Lead Designer

Blue Star Washington, DC | Full-Time | Onsite 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. What You'll Do In this role, you will work closely with ownership, project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, trade partners, and clients to move projects from concept into construction. Responsibilities Include Develop residential design concepts, layouts, plans, elevations, and detailed construction drawingsTranslate client goals and existing site conditions into practical and buildable design solutionsSupport preconstruction through design development, scope clarification, selections coordination, and documentationPrepare permit drawings and design packages for pricing, permitting, client review, and constructionCoordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, vendors, and trade partnersAssist with site verification, field measurements, and existing-condition documentationHelp identify constructability issues before projects move into productionCollaborate directly with project managers, superintendents, and field teams throughout the project lifecycleMaintain organized project files, specifications, drawings, and design notesHelp ensure the final design aligns with budget, schedule, client expectations, and buildability What We're Looking For The ideal candidate has a strong technical design background and understands how high-end residential projects are actually built. Qualifications 3-5 years of experience in residential design, architecture, drafting, design-build, remodeling, or custom home constructionStrong understanding of construction drawings, detailing, specifications, and residential building systemsAbility to create clear, accurate, and buildable design documentsWorking knowledge of permitting processes, code basics, and residential construction methodsExperience with field measuring and existing-condition documentationStrong communication and collaboration skills with clients, consultants, project managers, superintendents, and trade partnersAbility to balance design intent with budget, schedule, and construction realitiesHighly organized with strong attention to detail and a practical, solutions-focused mindset Technical Skills Proficiency in AutoCAD(rquired) Experience With Any Of The Following Is Highly Preferred RevitChief ArchitectSketchUp2020 DesignDesign-build project deliverySelections coordinationPermit drawing preparationGoogle Workspace and Microsoft skillsJobTread, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, or similar construction management softwareHigh-end residential remodeling or custom home construction experienceLicensed Residential Architect (preferred but not required) Technology Environment Blue Star operates in a Mac-based environment and currently utilizes Google Workspace for collaboration and communication. The company is transitioning toward Microsoft-based systems, so candidates should be comfortable working across both platforms. Who You Are You are technical, organized, collaborative, and solutions-oriented. You care about great design, but you also care about whether the design can actually be built well. You are comfortable working with both clients and construction teams and understand that successful residential projects require strong communication, clean documentation, practical problem-solving, and teamwork across design and production. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications2 weeks PTO, increasing with tenure14 paid holidays50% company-paid health insurance for employees401(k) with company match after one yearOpportunity to work on high-end residential remodeling and custom home projectsCollaborative and team-oriented environmentLong-term growth opportunity within an established design-build company How To Apply Please submit your resume along with a brief note about your residential design, drafting, architecture, or design-build experience. Portfolio samples or examples of previous residential design work are strongly encouraged. Job Posted by ApplicantPro