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JOB TITLE: DRAFTER

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Betsy Rakotz

BASIC FUNCTION: Support Design staff; Prepare detailed construction documents primarily of residential single family & twin homes including floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and site plans using Revit software.

EDUCATION:

• AAS degree or diploma in Architectural Technology

EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

• 2 year drafting experience desired; Revit & AutoCAD experience preferred.
• Education will be considered as experience.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of residential building materials & practices including:
• Foundation systems
• Wall framing systems
• Floor systems
• Roof systems
• Stairs
• Understanding of structural components, and placement of beams, headers & girders
• High level of creative problem solving skills
• Understanding of the IRC (International Residential Code) and ability to research code requirements
• Ability to research and detail alternate construction methods & details such as energy saving technologies
• Ability to communicate with clients, contractors, subcontractors & inspectors
• Document conversations & attend occasional client meetings
• Assist on site visits and measuring of existing conditions on remodel projects
• Ability to manage and organize work to meet deadlines
• Revit & AutoCAD experience Basic computer skills required
• Work Trade Shows (several weekends per year required)
• Attend trade shows, training seminars, builders association meetings or similar events

ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is in an office setting and generally sedentary with physical effort associated with using a computer, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• May be required to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 25 lbs.
• Site visits may require walking, stretching, twisting or other positions to get required measurements

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:

• Driver’s license required.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is pleased to be featured on houzz.com. Partnering The Design Team's custom home designs with Houzz is an ideal arrangement! This allows you to:

• Browse past projects completed by The Design Team.
• Collect design ideas for both interiors and exteriors.
• Browse a wide variety of home styles and plans.
• Save images and ideas you like to share with us.
• Incorporate key elements into your custom home plans.

Check out The Design Team on Houzz, then call for your free consultation: (320) 252-1517.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is a local company you can trust. Our knowledge and experience has gained us satisfied clients since 1997. The Design Team's custom home designs incorporate everything from classic designs, to the latest trends, to a blending of both! We will revise your designs until you are completely satisfied. Other advantages of choosing The Design Team include:

• Designers right on staff.
• Meeting to discuss your lifestyle and all design needs
• Using our unique Home Visualizer Tool to try on different looks.
• Partnership with local contractors to ensure a smooth process.
• Help attaining needed building permits.
• Knowledge of all the latest building codes to ensure your plans will pass inspection.
• Delivering your project on time and on budget.

The benefits just keep coming with The Design Team. Trust your custom home plans to the experienced team at The Design Team! Call today for your free consultation: (320) 252-1517.

The Design Team is a proud local St. Cloud business established in 1997. We have expanded our reach well beyond the St. Cloud area, and a lot of that is due to you, our valued clients! Perhaps The Design Team drafted your new home, and now you want us to design your lakefront property. Maybe we planned your lake home, and you now want to convert it into a full-time retirement home. Whether your project is large or small, The Design Team does it all, including custom design and drafting for:

• New construction
• Remodels
• Additions
• Decks
• Garages
• Small projects
• Neighborhood programs
• Stock plans
• Light Commercial Design

Call today for your free consultation: (320) 252-1517.

Seasons may change, but The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is here for you all year long! Designing your new home or lake cabin can happen anytime. In fact, winter is the ideal time to get planning! Set up your consultation today so The Design Team has time to:

• Go over your needs and budget.
• Establish a timeline for your project.
• Familiarize you with our unique Home Visualizer Tool to try on different looks.
• Make any needed revisions.
• Finalize plans for permits, which can take some time.
• Put finishing touches on your plans.

