Architectural Designer – Design Department Lead
📍 Hilton Head Island / Bluffton, SC Area | 🕒 Full-Time
About the Role:
Are you a seasoned Architectural Designer ready to lead a growing design department? Our fast-growing design-build firm is urgently hiring a dynamic, experienced professional to shape the future of our in-house design studio. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to build systems from the ground up and help scale the company.
What You’ll Do:
Lead and manage the design department, including remote/offshore team members.
Create and implement drawing standards and scalable design systems.
Collaborate with clients, estimators, and project directors.
Produce architectural designs and 3D models using CAD tools.
Guide clients through residential remodel/build concepts via visual mockups.
Help establish a fully operational in-house design studio.
What We’re Looking For:
✅ Experience:
5+ years in residential architectural design (remodeling preferred).
Leadership experience running or managing a design department.
✅ Technical Skills:
Proficient in AutoCAD or Revit.
Open to learning Chief Architect (we’ll support training).
Strong 3D modeling and structural understanding.
✅ Leadership & Communication:
Skilled at leading teams and collaborating across departments.
Experience managing remote team members a strong plus.
Comfortable interacting directly with clients.
✅ Traits for Success:
Organized, deadline-driven, and solution-focused.
Positive attitude, team player, sense of humor.
Thrives under pressure, learns from mistakes, and eager to grow.
Perks & Culture:
✨ Dynamic, fast-paced environment with exciting residential & light commercial work
🚀 Clear advancement opportunities and long-term career growth
💡 Team-building and employee development focused
🏡 Family-run and family-oriented workplace
🕒 Standard 40-hour workweek or less
Ready to make an impact?
Take the next step in your design career and lead with purpose.
📩 Send your resume to melissa.strater@gogpac.com
Qualified individuals will be contacted for a confidential conversation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
