Architect/Senior Designer

HDR Remodeling•Emeryville, CA

43d•Onsite

About The Position

HDR Remodeling is an award-winning Design-Build firm with 37 years of experience in the East Bay Area, specializing in whole-house renovations, kitchen and bath remodeling, and garage and basement conversions. They offer a start-to-finish process from design concept to permit-ready plans. The Architect/Senior Designer role is crucial in both the design and sales process, from concept development to signed construction agreements. This position involves creating innovative residential designs, guiding clients through selections, and collaborating with the team to meet aesthetic, functional, and budget goals. This role differs from a Designer position by taking the lead on projects with significant structural complexity, requiring a strong understanding of planning, building systems, and code requirements. The role involves close collaboration with the Design Manager, design team, Estimating, and Production to deliver seamless design-build projects, managing client relationships, influencing sales, and working independently with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Extensive kitchen and bathroom design experience
Deep understanding of NKBA design guidelines
Working knowledge of California Building Codes and Title 24 requirements
Well-developed aesthetic sense for helping clients select finishes for their projects
Basic understanding of construction practices for kitchens and bathrooms
Strong knowledge of residential design principles and construction processes
Experience creating detailed drawings and specifications
Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, architects, and contractors
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Bachelor's degree in a related field such as design or architecture
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines
Must be able to read and execute plans
10+ years of design experience working in high-end residential projects
Design-build experience strongly preferred
Highly proficient with CAD — AutoCAD LT is our primary design software (we do not use 20/20)
Working knowledge of composing renderings in plan, elevation, and 3D views, Photoshop, and Canva
Proficient with Google Workspace, Slides, Docs, MS Excel, Word, DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat, Slack, and other typical office equipment, printers, and plotters
Must have a reliable vehicle
Authorized to work in the United States

Responsibilities

Lead on-site discovery, including measurements and documentation of existing structural, plumbing, and electrical conditions
Produce complete architectural sets — floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, and 3D perspectives — for projects involving structural complexity
Apply deep knowledge of California Building Codes and Title 24 to keep projects moving through city review with minimal corrections
Guide clients through selections of fixtures, finishes, and materials, balancing their vision with lead-time realities and budget
Develop and maintain accurate project budgets with the Design Manager, including timely revisions for material costs and subcontractor quotes
Prepare trade walk packets with clear scopes of work to ensure accurate subcontractor bidding
Own the cabinetry process from layout through delivery tracking
Participate in the design-to-production handoff and support the field team through key installations
Mentor junior and mid-level designers on structural, code, and planning considerations