Full-Time | Onsite | Mountain View, CA

Join an award-winning, employee-owned Design + Build firm where your architectural expertise, client communication skills, and ability to create beautiful, buildable homes directly support exceptional client experiences.

At Harrell Design + Build, we are seeking a skilled Residential Architect / Project Developer to help guide clients through the early stages of their remodeling journey while developing thoughtful, constructible residential designs.

This role is ideal for someone who understands residential remodeling, enjoys working directly with clients, and can balance design creativity with feasibility, budget, permitting, and construction realities.

What You’ll Do

Client Discovery & Project Development

Meet with homeowners to understand their goals, lifestyle needs, budget, and project vision
Support early project conversations by helping define scope, feasibility, and design direction
Communicate the value of the design-build process with professionalism and confidence

Residential Design & Documentation

Develop architectural concepts, space plans, and design solutions for custom residential projects
Prepare accurate, code-compliant, and constructible drawings for design development and permitting
Ensure designs align with client priorities, budget expectations, schedule, and Harrell standards

Feasibility, Permitting & Code Coordination

Evaluate project feasibility, site conditions, zoning requirements, and applicable building codes
Coordinate permit submittals and respond to plan check comments as needed
Work with consultants, jurisdictions, and internal teams to support a smooth approval process

Team Collaboration

Partner with Sales, Interior Design, Estimating, Consultants, and Production to keep projects aligned
Provide design and constructability input throughout the preconstruction process
Support smooth handoffs from design into construction

Client Experience

Build trust-based relationships with clients through clear communication and follow-through
Help deliver a polished, professional, and high-touch client experience
Represent Harrell Design + Build with professionalism in the office, with clients, and on job sites

What Makes You Successful in This Role

5+ years of experience in residential architecture, residential remodeling, or design-build
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required
Current and active architect license required
Strong understanding of residential design, space planning, permitting, and construction documentation
Experience with remodels, additions, ADUs, and custom single-family residential projects
Knowledge of local zoning, California Residential Code, and Title 24 coordination
Ability to create designs that are both beautiful and buildable
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Proficiency with tools such as Chief Architect, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe, Microsoft Office, BuilderTrend, or similar platforms
Valid driver’s license and ability to attend in-person client meetings and job walks

Who You Are

A polished, professional, and client-focused architect
A strong listener who can translate client goals into thoughtful design solutions
Creative, practical, and constructability-minded
Collaborative and team-oriented
Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture
Comfortable discussing design, budget, feasibility, and project expectations with clients
Proactive, organized, and solutions-focused
Committed to quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary:

$95,000.00 - 115,000.00

Final compensation range to be confirmed based on experience, licensure, and qualifications.

Additional Benefits:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan — share in company success
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off + holidays
Mileage reimbursement
Professional growth and development opportunities
Opportunity to work on high-quality, design-forward residential projects

Why Join Harrell Design + Build

Employee-owned company with long-term wealth-building opportunity
35+ years of industry leadership and award-winning residential design-build work
High-quality custom residential projects in the Bay Area
Collaborative environment with experienced design, sales, estimating, and production teams
Meaningful, creative work that directly impacts how clients live in their homes

Success in This Role Looks Like

Producing thoughtful, high-quality residential designs
Helping clients feel confident and supported through the design process
Delivering accurate, timely, and permit-ready documentation
Supporting strong alignment between design, budget, feasibility, and construction
Collaborating effectively with internal teams and outside consultants
Contributing to a professional, client-focused, employee-owned culture

Physical Requirements

This role requires working at a computer for extended periods, reviewing plans and specifications, attending client meetings, and participating in site visits or job walks. Site visits may include walking, standing, bending, climbing stairs, navigating uneven terrain, and wearing required PPE. The role may occasionally require lifting or carrying drawings, samples, or equipment up to 25 pounds.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and portfolio or relevant project samples to careers@harrelldesignbuild.com

We encourage you to explore our work before applying:

www.harrelldesignbuild.com/careers

Residential Architect, Project Developer

Estimator / Specifier