Architectural Associate at Rausch Companies – Fayetteville, Arkansas

As an Architectural Associate, you will play a key role in the design and development of multi-family projects, working directly under a licensed architect and collaborating with construction and estimating teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to help build and shape a growing architectural department, contributing to both project success and the development of team processes and standards.

You will support all phases of design and documentation—from concept through construction—while helping to establish efficient workflows, drafting standards, and design best practices. This role is ideal for a motivated designer seeking a leadership position within a collaborative, design-build environment.

This position is based in Fayetteville, AR.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design Development: Collaborate with the architect to develop creative, functional, and buildable multi-family designs that meet company needs and goals.
• Technical Drawing Production: Prepare detailed drawings, plans, and specifications using CAD and other design tools, ensuring accuracy, code compliance, and constructability.
• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Create 3D models and renderings to communicate design concepts and support company presentations.
• Material & Product Research: Research residential building materials, systems, and finishes that support design decisions, cost considerations, and sustainability objectives.
• Department Development: Assist in establishing departmental standards for drawing organization, document control, and project workflows. Contribute ideas for improving efficiency and quality across design operations.
• Coordination & Collaboration: Work closely with internal construction, estimating, and purchasing teams to ensure seamless integration between design and build phases.
• Construction Administration: Support the architect during construction by conducting site visits to verify compliance with design intent.
• Project Management Support: Assist in maintaining project schedules, budgets, and deliverables while tracking design progress and documentation milestones.
• Mentorship & Training: Help guide junior team members in design principles, software proficiency, and best practices as the department grows.
• Professional Development: Pursue architectural licensure and participate in professional development activities, including workshops, training, and continuing education.
• Other duties as assigned

• Previous 2 year minimum experience in architectural drafting and using CAD software
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit and visualization tools such as SketchUp, Lumion, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Solid understanding of residential design, construction methods, and building codes.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in helping develop a new architectural department and improving team processes.
• Experience or willingness to learn estimating and BOM (Bill of Materials) preparation.
• Architectural licensure or active pursuit of licensure preferred.

Physical Demands

• Lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently and frequently moving small objects.
• Frequently sitting for long periods of time
• Walking or standing
• Must have manual use of hands and vision to use computer constantly

Employee Benefits

• Medical Insurance – PPO and HDHP Options
• HSA – with eligible HDHP
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) – includes company match of up to 5%
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Adoption Assistance and Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• And More!

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team members may perform other related duties as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the organization.