Masonry Shop Architect

Position Summary 

The Masonry Shop Drawing Architect / Designer is responsible for producing accurate, detailed, and construction-ready masonry shop drawings for commercial construction projects. Working directly for a masonry contractor, this position translates architectural and structural construction documents into detailed masonry drawings that can be used for fabrication, installation, coordination, and project approval. 

The position requires a strong understanding of masonry construction, architectural detailing, structural requirements, building codes, and construction documents. The ideal candidate will be able to identify conflicts and constructability issues before they reach the field and work closely with project managers, estimators, superintendents, general contractors, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to develop practical masonry solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

Masonry Shop Drawings 

• Prepare detailed masonry shop drawings for commercial construction projects. 

• Develop plans, elevations, sections, details, and enlarged views necessary for masonry installation. 

• Detail CMU, brick, stone, veneer, reinforced masonry, and other masonry systems. 

• Prepare drawings showing masonry coursing, wall types, openings, control joints, expansion joints, reinforcing, embeds, flashing, shelf angles, lintels, and other masonry components. 

• Develop detailed layouts for masonry walls, partitions, elevations, and exterior façade systems. 

• Incorporate architectural and structural requirements into masonry shop drawings. 

• Ensure drawings accurately reflect project specifications, architectural details, structural drawings, and approved design requirements. 

• Prepare drawings suitable for submission to the general contractor, architect, and engineer for review and approval. 

Drawing Review & Coordination 

• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to identify conditions that affect masonry construction. 

• Coordinate masonry work with structural steel, concrete, precast, storefront, curtain wall, windows, doors, roofing, waterproofing, and other building systems. 

• Identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential conflicts between architectural and structural documents. 

• Review dimensions, elevations, wall locations, openings, and structural support conditions. 

• Coordinate masonry openings and penetrations with other trades. 

• Identify constructability issues and recommend practical solutions. 

• Maintain awareness of the latest drawing revisions and incorporate approved changes into shop drawings. 

Architectural & Structural Detailing 

• Interpret architectural plans, elevations, sections, wall sections, and details. 

• Interpret structural drawings and identify requirements affecting masonry installation. 

• Detail masonry reinforcement, lintels, bond beams, grouted cells, anchors, ties, embeds, and structural connections. 

• Detail flashing, weeps, drainage cavities, waterproofing interfaces, and moisture-management components. 

• Coordinate shelf angles, relieving angles, embeds, and other structural support systems. 

• Ensure masonry details comply with project specifications and applicable building codes and standards. 

Shop Drawing Submittals 

• Prepare complete masonry shop drawing packages for review and approval. 

• Coordinate shop drawings with project specifications and contract requirements. 

• Incorporate architect, engineer, and general contractor comments into revised drawings. 

• Maintain revision histories and drawing logs. 

• Track drawing status from initial preparation through approval. 

• Respond to review comments and issue revised drawings in a timely manner. 

• Maintain organized electronic records of current and superseded drawings. 

Field & Project Support 

• Work with project managers and field superintendents to resolve masonry-related questions and field conditions. 

• Review field conditions when required and revise drawings to reflect approved changes. 

• Assist with resolving conflicts between masonry installation and other trades. 

• Provide technical support to field personnel regarding shop drawings and masonry details. 

• Assist with RFI preparation when contract documents do not provide sufficient information. 

• Participate in project coordination meetings when architectural or masonry detailing issues need to be addressed. 

• Assist project teams with interpreting approved shop drawings during construction. 

Design Changes & Coordination 

• Review revised architectural and structural drawings for impacts to masonry scope. 

• Update shop drawings to reflect approved design changes. 

• Identify changes that may affect quantities, labor, materials, sequencing, or constructability. 

• Communicate significant design changes to project management. 

• Assist with documenting changes for potential change orders when requested. 

Quality Control 

• Perform thorough quality-control reviews of shop drawings before submission. 

• Verify dimensions, elevations, wall locations, openings, details, and references. 

• Confirm consistency between plans, elevations, sections, and details. 

• Verify that drawings accurately represent the intended masonry installation. 

• Ensure drawings follow company drafting standards and project-specific requirements. 

• Review drawings for coordination with other trades before release. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering, Construction Technology, or a related field is preferred. 

• 3–7 years of experience producing architectural, structural, or masonry shop drawings. 

• Strong knowledge of commercial masonry construction. 

• Experience detailing CMU, brick, stone, veneer, and reinforced masonry systems. 

• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural and structural construction documents. 

• Proficiency with AutoCAD is required. 

• Experience with Revit or other BIM software is preferred. 

• Strong understanding of architectural and structural detailing. 

• Working knowledge of masonry construction practices, materials, and installation methods. 

• Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Architectural license or architectural registration is a plus but not required. 

• Experience working directly for a masonry contractor is strongly preferred. 

• Experience producing masonry shop drawings for commercial construction projects. 

• Familiarity with CMU, brick veneer, adhered and anchored stone, cast stone, thin brick, and other masonry systems. 

• Knowledge of TMS 402/602, applicable building codes, and masonry industry standards. 

• Experience with structural masonry and reinforcing requirements. 

• Experience coordinating with structural steel, concrete, precast, curtain wall, storefront, and waterproofing systems. 

• Experience with Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, or similar construction management/document-control software. 

Key Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent architectural drafting and detailing skills. 

• Strong understanding of masonry construction and installation. 

• Exceptional attention to detail. 

• Strong spatial and technical reasoning skills. 

• Ability to visualize construction conditions in three dimensions. 

• Ability to identify conflicts before they become field issues. 

• Strong understanding of architectural and structural coordination. 

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple shop drawing packages and project deadlines. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively with project managers, superintendents, estimators, architects, engineers, general contractors, and other trades. 

• Ability to work independently while meeting strict project deadlines. 

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 

Typical Deliverables 

The Masonry Shop Drawing Architect / Designer may be responsible for producing: 

• Masonry floor plans 

• Masonry elevations 

• Wall sections 

• Enlarged masonry details 

• Typical masonry details 

• CMU wall layouts 

• Brick veneer layouts 

• Stone veneer layouts 

• Masonry coursing diagrams 

• Lintel details 

• Shelf-angle details 

• Reinforcing details 

• Bond beam details 

• Control and expansion joint details 

• Flashing and weep details 

• Anchoring and tie details 

• Window and door opening details 

• Parapet and roof-interface details 

• Masonry-to-structure connection details 

• Masonry-to-curtain-wall/storefront details 

• Penetration and miscellaneous opening details 

• As-built or record drawings when required 

Working Conditions 

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction with active construction projects. 

• Occasional visits to construction sites may be required to verify field conditions and assist with coordination. 

• Appropriate PPE is required when visiting active construction sites. 

• May require occasional travel to project sites and coordination meetings. 

• Position may require working extended hours to meet critical project submittal deadlines. 

Performance Measures 

Success in this position will be measured by: 

• Accuracy and completeness of masonry shop drawings. 

• Timely submission and approval of shop drawings. 

• Reduction of field conflicts, rework, and installation issues. 

• Effective coordination with architectural, structural, and other trade drawings. 

• Accuracy of masonry dimensions, elevations, openings, and details. 

• Responsiveness to architect, engineer, and general contractor comments. 

• Ability to meet project submittal schedules. 

• Quality and consistency of drafting and detailing. 

• Effective support of project managers and field personnel. 

• Contribution to successful project completion. 

Requirements

This is a full time role

Up to $8/hr

100% Remote