Residential Architect - sun design remodeling : Job Details

Are you a creative problem solver who thrives in designing custom homes that bring families together? Do you dream of seeing your architectural visions come to life within a year, rather than waiting endlessly for projects that may never get built? Are you ready to work with a collaborative team where your expertise in both design creativity AND technical execution will be truly valued?

If you're a licensed architect or architect-in-training with residential design experience who wants to make a real impact on families' lives while growing your career in a supportive, award-winning environment, we want to meet you!

About Us:

Sun Design Inc. has been transforming homes and bringing families together since 1988. As a premier design-build remodeling company serving the DC, Virginia, and Maryland area, we specialize in creating custom solutions for multi-generational families, aging-in-place modifications, and stunning home transformations.

Our culture is rooted in truth, fun, and charity - values that guide everything we do. We believe in being a little weird (better than the average bear!), celebrating our team with birthday cards, anniversary recognition, Halloween costume competitions, and even publishing our own company cookbook. We practice open-book management, sharing our financials and strategy with all employees because we believe everyone should understand how they influence our outcomes.

Recently named one of Virginia's Best Places to Work 2024, Sun Design offers freedom within a framework - giving you the guidelines and support you need while empowering you to do your best work. With 64 dedicated employees and a strong track record of retention, we're not just a company - we're a family.

Visit us at sundesigninc.com to see our amazing transformations!

What I love about Sun Design is that every project is totally custom - every client is different, every scope of work, every budget, every house. You get to see your creative work come to life in under a year, and you're actually invited to visit job sites to watch your designs being built. It's incredibly rewarding. - Jennifer Callanan, Director of Design

Summary of Responsibilities:

Lead complex residential remodeling projects ($400,000-$1.5M+) through all phases of architectural design while working directly with clients and collaborating with our amazing interior design team, estimators, sales consultants, and award-winning production craftsmen. You'll manage multiple custom projects simultaneously, from initial site analysis through construction administration, while mentoring team members and ensuring exceptional design quality.

Essential Functions :

• Design & Lead - Develop innovative concepts for residential remodels, additions, and outdoor spaces while managing project teams through all architectural phases
• Technical Excellence - Conduct structural analysis, building code research, and create comprehensive construction documents and permit packages
• Collaborate & Coordinate - Work directly with clients, interior designers, engineers, consultants, and construction teams to deliver seamless projects
• Quality & Mentorship - Ensure design quality through reviews and coordination while mentoring junior team members
• Watch Your Designs Built - Visit job sites during construction to see your creative visions come to life

Education, Experience, and Skills Required :

• Education & Experience: Bachelor/Master in Architecture with 10+ years in residential design and wood-frame construction
• Architecture Registration: Must be a Registered Architect (DC, MD, or VA) OR in the process of taking architectural registration exams OR qualified to take exams and will begin taking exams in 2026
• Design & Technical Expertise: Creative eye for exterior design, period styles, and advanced knowledge of building codes, zoning, and structural principles
• Space Planning & Integration: Innovative space planning with seamless structural and MEP systems coordination
• Software Skills: Proficiency in CAD software (Chief Architect, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp), MS Office, hand sketching preferred
• Communication Skills: Excellent client/team interaction skills and professional presentation abilities

Compensation:

• Competitive Salary: $95,000-$125,000 based on experience
• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid schedule available after 90-day onboarding
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision
• Time Off: 8 holidays, vacation & personal time, parental leave
• Financial Benefits: Company-matched 401K, project-specific and company-wide bonus incentives
• Professional Development: Access to Sun Design University, lunch-and-learns, annual retreat, certification reimbursement
• Additional Perks: Project-related mileage reimbursement, open book financials, company laptop provided

Personal characteristics needed to be successful in this role :

• Collaborative & Detail-Oriented - Thrives in team environments while maintaining meticulous attention to technical details and quality standards
• Creative Problem Solver - Thinks outside the box to develop innovative solutions and communicates effectively with clients and consultants
• Curious Leader & Mentor - Always seeking to learn and improve while enjoying the opportunity to guide and share knowledge with others
• Humble & Client-Focused - Willing to learn the Sun Design way while genuinely caring about creating solutions that improve families' lives
• Technically Competent - Confident enough to challenge consultants while remaining open to collaboration and new approaches

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume highlighting your residential design and wood-frame construction experience
• Include a portfolio showcasing residential projects with both design capabilities AND working/construction drawings
• Portfolio must demonstrate wood-frame construction experience and projects similar in scope ($400,000+ preferred)
• Candidates must be willing to work primarily from our McLean, Virginia office (with hybrid flexibility after onboarding)

We have a formal recruiting process and have a relationship with Zephyr Connects LLC, whom we use for the screening and hiring process. If you are selected for the next step you will get instructions from Thalia within 3 days of your submission. Everyone will be contacted.

Sun Design Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sun Design Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.