Project Designer

Position Title: Project Designer

Manager’s Position: Design Lead

Result Statement: I am accountable for producing the following result:

To deliver intentional, detail-driven residential designs that align with the company’s creative vision, uphold code and compliance standards, and set every project up for seamless permitting and construction—ultimately retaining long-term, high-quality clients through thoughtful design that elevates both beauty and function.

Tactical Work:

1. Communicate with clients to understand their vision, lifestyle, goals, aesthetic preferences, and budget

2. Translate client concepts into cohesive, functional, and buildable designs that reflect both creativity and technical accuracy

3. Produce detailed construction drawings, 3D models, and supporting documentation using Chief Architect (AutoCAD proficiency preferred)

4. Ensure all design documentation complies with Title 24, CalGreen, local building codes, and site-specific requirements

5. Coordinate with structural, mechanical, and other consultants to finalize comprehensive drawing sets

6. Prepare, submit, track, and manage permit applications from pre-submittal to approval

7. Partner with Pre-Construction and Project Managers to ensure handoff clarity and constructability

8. Communicate consistently with clients and team members, providing proactive updates and thorough follow-through

9. Maintain organized and detailed project notes, design files, revisions, and specification documentation

10. Attend weekly design pipeline meetings and present clear status updates

11. Support team success by assisting with design tasks on other projects when needed

Standards: Quantity, quality, and behavior standards for which this position is accountable:

Position Specific:

1. Lead clients through the full pre-construction design process with clarity, professionalism, and a collaborative mindset

2. Maintain consistent output of design deliverables that align with project timelines and construction schedules

3. All plans must be accurate, buildable, code-compliant, and permit-ready before handoff

4. Serve as the primary design decision-maker on assigned projects

5. Build positive relationships with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal teams

6. Remain educated on current design trends, materials, permitting requirements, and best practices

7. Uphold a high standard of detail and documentation throughout the design process

8. Represent the company professionally in demeanor, communication, and presentation

9. Minimum of 40 hours/week with prompt, reliable attendance during scheduled workdays

Company Wide:

1. All work will be performed according to company policies and standards, in the spirit of the company’s vision

2. All work will be orchestrated and quantified when appropriate

3. All telephone calls, both internal and external, will be returned within two hours whenever possible, and within one business day at the latest

4. All proprietary company information will be held as strictly confidential outside the company

5. Immediate manager will be notified of any issues that cannot be resolved, or deadlines that cannot be met, within a reasonable time frame and before the deadline has arrived

6. Immediate manager will be notified of any issues that cannot be resolved, or deadlines that cannot be met, within a reasonable time frame, and before the deadline has arrived.

Qualifications for Success:

1. 3–5+ years of professional residential design experience supported by a strong portfolio

2. Mastery of Chief Architect and confidence navigating design software efficiently

3. Solid understanding of California building codes, including Title 24 and CalGreen

4. Naturally detail-oriented with strong organizational habits

5. Clear, professional communicator who follows through consistently

6. Ability to manage multiple clients and projects with poise and prioritization

7. Strong design sensibility with the ability to blend creativity and practicality

8. Collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-first mindset

9. Professionalism in client interactions, documentation, and representation of the company

10. Genuine passion for thoughtful, functional, elevated residential design