Who are we
At Draftline, we deliver tailored architectural solutions with a client-first approach. We take the time to understand each project—balancing design, budget, and practical requirements to bring our clients’ vision to life.
From concept through to consent, we manage the full process. This includes architectural drawings, 3D renders, record drawings, and design amendments, along with coordinating engineers and specialists where needed.
We simplify the complex—handling council submissions, securing approvals, and ensuring all plans meet regulatory requirements. We also provide clear planning advice so clients understand what’s possible on their site.
Our goal is simple: make the process seamless and deliver build-ready outcomes that reflect our clients’ ideas, not ours.
About the role
With Draftline continuing to grow and 2027 already shaping up to be a great year, we are looking for an experienced Architectural Designer to join our Christchurch team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing business, working across a diverse range of residential, housing, and light commercial projects from initial concept through to building consent and construction.
You will play a key role in developing architectural designs, preparing detailed drawings and documentation, and ensuring projects meet client expectations, technical requirements, and New Zealand Building Code standards. Working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members, you’ll coordinate project requirements, resolve technical details, and help keep projects progressing smoothly through each stage.
With a variety of projects on the go, no two days will be the same. You will manage multiple projects and competing deadlines, develop practical and buildable design solutions, coordinate input from external consultants, and work through design challenges to deliver quality outcomes. From refining concepts and layouts to preparing building consent documentation and responding to technical queries, you’ll be involved throughout the design process.
About You
You know how to turn a great design into a job that gets delivered and are ready for your next challenge. You are an experienced Architectural Designer who enjoys taking ownership of projects, solving technical challenges, and seeing jobs progress from the first concept right through to building consent. As well as being proactive, motivated, and hungry to keep developing your skills, take on new opportunities, and grow alongside a business with an exciting future ahead.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Industry experience: A minimum of 3 years’ hands-on experience in an Architectural Designer, Architectural Technician, Architectural Drafter, or similar role.
End-to-end project delivery: Proven experience running jobs from concept and design development through documentation, consultant coordination, and building consent submission.
Design and technical expertise: Experience with standalone homes and/or multi-unit residential developments, with light commercial experience highly regarded.
Regulatory knowledge: A strong understanding of the New Zealand Building Code, Building Act, relevant standards, and building consent requirements.
Software proficiency: Strong working knowledge of ArchiCAD or Revit, with the ability to produce accurate, coordinated, and high-quality architectural documentation.
Consultant and client coordination: Confidence working with clients, engineers, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve technical issues and keep projects moving.
Professional qualifications: LBP Design registration, or a clear pathway towards registration, is highly regarded.
You will also be someone who:
Takes initiative: Proactively identifies issues, finds practical solutions, and takes ownership of delivering results without needing to be constantly directed.
Is driven to grow: Has a genuine appetite for professional development, expanding technical knowledge, and taking on greater responsibility as opportunities arise.
Is organised and accountable: Manages multiple projects and competing deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
Communicates with confidence: Builds strong relationships, manages expectations, and handles challenging conversations professionally.
Contributes to the team: Brings a positive, collaborative attitude and looks for ways to improve processes and project outcomes.
Above all, you will take pride in your work, enjoy the challenge of bringing designs to life, and want to be part of a growing team where you can make a real contribution while continuing to develop your career.
Why Join Draftline?
A great team, varied projects, and an opportunity to make your mark. With 2027 already shaping up to be a strong year for Draftline, we’re looking for talented people who want to contribute to a growing pipeline of projects and help deliver great outcomes for our clients.
You will work across housing, residential, and light commercial projects, bringing your design ideas to life and seeing your work progress from concept through to building consent and beyond.
We offer competitive remuneration and a workplace where technical ability, initiative, and personality are all valued. Our culture is practical, supportive, and down-to-earth. We share knowledge, work together to solve challenges, and celebrate successes along the way. There’s always room for a laugh and a good coffee, but we are equally committed to producing quality work and maintaining high standards.
You will have the opportunity to manage a variety of projects, contribute your ideas, work alongside experienced professionals, and continue developing your technical expertise in a team that values what you bring to the table.
How to Apply
If you want to do meaningful work, enjoy the people you work with, and continue building your career as an Architectural Designer, we would love to hear from you!
To apply, please send through your CV along with a cover letter that tells us a bit about your experience, what excites you about this opportunity, your current location, and whether you would be open to relocating.
Applications can be emailed to [email protected]
A quick note: applicants for this position must have New Zealand Residency