
ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS
Design Development and Residential Drafting Services
Tucson, Oro Valley and Southern Arizona
About
Jim Wiechert, Owner


My career started once I returned from serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991 - active duty and 1991 to 1993 - active reservist. I was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, at Marine Security Guard Battalion Headquarters and finally at American Embassy Abidjan, Ivory Coast - West Africa at Gulf Company (Company 'G') Marine West Africa Headquarters.
My architectural education / career began by attending Pima Community College (general studies) then transferring to the University of Arizona - College of Architecture. I then completed my education at ITT Tech in computer aided drafting and design.
In 1998 I was hired by a small but leading design firm - Simmons Home Designs - Greg Simmons - which specialized in mid level to high-end custom homes. There we worked with many of Tucson's quality home builders. I started as a very junior project draftsman and worked my way to the firm's lead project manager in 8 years with the company. There I acquired the skills needed to complete a set of construction documents (CDs) as well as working with the custom home builders and building departments in the greater Tucson metro area (Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana). I participated in drafting and/or supervising the completion of approximately 180 sets of construction documents.
In 2005 I started Architectural Concepts to become a drafting service to various architects, home designers and custom home builders.
In 2009 I had the great opportunity to join the well-established architectural firm of Seaver Franks Architects as a project draftsman for Mike Franks. There I worked closely with the project architect on several large custom homes. One such project was for a local car dealer residence and another was a 14,000 sq. ft. remodel for one of Tucson's pioneer families.
The crash of the nation's economy caused Tucson's housing market to come to a complete stop.
In 2010 I was hired on with Arizona Restaurant Supply, first as a project coordinator and then as the stainless steel estimator / project draftsman.
I was able to return to Seaver Franks Architects - Mike Franks in 2013 again as a project draftsman. Now able to follow my passion of architecture once again, I worked under the supervision of the lead architect - Ben Cole - on several projects.
With the improving economy of 2014 I thought it wise to open Architectural Concepts once again.
I am working on fulfilling the requirements for The National Council of Building Designer Certification. The NCBDC accreditation program certifies competency of professional building designers in ethics, procedures, architectural styling, and structural engineering and construction principles.
I have established relationships with Tucson's architects, designers and custom home builders and seeking out new clients.
I have over 24 years experience in residential drafting and design development. My greatest strengths lie in the completion / drafting of construction documents and attention to detail.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Architectural Concepts, and I hope to work with you soon.


