Architectural Project Lead - Residential Design-Build (Hybrid)

Company:

Inspired Design Inc.

Location:

Kansas City Metro (

Hybrid:

Home Office / Active Jobsites)

Position Type:

Full-Time, W-2

Total Expected Annual Earnings:

$72,000 - $80,000+

Base Salary:

$65,000

Anticipated Annual Bonus:

$7,000 - $15,000+ (Project closeout profit share; eligible post-90 days)

Plus Monthly Stipends & Allowances:

$450/month

WHO WE ARE

Inspired Design Inc is a boutique residential design-build firm based in Lee's Summit, with clients across the Kansas City metro. We specialize in comprehensive whole-home renovations, main-level reconfigurations, and custom kitchen and bathroom remodels, primarily in the $100k to $400k+ range. We aren't pretentious, and we don't design theoretical concepts for infinite budgets. Our clients are real families investing in their forever homes, so we design for how they live today and how their spaces will need to function over the next decade and beyond. We plan meticulously, remain flexible when jobsite conditions evolve, and take pride in finding creative spatial and construction solutions our clients wouldn't have arrived at on their own. Whether a project calls for fully bespoke millwork or adapting to semi-custom cabinetry to free up budget for removing a structural wall, we focus on value, clear communication, uncompromising build quality, and real-world constructibility.

THE ROLE

As our Architectural Project Lead , you will serve as the core technical engine of the firm and an autonomous collaborator alongside the Founding Principal. While our principal leads the primary client aesthetic vision and finish palette, your domain is total technical execution . You take established concepts and build them out in the real world—developing constructible CAD sets, coordinating plumbing layouts, pulling digital takeoffs, building budgets, and walking active jobsites with our trades. In our tight core office team of two, there are no rigid corporate silos here. We operate on a simple principle: if it serves the client, then it's your job. Whether you are solving an intricate framing conflict on paper or running an extra box of tile out to a jobsite so our tile setter doesn't lose half a day of momentum, we do what it takes to support our trades and keep the build moving forward.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical CAD Production:

Draft buildable, dimensioned residential drawing sets in AutoCAD, with an emphasis on floor plans including plumbing layouts and HVAC routes, precision electrical & lighting plans, and material finish layouts (tile, flooring, etc.) and elevations that detail layouts for our subs and our clients.

As-Built Site Verification:

Conduct digital site scans using Twindo (mobile LiDAR app) alongside physical tape verifications to establish precise base plans, documenting real-world ceiling heights, structural chases, and mechanical routes.

Digital Takeoffs & Estimating:

Perform quantity takeoffs for finishes, tile, flooring, and millwork. Build and maintain structured line-item estimates, subcontractor bid packages, and purchase orders within JobTread.

Team Communication & Systems:

Collaborate daily through Basecamp for internal project chat, client card tables, and file organization, paired with JobTread for budget tracking.

Subcontractor Walkthroughs:

Lead on-site trade walkthroughs (framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, tile, painting) to review scopes of work, solicit competitive bids, and verify field feasibility before contracts are finalized.

Continuous Quality & Detail Audits:

Walk active projects across all phases—from framing and MEP rough-ins through tile waterproofing, cabinetry installation, and final punch. Partner closely with our in-house trade lead and trade partners to audit site conditions against approved drawings and ensure tight finish tolerances.

Field Support & Project Momentum:

Coordinate material deliveries, provide real-time drawing clarifications for trades, and maintain on-site momentum so our crews and partner GCs never lose a day waiting on answers.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Technical Background:

Degree in Architecture, Architectural Studies, Interior Architecture, or 3-5+ years of practical experience in residential design-build, custom residential drafting, or architectural casework.

Constructibility & Detailing First:

Practical understanding of residential wood framing, load paths, plumbing drops, and duct routing—with specific strength in custom cabinetry engineering (reveals, clearances, scribe details) and electrical/lighting layouts. You visualize assemblies in 3D and understand how lines on paper become physical reality.

Software Competence:

Proficiency in AutoCAD and comfort working with digital site scanning tools (Twindo), G-Suite apps, and cloud collaboration platforms (JobTread and Basecamp experience is a bonus, but not required).

Systems Mindset & Workflow Efficiency:

You have a natural allergy to disorganization. You instinctively keep digital folders clean, layer names consistent, and drawing sets structured. You genuinely enjoy refining templates, organizing CAD blocks, and tightening handoffs so our two-person office runs like a well-oiled machine.

Autonomous Pathfinding & Problem-Solving:

A planner's mindset with the flexibility to adapt. When jobsite demolition uncovers an unexpected chase or an existing condition defies the drawing, you don't freeze and wait for instructions. You analyze the field conditions, map out viable routes forward, and bring well-reasoned solutions to the table.

Grounded Communication:

Comfortable holding a tape measure, walking a dusty framing site, and communicating clearly and respectfully with trade leads, general contractors, and homeowners.

Valid Driver's License & Reliable Vehicle:

Required for site visits, field measures, and site check-ins across the KC metro (supported by a flat monthly vehicle allowance).

BENEFITS AND LOGISTICS

Bonus Structure Details:

Performance bonuses are paid as a lump sum at final project closeout:

In-House Builds:

2.0% of realized gross profit on projects meeting or exceeding our contracted margin.

Partner-GC Projects:

4.0% of the firm's collected design and management fee upon final construction completion. Monthly Stipends Breakdown ($450/month): $150/month Home Office Stipend plus $300/month Flat Vehicle Allowance (eliminates tedious mileage paperwork)

Hardware & Software Provided:

High-performance company workstation/laptop fully configured with AutoCAD. Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days (3 weeks) paid vacation, 10 days (2 weeks) paid personal/sick time, and major federal holidays

Year-End Studio Slowdown:

This is a naturally quieter period where design deliverables and major milestones tend to be off the schedule so we (and our clients) can recharge. Because construction doesn't grind to a dead halt, we stay lightly connected as a two-person team and share oversight of active job sites so neither of us is left carrying the load alone.

Schedule & Autonomy:

You manage your own calendar and work rhythm between home and the field. Construction is dynamic—we don't watch the clock or micromanage your hours; you roll with the punches, pop onto jobsites whenever field questions arise, and do what it takes to keep drawings accurate and builds moving forward.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and a sample Construction Set PDF that you personally drafted (including at least one dimensioned floor plan, an electrical/lighting plan, and an interior elevation or material finish layout). In your application note, briefly tell us about your experience working with trades on site or conducting field measurements.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): This role requires creating fully detailed Construction Documents. Are you able to provide a dimensioned CD set (plans, electrical, cabinetry/elevations) for review?

Experience:

AutoCAD:

3 years (Required) Residential construction: 3 years (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Lees Summit, MO 64064