The time is now to start planning your new home. Call The Design Team today: (320) 252-1517.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is a proud local business with a name you can trust since 1997. We take pride in our work, and it shows. What started as a small group of experienced home designers with a vision has expanded into a local institution that is expanding outside our region more each year. The Design Team does it all, including:

• custom design and drafting for new construction, remodels, additions, decks, garages, small projects
• neighborhood programs
• stock plans
• light commercial design

The Design Team also works with homeowners, contractors, lumberyards, and realtors to develop designs that exceed clients' expectations, and make the process as seamless as possible. Whatever your dream, we can design it. Call The Design Team today for your consultation: (320) 252-1517.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) knows that few things beat the winter blues more than designing your dream home! In fact, winter is the ideal time to work on your custom home plans. Utilize our unique Home Visualizer tool, upload your own photos, and try on different looks. You don't need warm weather to dream, and dreaming up perfect home plans is what The Design Team does all year long. Whether you are planning:

• your dream home
• vacation lake home
• addition or remodel
• a new deck or sun porch for summer

If you can dream it, we can design it. Call today for your consultation (320) 252-1517 and let The Design Team help you beat those winter blues with your dream home plans!

When you decide whether to remodel or sell, there are many factors that are important to consider before you start planning. The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) has many questions we can work through with you, to decide the best course of action to fit your budget. Among them are:

• Why do you want to remodel?
• How much will home improvements cost in your current home?
• How long will the projects take?
• Will these projects improve the resale value of your home?
• Is the housing market predicted to change or remain the same?
• What requirements do you seek in a new home?
• How much might home improvement costs be in a new home?
• What kind of space do you currently need or think you might need?

The experienced staff at The Design Team will sit down with you and help you navigate all these questions and more. Ultimately we will help you decide which option will best suit your needs and budget. Call today for your initial consultation: (320) 252-1517.

A custom home is so much more than just a house. It's the culmination of years of your hard work. That's why The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is the obvious choice for designing your custom home. Your home is your oasis. It is your dream and your retreat. Your home is also where you

• entertain
• relax
• unwind
• enjoy the quality moments of your life
• create your best memories

With our combination of experience and industry knowledge at The Design Team, it is our passion to work with you to design your custom home so you can enjoy all these moments. Call today for your consultation (320) 252-1517 and discover The Design Team difference.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is dedicated to offering our clients the best possible experience designing their dream home. The advantages of choosing The Design Team are myriad, but here are just a few:

• Experienced designers right on staff
• Huge variety of home plans available to fit every style and budget
• Cabins, lake homes, one, 1 1/2, and two-level plans, ramblers, bi-level, lofts and more
• Unique Home Visualizer tool helps bring your ideas to life
• Custom-tailoring your design with all details to make your dream home a reality
• Familiarity with all current building codes so all plans up to spec
• Liaising with contractors to make process seamless

Call for your consultation today (320) 252-1517 and discover how we design with a difference at The Design Team!

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) wants to remind you that now is the time to get all decked out! Start planning that dream deck you've always wanted. Whether you're looking for a private oasis or expanded entertainment area, The Design Team will draw up plans for the outdoor space of your dreams. You will be amazed how much beauty and value a gorgeous deck will add to your home or cabin! From basic to elaborate, The Design Team designs it all. With room for a porch swing or even a hot tub, the only limit is your imagination. We can also make suggestions based on your location and ideas. Call today and set up your free consultation (320) 252-1517. Let The Design Team get you all decked out!

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is celebrating our 20th year in the business, serving St. Cloud and surrounding areas with stunning home plans. We know all the ins and outs of the business and work with you to deliver your new home or remodel in a timely fashion. If you're planning on opening up your cabin next season, use your lake time this summer to get your plans in place! The design process is more challenging than it has been in the past, and The Design Team wants to make sure this doesn't impede your goals for your cabin. Each piece of the project takes time, and The Design Team strives to have your project completed on time for you! With that in mind, now is the time to call and set up your free consultation: (320) 252-1517. Don't let permit times mess up your lake effect...get started now on those cabin plans for next summer!

The Design Team (St. Cloud. MN) is proud to be celebrating our 20th year in the business. We have served St. Cloud and surrounding areas for the past 20 years, and we are looking forward to the next 20! Finishing nearly 1,000 projects yearly, The Design Team has proven methods for collaboration and implementation, delivering stunning home plans to our steady stream of clients. Not only that, but The Design Team works directly with contractors, lumberyards, and realtors, acting as the perfect liaison with homeowners to walk you through every step of the process. Many people wonder if The Design Team also designs remodels in addition to new home plans. The answer is a resounding yes! During your initial visit, we will work with you to get your plans underway. Depending on the scope of your project, The Design Team may need a 2-hour initial site visit for measurements and get more details for your project. The important thing to know is if you can dream it, The Design Team can do it! Add that bonus room. Design that sun porch. Call us today and set up your free initial consultation to discuss your vision for your remodel: (320) 252-1517. We look forward to meeting with you!

