Senior Residential Designer

JJB Home • Milwaukee, WI

1d • $70,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Black River Design Build is Southeast Wisconsin’s trusted design-build remodeling partner, specializing in high-quality residential projects. They offer a fully integrated in-house model for a seamless client experience. As they grow, they are expanding their senior design capacity to support more projects at the highest standard.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional residential interior design experience, with substantial work in remodeling, design-build, kitchen & bath, or whole-home renovation projects strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience—supervising designers, leading project teams, setting schedules/quality standards, or mentoring junior staff.
• A strong portfolio that shows both creative residential design and practical, buildable solutions for real remodeling constraints.
• Fluency in Chief Architect (or comparable software such as AutoCAD, Revit, 20/20, or SketchUp) and the ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Excellent client-facing skills: professional presentation ability, clear written and verbal communication, and comfort managing expectations and feedback.
• Solid working knowledge of residential construction methods, sequencing, and common code/feasibility issues so designs are realistic and estimable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement and note-taking on job sites.
• Willingness to work on-site in the Milwaukee area and support the standard schedule of 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for residential remodeling projects (kitchens, baths, additions, basements, attics, and related work) from concept through client-approved construction documents.
• Conduct thorough design intakes and site measurements, document existing structural and mechanical conditions, verify that scope aligns with the design contract and budget, and reset client expectations when necessary.
• Develop optimized floor plans and space plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, traffic flow, furniture placement, and accessibility—working independently or in collaboration with junior staff.
• Prepare and deliver professional Design Reveals: create clear, client-friendly presentations and present them confidently while dressed and prepared to represent the firm at a high standard.
• Produce estimating-ready documentation, calling out non-standard or complex items that require special attention for accurate pricing.
• Independently order custom cabinetry (or rapidly develop the ability to do so) and reconcile plans to orders so the right materials are purchased.
• Hand off projects seamlessly to Estimators and Project Managers; maintain clear communication throughout.
• Coordinate with architects, builders, contractors, and other professionals to ensure design intent is executed accurately and on timeline.
• Utilize and improve company systems: Chief Architect (or equivalent), Buildxact, GoHighLevel, Google Drive, and related tools. Share information efficiently across the team.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior designers and draftspersons—set clear expectations and timelines, review work, give constructive feedback, and foster continuous skill development.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through clear communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and thoughtful handling of feedback and design revisions.
• Keep internal documents and plan sets current so the field team always works from the most accurate information.
• Contribute to process improvement and company growth while modeling the high standards expected of a senior team member.

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance
• Company-provided computer, cell phone, software licenses, and all necessary office supplies and organizational materials

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior