Improve Group | Pre-Fab Designer | albuquerque, nm

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 position will be based in our Albuquerque, New Mexico office, with the option for a hybrid work schedule. There will be occasional travel within the US involved, estimated to be less than 15%. The Pre-Fab Designer will direct report to the Pre-Fab Design Supervisor and will be joining a Pre-Fab team of 3. Once this role is filled the Design and Architecture team will consist of 8 contributors. 

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 / ICE). Prepare and distribute drawing sets (Client Facing Proposals, SD, DD, CD and/or Prefab shop drawings) to A&E team and participate in delivery planning for projects.  Heavy involvement in the Submittal 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 in the form of AutoCAD / Revit / ICE will be essential to 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 15%)

·      Develop 3-D Revit and ICE software 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 / ICE file through all required design review processes.

·      Develop Revit / ICE 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 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 /ICE 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 10); 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

·      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.

·      Ability to gain access to DoD facilities (required)

·      Must be legally authorized to work in the US without employer sponsorship.

Compensation Structure:

·      Competitive Base Salary (We are currently determining the salary range for this role and will ensure it aligns with market standards. We are committed to discussing compensation openly with qualified candidates as part of the interview process.)

·  Participation in the annual employee company bonus

·      Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401K company match

·      Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability (short and long term)

·      Annual company-wide event to celebrate our culture and connect with the entire workforce

·      PTO and Holidays

Improve Group Company Overview:

Improve Group is a construction innovator with millions of dollars under contract, new modular construction technology, unheard of completion speeds, and an unrivaled integrated process. We want to continue to grow while improving the lives of more people and organizations. We are willing to take risks, innovate, and move quickly, which makes us confident we’ll not only reach our vision for growth, but will ensure our continued success for the long term. Leaders here must be willing to move fast, serve the team before serving the self and invest in building a strong culture. In our fast-paced work environment, that’s not always easy, but we have a great team and a deep sense for the purpose of what we’re trying to achieve.

Company Specialties: Business Process Consulting, Consulting, Construction, Innovation, Military, Government, Procurement, Government Contracts, Defense, Commercial and Residential, Education, Healthcare, Federal, Special Operations Forces, Secure Facilities, and Prefab