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) is celebrating its 20th year in business and knows the ins and outs of various requirements for all our clients. One important consideration when designing a home is the ability to age in place. You want your biggest investment to last, and The Design Team considers all aspects in your home plans. Perhaps you're designing your retirement home or cottage. What factors should you consider? One big element to include is sufficient natural light. As we age, our eyes need more natural light. The Design Team may suggest a south orientation, to maximize your available resources. Perhaps a walk-in shower or single-story rambler would be beneficial. Whatever your needs, you can be assured The Design Team will complete your stunning home plans with an eye for detail. You don't need to compromise beauty for practicality! The Design Team offers the best of both worlds. Call today for your free consultation and discover The Design Team difference: (320) 252-1517. We look forward to meeting with you!

The Design Team offers St. Cloud and surrounding areas stunning home plans in a variety of styles. This month we are focusing on a key feature at the heart of home design...entertainment areas!

There are so many possibilities for your entertainment space, whether you want to utilize existing space around the kitchen, great room, or dining room, or go all-out with a finished basement, The Design Team has endless options for you to choose from! Ramblers, or ranch-style homes offer a larger footprint, and with that comes ample basement space to create some fun and lively areas to utilize, but any home with a basement can be finished useful space. A theater room, bar area, or recreation area for a pool table or other games are ideal for the lower level. Often these spaces are considered the noisy, more active areas of the home. Whatever your fancy, trust The Design Team to bring your vision to life! Not only that, but our experienced designers can make suggestions you haven't even thought of. Place your bar in a reverse juxtaposition to face your home theater. Add a deck for a walk-out entertainment space with outdoor kitchen. Perhaps you have a lake property and want an outside-in entertainment design around a pool or refreshment area. The Design Team will connect the spaces visually and offer flawless designs that really flow. The only limit is your imagination! Celebrating our 20th year, you can always expect the best with The Design Team. Call today and set up your free consultation: (320) 252-1517. We look forward to drawing you in!

The Women of The Design Team

By: Annie Dittberner

Photo courtesy of: The Camera Shop

For 20 years, The Design Team has been one of Central Minnesota’s premier home design specialists. From young families and first time buyers to older couples looking to downsize, The Design Team works with homeowners, contractors, lumberyards and realtors to develop original residential designs.

“We design homes to fit our client’s lifestyle,” says designer Tricia Peters. “Everyone is different. Every home is different. It’s important for us to always focus on the client and to listen to what they’re saying.”

Within five years of its founding, The Design Team employed a staff of 11, including designers, drafters and an office manager. When the 2008 recession hit, however, they fell to four employees. Now, The Design Team is comprised of seven women — each of whom add a unique touch to creative home design.

“We all get along really well,” manager and designer Betsy Rakotz says. “It’s easy to communicate and we really work as a team. Every day, there’s questions flying around and everyone is open to offering an opinion.”

Since The Design Team completes nearly 1,000 projects each year, Betsy says it’s important for the team to work efficiently and communicate effectively.

“There are so many different markets that we have to understand,” Betsy says. “We know what needs to happen, so we take a lot of time to interview clients up front in order to provide their home needs.”

Guiding you to your dream home

In the beginning stages, designers from The Design Team sit down with their client for an information-gathering meeting.

“What’s more important than your home?” Tricia says. “It’s about how we can be a part of making it an enjoyable place to be.”

The Design Team discusses architectural style, square footage, lot requirements and budget with their client. After the initial consultation meeting, the designer will provide an estimate and go over the design strategy. Once the client approves the design, The Design Team prepares final construction documents.

