Residential Designer — Design-Build Remodeling

Are you a residential designer whose clients trust you — the one they call, the one they listen to, the one who keeps them confident through a months-long project? Are you committed to helping craft beautiful spaces that will benefit homeowners for years? Do you want ownership of the client relationship, not just the drawings? If so, Bluestem Remodeling may be the right next step in your design career. About the Role Bluestem Remodeling is seeking a Residential Designer to own both the design and the client relationship on assigned remodeling projects — from the first consultation through construction handoff. This role is client-facing first. We produce beautiful, technically sound remodels, but what distinguishes a great designer here is the ability to lead a client: to listen well, frame choices clearly, hold a budget conversation without flinching, and keep people confident when a project gets complicated. Client leadership is the thing we are really hiring for. You will carry your own projects, work alongside our pre-production and production teams, and have real influence on how the work gets done. Key Responsibilities Client Leadership Own the client relationship on assigned projects, from initial consultation through construction handoff Lead design conversations, presentations, and selections meetings Frame options, scope, and budget clearly — and hold those conversations directly Keep clients informed and confident across the full arc of a project Design Ownership Own design quality, clarity, and completeness on your projects Space planning, design development, and construction documentation Material, fixture, and finish selections Partner with pre-production so projects move cleanly toward construction readiness Collaboration & Documentation Work closely with pre-production, estimating, and production Document client conversations, decisions, and next steps consistently in our systems Participate in design reviews and help improve how the studio works Where This Role Can Go Depending on your strengths and interests, this role can grow in one of two directions: Design Team Coordination For someone systems-minded and organized. Helping coordinate the design team's workflow, schedules, and handoffs, and strengthening how design work moves through the company. If you are the person who builds the spreadsheet nobody asked for and then everybody ends up using, this could be your path. Sales & Early Client Engagement For someone energized by meeting new people. Joining early client conversations and site consultations, helping articulate our design value and process, and converting qualified leads into signed design contracts. If you come alive in a first meeting and people leave excited, this is your path. Qualifications Required 5+ years in residential design, kitchen and bath design, interior design, or residential architecture Demonstrated ability to lead client relationships independently Strong space planning and residential design fundamentals Proficiency with design software (Chief Architect, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, 2020, or similar) Ability to produce clear, coordinated construction documentation Comfort discussing budget and scope directly with clients Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Preferred Design-build or remodeling experience, as distinct from new construction Experience with construction project management software (Buildertrend, CoConstruct, or similar) Depth in selections — cabinetry, plumbing, lighting, tile, and finishes Experience carrying projects in the $150K–$1M+ range Clear interest in either team coordination or client development About Bluestem Remodeling Bluestem Remodeling is a 25+ year residential remodeling and custom building company serving the Twin Cities metro area. We specialize in highly detailed, design-driven remodeling projects delivered through a collaborative, client-centered process. Our work combines thoughtful design, technical craftsmanship, careful planning, and strong communication. We are a small, experienced team that cares deeply about doing excellent work — and about building projects the right way. What Success Looks Like at Bluestem Successful team members at Bluestem communicate clearly, take ownership, stay organized, follow through, solve problems proactively, remain calm under pressure, and collaborate well with both clients and teammates. We value professionalism, technical competence, accountability, humility, and mutual respect. The strongest designers here are confident without being precious about their ideas — able to advocate for good design and still hear what a client actually needs. Pay: $79,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): This role can grow in one of two directions. Answer A, B, BOTH, or NEITHER -- then tell us why in a sentence or two. (A) Coordinating the design team: workflow, schedules, and process. (B) Early client engagement: meeting prospective clients and helping bring in new work. Describe a time you had to tell a client their budget would not cover what they wanted. What did you say, and what happened? Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) Experience: Residential Design: 5 years (Required) CAD: 5 years (Required) Design-Build or Remodeling: 1 year (Preferred) License/Certification: Driver's License (Preferred) Ability to Commute: Minneapolis, MN 55426 (Preferred) Work Location: In person