Junior Designer

Joseph Douglas Homes is seeking a motivated Junior Residential Plan Designer to join our growing design team. This position is ideal for an individual with approximately 2 years of residential drafting or home design experience who is looking to further develop their career in custom home design.

Working alongside our senior team, you will assist in designing custom homes, preparing construction documents, and coordinating with our estimating, interior design, and construction departments. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, eager to learn, has a strong understanding of residential construction, and is proficient in SoftPlan Home Design Software.

Primary Responsibilities:

Residential Design

• Assist in the design and development of custom single-family homes.
• Prepare preliminary floor plans, elevations, and design concepts.
• Revise plans based on client feedback and internal design reviews.
• Ensure designs balance functionality, aesthetics, and construction efficiency.
• Assist in developing new home plans for the Joseph Douglas Homes portfolio.

Construction Documents

• Prepare accurate construction drawings, including:
• Floor plans
• Foundation plans
• Roof plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Construction details
• Update drawings throughout the design and construction process.
• Coordinate revisions with engineers, consultants, and municipal plan reviewers.
• Assist with permit-ready construction documents.

Project Coordination

• Work closely with:
• Sales Consultants
• Interior Designers
• Estimators
• Project Managers
• Trade Partners
• Respond to field questions and prepare design revisions as needed.
• Help maintain project schedules by completing design work accurately and on time.

Product Development

• Assist with updating standard plans and construction details.
• Help improve drafting standards and plan organization.
• Research residential design trends, building products, and construction techniques.

Qualifications:

Required

• Approximately 2 years of residential drafting or home design experience.
• Experience with Softplan Home Design Software
• Basic understanding of residential construction methods and building codes.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Degree or technical diploma in Architectural Technology, Residential Design, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience preparing permit-ready residential construction documents.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin residential building codes.
• Experience with custom home design.
• Knowledge of Buildertrend or other construction management software.

This role offers the opportunity to grow into a lead residential designer by gaining experience in:

• Custom home planning
• Client-driven design
• Construction detailing
• Value engineering
• Building code compliance
• Municipal permitting
• Coordination with field construction teams

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about residential architecture and home design.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• A self-starter with a willingness to learn.
• Able to accept feedback and continually improve.
• Team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude.
• Committed to producing accurate, high-quality work.

Why Join Joseph Douglas Homes?

At Joseph Douglas Homes, you'll have the opportunity to work on distinctive custom homes throughout Southeastern Wisconsin while learning from an experienced team of builders and designers. We foster a collaborative environment where creativity, technical growth, and craftsmanship are valued. If you're looking to build a long-term career in residential design, this is an excellent opportunity to grow with an established and respected custom home builder.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Softplan Home Design Software: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person