“We’ve been doing this a long time so it’s become second nature to us,” Betsy says. “We like to think globally about the house. There are a lot of aspects to putting together a home and it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to do that.”

Since the building codes and complexity of homes have become more stringent, their team understands the importance of putting the customer first.

“As a homeowner coming to us, you are in control of the plan,” Tricia says. “Making our clients feel comfortable is part of our process of listening. We figure it all out in the planning stages. You learn a lot about people.”

Changing of the times

Depending on a client’s desired level of design, The Design Team uses new technologies like 3D drafting, visual walk- throughs and a virtual reality system as methods for clients to get a clearer picture of the home they envision.

“The Design Team is a good choice for your home design because we care about you. With 20 years of experience we are efficient, creative and affordable. Remember, good design doesn’t cost; it pays” Betsy says.

From start to finish, The Design Team provides clients with the tools to design their dream home.

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) offers countless advantages to designing your dream home plans. Having our designers right on staff gives you the opportunity to work directly with us, ensuring you get everything you want out of your designs. When you control the plans, you control the process. You drive, we steer. The Design Team knows all the latest building codes and requirements to implement your ideas, which is a huge time-saver down the line. When we meet with you, we discuss your lot first and determine your sightlines, which are a key factor in plotting your home design. We use whiteboard technology and google satellite images to visualize your site to demonstrate your thoughts on the position of your home as well as sightlines and views. This is a fun way to get to know your lot and incorporate your lifestyle and wishes into your home plans. If you can dream it, we can design it! You're in the best hands with The Design Team. Call us today and set up your free consultation: (320) 252-1517. We look forward to drawing you in!

When it comes time to design your dream home or remodel, there is no better team than The Design Team! We have been in business for over 20 years, and know all the Minnesota codes and processes from start to finish. Having designers who know the ins and outs of the business and the code specifications you need to know is a huge saver of both time and money for you in the long run. The Design Team has designed hundreds of beautiful dream homes in Minnesota, and look forward to designing hundreds more! We take the hassle out of your home plans by working directly with homeowners, contractors, lumberyards, and realtors to make the process as seamless as possible for you. Call today and get started with your free consultation: (320) 252-1517. Now is the time to get started on your dream home plans if you’d like to get started this year, so don't delay! It's important to leave plenty of time to finalize your home plans before builders get booked up this year. Take that first step and discover The Design Team difference today!

The Design Team offers St. Cloud and surrounding areas stunning home plans in a variety of styles. This month we are focusing on a key feature in home design: mudrooms!

Mudrooms are a Minnesota staple and have a variety of sizes and uses. Typically these rooms are located off the garage and may include 3 common features: laundry, powder room, and storage. The size of your family dictates how much space you will need. Do you have athletes in the family? Mudrooms are perfect for storing athletic gear and equipment. Add some storage benches with hooks to store seasonal items and hang coats to dry from the elements. Doors can be closed off when you have company to keep the area looking neat. If you have dogs, mudrooms are ideal spaces for a food station, dog bed, kennel area, and more. Or add a craft table and turn your mudroom into a perfect space for paints, clay, and other messy pursuits! The options are endless and the choice is yours.

We often like to refer to the mud room as the ‘Owner’s Entrance’. This the most used entrance into the home, and is most likely used by your closest friends and family. Why not dress it up a little? As American architect Louis Sullivan said, “Form follows function”.

Whatever your needs, The Design Team will draft the perfect plans and ideal-sized mudroom for you and your family. Call today and set up your free consultation: (320) 252-1517. We look forward to drawing you in!

The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) wants you to know that wherever you are in life, we are here to design the perfect home to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to modify your current home or design your retirement home, we can help! We can draw up plans with visiting family in mind and few or no steps in your design. Large family rooms, bonus rooms, and entertaining spaces offer plenty of space and still allows a sense of togetherness for the family to gather. Add a beautiful screened porch or sunroom for an extra seasonal space to enjoy. If you can dream it, we can design it! Visit us on the web and browse us on Houzz to collect ideas. Then call for your free initial consultation, where we will go over your needs and budget: (320) 252-1517.