Architectural Specialties CAD Designer

Armstrong Flooring•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Architectural Specialties (AS) CAD Designer (Level I) collaborates with clients, contractors, and the Design and Production Teams to drafting interior product solutions at an architectural scale with the company’s premium and standard product lines. The incumbent works from construction documents to translate the client’s initial drawings into something that can be easily manufactured and installed while evaluating and rationalizing design intent. Level II Designers perform all Level I responsibilities with additional autonomy, leadership, and project complexity. The AS Senior CAD Designer (Level II) collaborates directly with clients, contractors, and the design and production teams, designing interior product solutions at an architectural scale. They function as project owners at all stages, from initial kickoff in Design through to Production, and provide continued support as needed during and after installation. The incumbent works from a sketch, inspiration imagery, and/or construction documents to evaluate design intent, rationalize application, and develop solutions that can be easily manufactured and installed. This level of the role creates proposal drawings and validates those proposals through prototypes, creates shop drawings for client signoff, and develops the documentation for manufacturing. The scope of this level spans all project types from standard layouts to custom development, with an emphasis on high-value or high-complexity work.

Requirements

Experienced in drafting for architectural, industrial, or product‑focused design.
Skilled at interpreting construction documents, sketches, and design intent.
Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders across design, engineering, and production.
Detail oriented, organized, and quality driven.
A strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative, hands‑on environment.
Knowledge of Windows Applications, including Microsoft Office and operating systems.
Comfortable in high tolerance CAD/CAM production via CNC, as well as the production of shop drawings.
Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques as well as CNC and/or prototyping experience is necessary.
Ability to read and translate construction documents, ideation and form development, knowledge of materials and manufacturing process, firsthand experience in mock-ups, prototyping & mechanical aptitude.
Able to prioritize and manage project deadlines.
Proficient in Rhino 3D and Adobe CC (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) required.
Excellent communication and people skills; collaborator.
Initiative-taker with a strong ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, industrial design, or a related field.
Minimum 1-3 years’ (Level I) experience in architecture and/or product design.
Minimum 3-5 years’ (Levels II) experience in architecture and/or product design.

Nice To Haves

MA preferred for Levels II but not required.
Experience with Grasshopper/Dynamo, Revit/AutoCAD preferred.
Visualization skills in vRay, 3DS Max, etc. a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop drawings and documentation for all project phases, from design through engineering and handoff to production.
Manage assigned projects through installation, ensuring smooth coordination and consistent progress.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and communicate project timelines and needs to leadership.
Ensure accuracy by verifying product layouts and communicating with project stakeholders.
Create drafting packages following established design standards for use by Design, Engineering, and Production.
Participate in client discussions alongside team leadership.
Package complete project specifications and documentation.
Balance client requirements with manufacturability and product capabilities.
Support development of custom design solutions, including hands‑on prototyping to validate feasibility.
Seek peer review to ensure quality and accuracy.
Support internal initiatives, special projects, and product development activities.
Maintain organized digital project files and documentation.
Provide on‑site support on the Production and Assembly floor as scheduled.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative studio environment.
Lead the creation of drawings and documentation across the full project lifecycle—from early design concepts through engineering and production.
Operate as the primary owner of assigned projects, typically working independently.
Review and approve drawings created by others to ensure accuracy and quality.
Mentor peers and support training for new team members.
Manage high‑volume or high‑complexity projects, coordinating workflows across teams.
Propose and implement adjustments to drawing standards when needed to support project outcomes.
Develop proposal drawings, shop drawings, installation documents, engineering content, and BOMs.
Validate design intent by reviewing client documents and identifying risks or inconsistencies.
Communicate and document changes throughout the drawing process.
Coordinate closely with estimating, project coordination, and production teams.
Lead design‑focused discussions in client meetings, document outcomes, and integrate feedback.
Prototype custom solutions and independently coordinate findings with internal stakeholders.
Support questions related to machining, materials, engineering constraints, timelines, and hardware.
Explore design ideas, assist teammates, and contribute to process improvements.
Collaborate across departments as needed for development work or special initiatives.