Prefabricated (Pre-Fab) Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Prefabricated (Pre-Fab) Designer

A Pre-Fab Designer at Improve Group works to translate a client’s vision and site requirements into a compelling design solution. This role will utilize their skills in supporting Design and Architecture projects across DoD and Commercial projects; with an emphasis and specialty in the Pre-Fab space. This includes development of drafted 2-D drawings and 3-D models (from programming through construction administration) which provide design services for our building construction projects. In collaboration with our licensed architecture team, this position enhances our OMEGA impact and greatly expands the opportunity for revenue and scale in our expanding business. It allows IG to deliver integrated projects to our clients, while improving our internal process, critical thinking and design of the built environment.

At Improve Group (IG), a Pre-Fab Designer works closely with the broader Architecture and Operations teams to develop comprehensive project plans for the design of a project, then coordinates, tracks, and drives the efforts of all teams involved (internal and external partners) to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and timely solutions through project completion. This position is both technical and creative in nature and requires strong analytical, planning and organizational skills. This role requires strong design skills, advanced CAD / BIM software proficiency, and strong project management skills. 

This role will have a hybrid schedule based out of our Albuquerque, NM office. There will be occasional travel within the US involved, estimated to be less than 20%. The Pre-Fab Designer will direct report to the Pre-Fab Design Supervisor and will be joining a Pre-Fab team of 2. 

Roles and Responsibilities:
•    Project Vision + Construction Drawings – Participate in identifying project design vision. Organize and lead the preparation of drafted construction drawing using 2-D drawings (Autocad) and 3-D models (Revit). Prepare and distribute drawing sets (SD, DD, CD and/or Prefab shop drawings) to A&E team and participate in delivery planning for projects. Heavy involvement in the Sumittal and Record Set drawing creation for Pre-Fab manufacturers. This includes visiting project sites with Project Managers and Install teams to assess the job site and take detailed measurements of the space. Drawings with detail of the project design and vision are required for order submission to manufacturers. Use of Software’s in the form of AutoCAD / Revit will be essential to this role. Coordination of final finish selections, graphic selections, wall details, and anything else pertaining to the final Pre-Fab wall system order will be required. Close communication with the install team by providing them 3D models of the final Pre-Fab wall system order, install drawings, and any other resources available to the install team will be an added component of this role.
•    Client + Sales Support – Support business development and sales through education and the management of customer expectations around project deliverables. Assist in managing stakeholder communications during the entire life cycle of a project.
•    OMEGA Platform Support – Support development of the OMEGA platform which includes: methodology, building ecosystem partner relationships and engaging in R&D efforts for both project specific and general business development.
•    Communication + Partnerships – Promote empowerment of the team to ensure that the design vision is successfully communicated.  Participate in maintaining both vendor and branch / partner relationships as part of the overall project life cycle.
•    Team Building – Work collaboratively within teams to support a highly effective and technically proficient design team.  Through mentorship, project reviews and process development, enable other team members to grow and develop critical problem solving and design thinking skills.

Specific Skills:
•    Develop 2-D and 3-D drawings and/or renderings to fully represent an integrated project vision at appropriate design phases: programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, construction administration, etc.
•    Attend site visits when needed (travel is estimated to be less than 20%)
•    Develop 3-D Revit models, ranging from progress presentations to final design submittals.
•    Coordinate and update drawings and models within the full design team process from master planning and schematic design through construction documents.
•    Ensure designs meet all structural requirements, building codes, and client specifications.
•    Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, calculations, and project notes.
•    Use existing templates to generate reports and presentations to communicate design concepts and progress to clients and management.
•    Maintain organized records of all design files and project documentation.
•    Serve as a company expert on industry trends, materials, and technologies related to prefabricated construction. This involves educating the broader company on innovative opportunities. 
•    Strong knowledge and understanding of client needs with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence. 
•    Strong interpersonal skills, including collaborating and managing multiple consultants and sub-contractors. 
•    Oversight and development of drawings and proposals that comply within regulatory requirements of a specific project.
•    Follow QA/QC plan for internal design review, in conjunction with running the Revit file through all required design review processes.
•    Develop Revit submittal drawings as well as finishes and custom graphics sign-off forms for review by client prior to order.
•    Coordinate delivery details and on-site delivery dates with Project Manager.
•    Coordinate design deficiencies during installation and construction.

Education and Experience:
•    Bachelor degree required, BA in Architecture on Construction required.
•    5+ years of experience within the architecture industry providing the following services: Programming, SD/DD/CD drawings, Bidding/Negotiation and Construction Administration.
•    Preference for a minimum of 2 years of experience in designing prefabricated wall panel systems. If candidate has advanced to expert knowledge on BIM (Revit Software) & CAD; it is satisfactory to have a strong interest in mastering a specialty in Pre-Fab. 
•    Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.  Ability to communicate effectively with business development, construction professionals, architects, engineers, and owners.
•    Proficiency in interpreting blueprints and complex technical drawings. 
•    Experience handling several simultaneous projects with evolving deliverables and deadlines.
•    Experience in the DoD/Federal market is highly preferred but not required.
•    Proficient with BIM and CAD software (Revit, AutoCAD,).
•    Proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign).
•    Familiarity with office software (Windows 11); Microsoft Teams and Dynamics or equivalent CRM. 
•    Familiarity with various other software; Bluebeam; Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); Microsoft Office (Teams and Dynamics or equivalent CRM); Enscape and Twinmotion
•    Ability to live our four Inside-Out Company Commitments:
o    Be the Advocate
o    Be Unreasonable
o    Be Vulnerable
o    Be Bonded 
•    Not a requirement- but if candidate is working towards architecture licensure, leadership is happy to support this pursuit via guidance, mentorship and insights to navigate each step of the process. 
•    Clean driving record with proof of insurance and valid driver’s license.
•    Must be legally authorized to work in the US without employer sponsorship
•    Must have the ability to gain access to DoD facilities. (required)

Compensation Structure:

• Competitive Base Salary (Depending on experience)
• Participation in the employee company bonus (annual)
• Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP). An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for, through granted stocks to employees.
• 401K retirement company match
• Medical (90% premium company paid, for employee), dental, vision, company covered life insurance and disability (short and long term), optional additional life insurance
• PTO, Bereavement, Paid New Parent Leave, and Holidays