Architectural Designer

Design homes that actually fit the people living in them.

ACRE Design + is a full-service architectural design and drafting firm in Lincoln, Nebraska, specializing in custom residential plans and light commercial work. Our approach is collaborative, detailed, and client-focused. We believe quality is measured by how well a space works for the people who live, work, and play in it, and we design with purpose, personality, and care so every project feels intentional and uniquely theirs.

We are looking for an experienced Architectural Designer with a strong background in the custom residential market to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who knows how to guide high-end and highly personalized home projects from early concept through permit-ready construction documents, while working closely with clients, builders, consultants, and our internal team.

The right person for this role is creative, technically strong, highly organized, easy to work with, and confident leading custom home design in a collaborative studio environment.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and documentation of custom residential projects from concept through construction documents
• Meet with clients to understand their goals, lifestyle, priorities, and budget
• Turn ideas into thoughtful, buildable home designs that balance creativity, function, and constructability
• Prepare detailed drawing sets in Chief Architect for design development, permit, and construction
• Coordinate with structural engineers, interior designers, consultants, vendors, and contractors
• Review plans for quality control, constructability, consistency, and code compliance
• Respond to jurisdictional comments and make revisions needed for permit approval
• Support the team during construction with clarifications, revisions, and problem-solving as needed
• Help maintain ACRE’s standards for detailed, organized plans and strong client communication

These responsibilities align closely with current residential designer postings that emphasize concept-through-construction involvement, consultant coordination, permit-ready documentation, client communication, and managing multiple projects with strong attention to detail.

What we’re looking for

Required

• 10+ years of experience in residential design, with a strong focus on custom homes
• Strong proficiency in Chief Architect
• Proven experience producing detailed construction documents and permit sets
• Strong understanding of residential building systems, wood-frame construction, and residential detailing
• Working knowledge of applicable residential codes and construction documentation standards
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client expectations
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• High attention to detail and a practical problem-solving mindset

Preferred

• Degree in Architecture, Drafting, Interior Design, Construction, or a related field
• Experience coordinating with structural, MEP, and other consultants
• Experience with remodeling, additions, and high-detail custom residential work
• Strong design instincts and the ability to translate client ideas into clear architectural solutions
• Sketching, presentation, or rendering skills

These qualifications reflect common expectations in current architectural designer and residential drafting postings, which frequently call for strong residential experience, construction-document expertise, code familiarity, software proficiency, organization, and collaborative communication.

Why ACRE

At ACRE, we care about great design, but we also care about how people work together. We want someone who values collaboration, listens well, communicates clearly, and enjoys being part of a team that takes the work seriously without taking itself too seriously.

You’ll be joining a firm known for:

• A collaborative and customized design approach
• Detailed, organized plans that make projects go smoother
• Listening well and helping clients feel comfortable through the design process
• Balancing creativity, function, and real-world constructability

This is a chance to help shape homes that are personal, well thought out, and genuinely enjoyable to bring to life.

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience using Chief Architect?

Experience:

• Drafting: 10 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person