Design homes that make a difference

Are you an experienced residential Designer or Architect who is passionate about creating sustainable, energy-efficient homes?

Solar Dwellings is looking for a talented and motivated Senior Designer / Architect to join our team in Mount Hawthorn.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership of their work, thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about creating thoughtfully designed homes that make a positive difference to people's lives and the environment.

About Us

We are leaders in designing smarter, sustainable homes. Solar Dwellings has been designing passive solar homes to suit our Western Australian climate since 1991.

We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and making a positive contribution, and this is evident in everything we do.

We understand that every client provides us with a unique opportunity to create a sustainable home for their family and friends to enjoy now and well into the future. The majority of our work comes through referrals, reflecting the relationships we build with our clients and the homes we create.

Our small, dedicated team works closely with clients from initial concept through to construction, with a strong focus on passive solar design, energy efficiency, functionality and creating homes that respond to the people who live in them.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Designer / Architect to contribute to the design and delivery of individually designed, sustainable residential projects.

Working closely with our Director, design team, clients and external consultants, you will be involved in all stages of the design process, from initial client briefings and concept development through to detailed documentation, coordination and construction support.

This role will suit someone who enjoys the creative aspects of residential design while also understanding the importance of accurate documentation, practical construction solutions and keeping projects moving forward.

You will be confident working independently, taking initiative and making sound design decisions, while also contributing positively to a supportive and collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Design & Documentation

- Lead and contribute to residential design projects from initial concept through design development and documentation.

- Prepare accurate residential drawings using ArchiCAD, including floor plans, elevations, sections and detailed design packages.

- Develop practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that incorporate passive solar principles and respond to individual client needs.

- Prepare documentation for planning applications, approvals, design development and builder costing.

- Ensure designs and documentation meet relevant Australian Standards, the National Construction Code and local planning requirements.

Client & Project Coordination

- Participate in client briefings, design presentations and ongoing design discussions.

- Listen to and interpret client feedback, translating their requirements into practical and considered design solutions.

- Liaise and coordinate with builders, engineers,



energy assessors, surveyors and other consultants.

- Manage client-requested design changes and variations accurately and efficiently.

- Attend site visits as required and provide practical design input to support successful project delivery.

Quality Control & Continuous Improvement

- Review drawings for accuracy, consistency, buildability, presentation and compliance.

- Maintain Solar Dwellings' design and documentation standards across projects.

- Take ownership of assigned work, manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.

- Identify opportunities to improve design processes, documentation systems and workflows.

- Embrace evolving technology and contribute ideas that improve efficiency, quality and design outcomes.

About You – Skills & Experience

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical design capabilities with a practical, proactive and collaborative approach.

Essential Skills & Experience

- Extensive experience in residential design and drafting, ideally with custom or individually designed homes.

- Proficiency in ArchiCAD, with the ability to produce accurate, well-resolved design and construction documentation.

- Robust understanding of Australian residential construction methods, building regulations and local planning requirements.

- Sound knowledge of passive solar design principles and sustainable residential design.

- Ability to interpret engineering and consultant documentation and incorporate this information into designs.

- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Confidence working independently, making decisions and taking responsibility for project outcomes.

- Ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to a small team environment.

Highly Regarded

- Experience with 4D Libraries and/or Ci Tools.

- Experience with BIM-related workflows and emerging AI-assisted design and documentation tools.

- Experience preparing planning applications and coordinating approvals.

- A robust understanding of energy-efficient building materials and construction methods.

Personal Attributes – How You Work Is Important to Us

At Solar Dwellings, we believe that the right attitude and approach to work are just as important as technical skills.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates the following qualities:

- Passionate about sustainable design: You genuinely care about creating homes that are energy efficient, functional, comfortable and environmentally responsible.

- Takes ownership and initiative: You are proactive,



take responsibility for your work and confidently move projects forward without needing constant direction.

- Strong attention to detail: You take pride in producing accurate, consistent and high-quality work and understand the importance of getting the details right.

- Positive and solution-focused: You approach challenges constructively, think critically and look for practical solutions rather than focusing on problems.

- Organised and reliable: You manage your time effectively, prioritise competing demands and follow through on commitments.

- Adaptable and responsive: You are comfortable working in an environment where project priorities and client requirements can change.

- A clear and respectful communicator: You listen carefully, communicate professionally and build positive relationships with clients, colleagues, builders and consultants.

- A collaborative team player: You are willing to share knowledge, support others, ask questions and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

- Open to feedback and continuous learning: You welcome constructive feedback, embrace new ideas and actively seek opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.

- Committed to quality: You take personal pride in your work and understand how your contribution influences the success of each project and the client's overall experience.

Technology & Innovation

Solar Dwellings is committed to remaining at the forefront of sustainable residential design and technology.

We continually explore new tools, systems and processes to improve design outcomes, documentation accuracy and workflow efficiency.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable embracing change, learning new technologies and contributing ideas for improvement, including developments in ArchiCAD, BIM workflows and AI-assisted documentation & structures.

A willingness to learn, adapt and continually improve is an important part of this role.

Why Join Solar Dwellings?

- Be part of an established Western Australian company with over 35 years of experience in passive solar residential design.

- Work on unique, individually designed homes that make a genuine difference to the environment and the people who live in them.

- Collaborate with a small, passionate team committed to sustainable design and quality outcomes.

- Be involved in projects from initial concept through to construction.

- Have the opportunity to contribute your experience, ideas and design expertise.

- Work in a supportive environment that values initiative, collaboration and continuous improvement.

- Be part of a business that is passionate about designing smarter, sustainable homes for every budget.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced residential Designer or Architect who is passionate about sustainability, enjoys working collaboratively and takes pride in delivering exceptional design outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would like to join Solar Dwellings.

Join us in designing smarter, sustainable homes for the future.

Please note: the job ad will close on the 27th November 2026 & only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

📌 Senior Designer / Architect (Mount Hawthorn)
🏢 Solar Dwellings
📍 Mount Hawthorn