Architectural Designer / Architect – Residential Design-Build

ABOUT EMERGENT

At Emergent, we believe great spaces improve the way people live.

We are an integrated design-build firm specializing primarily in mid- to high-end residential architecture and construction, with select commercial projects. Our work ranges from thoughtful renovations to complex custom homes, where design and construction are developed together from the very beginning. Our team values collaboration, craft, and problem-solving. Designers, architects, builders, and craftspeople work side by side to translate ideas into spaces that are both beautiful and deeply functional.

We are looking for architectural professionals who enjoy working in an environment where design thinking and construction knowledge go hand in hand.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Emergent is seeking detail-oriented architectural professionals to support the design and documentation of primarily residential projects, with occasional commercial work.

We are open to candidates across several experience levels, from approaching or recent architectural graduates and experienced architectural draftspersons to licensed architects. These roles are ideal for individuals who are passionate about the technical side of architecture and enjoy working closely with builders to bring thoughtful design to life.

Successful candidates will contribute to the development of construction documents, technical detailing, and digital models, collaborating closely with our design and construction teams throughout the life of a project.

If you’re energized by the challenge of translating thoughtful design into clear, buildable drawings—and enjoy working alongside designers and builders to see your work realized—we’d love to hear from you.

EXPERIENCE LEVELS WE ARE HIRING FOR

We welcome candidates across several career stages:

Architectural Draftsperson
Early career professional or recent architecture graduate supporting drawing production, modeling, and project documentation.

Architectural Designer
Experienced professional capable of producing and coordinating construction drawing sets with increasing independence.

Licensed Architect
Registered architect with advanced technical experience leading drawing production and contributing to project coordination.

Responsibilities and compensation will scale based on experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop architectural drawings and construction documents using Chief Architect and other softwares
• Translate design concepts into clear, accurate, and buildable drawing sets
• Produce 3D models and visualizations to support design development
• Develop framing details, sections, and cross-sections supporting construction
• Conduct site visits to document existing conditions and prepare as-built drawings
• Perform construction observation visits (based on experience level)
• Maintain organized project files, revisions, and documentation
• Collaborate closely with both design and construction team members

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Full-time in-office position in Indianapolis, Indiana

Collaborative design-build studio environment

Some remote and/or hybrid work available

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We are open to shaping this role around the right candidate/s.

Full-time position/s may be structured as salary or hourly, commensurate with experience.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Medical insurance
• Paid time off

CORE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A strong understanding of construction documents is essential for these roles.

Successful candidates must be comfortable producing and coordinating complete construction drawing sets, including plans, elevations, sections, framing details, and technical documentation that clearly communicate design intent to builders and trades.

At Emergent, drawings are not purely conceptual—they are the roadmap for building. Candidates should demonstrate experience creating clear, accurate, and buildable construction documents, particularly for residential architecture.

Applicants should be prepared to provide a portfolio demonstrating construction documentation experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Chief Architect, SketchUp, Rhino and/or similar software
• Experience producing construction documents for residential architecture (commercial a plus)
• Strong understanding of construction detailing
• Ability to produce precise 2D drawings and compelling 3D models
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Portfolio demonstrating construction documentation and detailing