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Lead Architect
Career Insights for Civil / Architectural Designer / Drafter
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Scorecard
Based on Tennessee data
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What they do
A Civil or Architectural Designer or Drafter prepares detailed drawings for building plans and architectural designs. Creates drawings according to specifications provided by an architect, and uses computer-aided design and drafting technology.
$62,941 / year median in Tennessee
+11% projected growth
Job Description
Design with purpose. Build with precision. Merrill Construction Group is a Nashville-based residential Design + Build firm known for craftsmanship, honesty, and exceptional client experiences. We guide homeowners through every stage of the process, from the first sketch to the final walkthrough. We are seeking a Principal Architect to oversee architectural design and technical documentation from initial concept through permit-ready construction. This individual will also serve as the architect of record on every applicable project. This opportunity is designed for a licensed architect, or a license-eligible architect with an immediate path to licensure, who is ready to take meaningful ownership. You will establish architectural standards, assume stamping authority when legally and organizationally approved, develop the design team, and work directly with clients to transform their vision into a beautiful, buildable, and code-compliant home.
Our standard is clear:
exceptional spaces delivered on time, on budget, and at the quality promised. Your Impact In this role, you will: Oversee and review complete architectural drawing sets for every project, including as-built and proposed site plans, electrical plans, foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, drainage plans, details, schedules, and supporting documentation. Serve as architect of record, seal and stamp construction documents, and take responsibility for code compliance, accuracy, and life-safety integrity. Research applicable codes and zoning requirements while managing permitting and jurisdictional coordination. Identify and resolve incomplete, noncompliant, or unfeasible project elements before they advance. Establish, document, maintain, and continuously improve architectural design, drafting, and quality-control standards. Review the work of the Technical Designer and other design contributors before documents are released for permitting or production. Mentor design-team members and provide clear, constructive guidance. Coordinate with civil, structural, and geotechnical engineers as well as landscape architects to ensure each design is fully integrated. Present architectural concepts directly to clients and translate their goals into cost-aware, buildable, beautiful, and code-compliant homes. Collaborate with the Director of Design, Interior Designer, Estimator, Field Operations Manager, Partnership Coordinator, production team, consultants, and clients. Assist with the selection and approval of windows, doors, and architectural millwork. Respond promptly and thoughtfully to field questions, drawing updates, and design revisions. The Experience You Bring You may be an excellent fit for this position if you: Are a licensed architect authorized to stamp applicable construction documents, or are license-eligible with an immediate path to licensure. Have experience in residential Design
+ Build, luxury residential remodeling, or a closely related environment. Possess strong technical drawing, code, zoning, permitting, and constructibility knowledge. Are proficient in CAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office Suite. Can manage multiple active projects while protecting deadlines and maintaining complete, accurate records. Understand and accept the responsibility associated with every drawing set carrying your professional stamp. Are a natural leader who communicates directly, mentors generously, welcomes feedback, and works collaboratively to improve processes. Demonstrate thoughtful problem-solving, sound judgment, confidentiality, accountability, and a commitment to craftsmanship. Care deeply about the experience of both clients and teammates. Are currently based in the Nashville area or are willing to relocate. How Success Will Be Measured Successful performance in this role includes: Maintaining drawing-set accuracy of 95% or higher with minimal field correction. Achieving permit approval for 100% of submitted projects without avoidable rejection. Delivering at least 90% of permit-ready drawing sets and design decisions on time. Maintaining a change-order rate of 5% or lower when attributed to preventable design errors. Completing 100% of required drawing reviews and coaching commitments. Providing clients and teammates with accurate information, dependable follow-through, proactive communication, and sound professional judgment. Why Join Merrill Construction Group? Make a meaningful difference in how people experience and live in their homes. Join a collaborative team committed to craftsmanship, excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement. Take genuine ownership of architectural standards, technical quality, and design-team development. Contribute directly to the continued growth of a respected residential Design
+ Build company. Help shape projects from the earliest design conversations through construction.
Compensation and Benefits Compensation:
$135,000-$200,000, based on experience Health insurance: Medical coverage plan Time off: Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays
Retirement:
SIMPLE IRA
retirement plan
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$135,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Describe a residential project where you balanced a client's design vision with cost, building-code, zoning, or construction constraints. How did you resolve the tradeoffs?
Work Location:
In person