Lead Designer
About The Position
Blue Star is seeking an experienced and technically strong Lead Designer to support our high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from early concept through construction-ready documentation. This is not a traditional interior design role. We are looking for someone who understands residential construction, design documentation, space planning, building details, permit requirements, and the preconstruction process. The right person will play a key role in transforming client ideas, field conditions, and construction realities into clear, buildable design solutions. The ideal candidate has experience working within high-end residential remodeling or custom home construction environments and understands how design integrates directly with production, estimating, permitting, and project execution.
Requirements
- 3-5 years of experience in residential design, architecture, drafting, design-build, remodeling, or custom home construction
- Strong understanding of construction drawings, detailing, specifications, and residential building systems
- Ability to create clear, accurate, and buildable design documents
- Working knowledge of permitting processes, code basics, and residential construction methods
- Experience with field measuring and existing-condition documentation
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with clients, consultants, project managers, superintendents, and trade partners
- Ability to balance design intent with budget, schedule, and construction realities
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a practical, solutions-focused mindset
- Proficiency in AutoCAD
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Revit
- Experience with Chief Architect
- Experience with SketchUp 2020
- Experience with Design-build project delivery
- Experience with Selections coordination
- Experience with Permit drawing preparation
- Experience with Google Workspace and Microsoft skills
- Experience with JobTread, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, or similar construction management software
- High-end residential remodeling or custom home construction experience
- Licensed Residential Architect
Responsibilities
- Develop residential design concepts, layouts, plans, elevations, and detailed construction drawings
- Translate client goals and existing site conditions into practical and buildable design solutions
- Support preconstruction through design development, scope clarification, selections coordination, and documentation
- Prepare permit drawings and design packages for pricing, permitting, client review, and construction
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, vendors, and trade partners
- Assist with site verification, field measurements, and existing-condition documentation
- Help identify constructability issues before projects move into production
- Collaborate directly with project managers, superintendents, and field teams throughout the project lifecycle
- Maintain organized project files, specifications, drawings, and design notes
- Help ensure the final design aligns with budget, schedule, client expectations, and buildability
Benefits
- Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000
- 2 weeks PTO, increasing with tenure
- 14 paid holidays
- 50% company-paid health insurance for employees
- 401(k) with company match after one year
- Opportunity to work on high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects
- Collaborative and team-oriented environment
- Long-term growth opportunity within an established design-build company
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
