Freelance Architectural Designer / CAD Drafter (Residential Primary)

Arizona Building Contractors Remote (U.S.-based) | 1099 Independent Contractor Arizona Building Contractors is seeking an experienced Architectural Designer / CAD Drafter to support our design-build team on residential projects including casitas (ADUs), custom homes, renovations, additions and garages. This is a 1099 independent contractor role working on a per-project contract basis, with potential for ongoing collaboration as project volume grows. Applicants may be located anywhere in the United States but must be available for occasional coordination meetings during Mountain Standard Time business hours. Responsibilities

• Collaborate with homeowners and our design-build team to develop residential design solutions
• Produce complete construction documents including site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections and construction details
• Develop cabinetry layouts, kitchen designs and interior planning elements
• Create 3D renderings and visualizations when needed
• Ensure drawings comply with the current International Residential Code (IRC) and applicable local building regulations
• Identify design or constructibility challenges and propose practical solutions
• Maintain organized documentation and revision control
• Support estimating and project management teams during project planning

Qualifications

• 5+ years of residential architectural drafting or design experience
• Experience with ADUs, custom homes and major renovations
• Familiarity with the current International Residential Code (IRC) and prescriptive methods
• Demonstrated ability to produce permit-ready construction documents
• Experience developing construction details and cabinetry layouts
• Ability to create high-quality renderings
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Preferred Skills

• Experience using Chief Architect
• Experience with construction management platforms such as JobTread, Buildertrend or CoConstruct

Work Structure

• 1099 Independent Contractor
• Remote work
• Flexible schedule
• Project-based contracts with opportunity for ongoing collaboration

Portfolio Requirement Applicants should include a portfolio or sample drawings demonstrating experience with complex residential projects such as ADUs, custom homes or major renovations. Examples that include construction detailing, site layouts, cabinetry plans and permit-ready documentation are highly encouraged.