Design & Permitting Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:  

At Citadel, we possess the skills and expertise to tackle a wide range of commercial projects, paired with deep appreciation for culture and values.  Recognizing that each project is unique, we adopt a customized approach by understanding our clients, their values and their goals.  We believe that maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude is crucial for success.  Whether managing a major commercial project or engaging without team, we consistently bring a high energy and commitment. 

Job Overview:

The Design & Permitting Associate supports our branded retail / commercial rollout programs by producing accurate early site layouts, developing coordinated architectural models and drawings, and assisting with jurisdictional permit submittals. This entry-level-to-early-career role is ideal for a detail‑oriented drafter/designer who is comfortable in BIM (Revit) and AutoCAD, eager to learn our prototype drawing standards, and willing to navigate online permitting portals. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop preliminary site and floor plan layouts from surveys, civil backgrounds, and client program criteria.
• Build and maintain coordinated Revit models from prototype templates; produce plan, elevation, section, and detail sheets per company standards.
• Translate markups/redlines from senior designers, architects, or project managers into accurate construction documents.
• Import and coordinate consultant backgrounds (civil, structural, MEP) and update drawing sets accordingly.
• Use AutoCAD and/or Revit drafting tools to generate dimensionally accurate details and schedules.
• Prepare export packages (PDF, DWF, DWG, IFC as required) for internal reviews and external stakeholders.
• Prepare jurisdictional permit application forms using provided project data; track required attachments (drawings, reports, calculations, fees, affidavits).
• Upload drawings and documents to municipal or third‑party online portals; confirm receipt and application completeness.
• Log permit numbers, plan review cycles, comments, and approval dates in the project tracking system.
• Assist in responding to plan review comments—route to responsible discipline, update drawings, compile resubmittal packages.
• Coordinate with expediters or AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) contacts as directed.
• Support drawing and permitting workflows for an assigned group of brand clients.
• Maintain brand‑specific prototype libraries (title blocks, typical details, finish legends, equipment blocks) under guidance of senior staff.
• Track brand program nuances: signage standards, drive‑thru clearances, equipment footprints, accessibility requirements, and jurisdictional hot buttons common to each program.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 1–3 years in architectural drafting, production design, or closely related role (internships count). Portfolio required with application.
• Software: Proficient in Revit (BIM) and AutoCAD for 2D/3D production; working ability in SketchUp for quick massing / visualization.
• Document Tools: Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam Revu for markups; familiarity with Google Earth or similar for site context.
• Construction Literacy: Basic understanding of building assemblies, materials, and construction sequencing; able to coordinate drawing details across disciplines.
• Plan Reading: Able to read and interpret surveys, civil grading plans, utility plans, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Productivity Apps: Basic Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) for communication and tracking.
• Exposure to municipal permit processes: filling out applications, navigating online submittal portals, tracking status.
• Basic understanding of building and zoning code concepts (occupancy, egress, fire separations, ADA / accessibility).
• Interior / fixture design experience or coursework.
• Familiarity with multi‑site rollout or prototype‑based design programs.