolved in a manner that is a win/win for all parties.
• Information is communicated, whether written or oral, in a timely manner, to all parties in need of the information.

Hours & Working Conditions:

• Work hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• This position is anticipated to be a 40-hour per week commitment, in-person at our office in Monterey, CA and at our job sites in the Monterey Peninsula.

Physical Requirements:

must lift 25 lbs. Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: starting at $75,000 per year
• Full-time position Benefits include:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan Our Commitment to Inclusion As an equal opportunity employer, Bakker Construction is committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce.

We recognize that a diverse staff reflective of our community is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms—both within our company and in our interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

Residential Design:

3 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Monterey, CA 93940 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Monterey, CA 93940: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person