Architect/Senior Designer

HDR Remodeling; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

HDR Remodeling in Emeryville, CA is seeking an Architect/Senior Designer to lead complex residential design projects. You will drive from concept through signed construction agreements, guide client selections, and coordinate with estimating and production to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

You’ll manage projects with deep knowledge of planning, building systems, and code requirements, mentoring junior designers and coordinating with contractors to achieve exceptional results.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of design experience in high-end residential projects.
• Design-build experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient CAD skills with AutoCAD LT; basic rendering in plan/elevation/3D views.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site discovery and document existing structural, plumbing, and electrical conditions.
• Produce complete architectural sets: floor plans, ceiling plans, elevations, and 3D perspectives.
• Apply California Building Codes and Title 24 to move projects through city review with minimal corrections.
• Guide clients through selections and balance vision with budget and lead-time realities.
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets with the Design Manager.
• Prepare trade walk packets with clear scopes of work for subcontractor bidding.
• Own cabinetry process from layout to delivery tracking.
• Support design-to-production handoff and field installations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers on structural, code, and planning considerations.

Skills

Kitchen design

Bathroom design

NKBA guidelines

California Building Codes

Client collaboration

Plan reading

Communication skills

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in design/architecture

Tools

AutoCAD LT

Photoshop

Canva

Job description

About Us

HDR Remodeling is an award-winning Design-Build firm celebrating 37 years of satisfied residential clients in the East Bay Area.

We specialize in whole-house renovations, kitchen and bath remodeling, and garage and basement conversions. Our start-to-finish process—from design concept to permit-ready plans to production—will guide you along the way to make sure your project is completed on time and on budget, and take the uncertainty and stress out of remodeling your home.

Our philosophy—and passion—is to help our clients make their remodeling dreams come true.

About the Role

The Architect/Senior Designer plays a key role in both the design and sales process — from concept development through signed construction agreements. This position is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality residential design, guiding clients through selections, and collaborating with the team to ensure projects meet aesthetic, functional, and budget goals.

What sets this role apart from our Designer position is depth: you'll take the lead on projects with real structural complexity, drawing on a strong understanding of planning, building systems, and code requirements to guide design decisions that go beyond standard kitchen and bath work.

You’ll collaborate closely with the Design Manager, our design team, Estimating, and Production to deliver seamless, well-documented design-build projects — combining creativity and strategy to manage client relationships, influence sales outcomes, and work independently with minimal supervision.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on-site discovery, including measurements and documentation of existing structural, plumbing, and electrical conditions
• Produce complete architectural sets — floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, and 3D perspectives — for projects involving structural complexity
• Apply deep knowledge of California Building Codes and Title 24 to keep projects moving through city review with minimal corrections
• Guide clients through selections of fixtures, finishes, and materials, balancing their vision with lead-time realities and budget
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets with the Design Manager, including timely revisions for material costs and subcontractor quotes
• Prepare trade walk packets with clear scopes of work to ensure accurate subcontractor bidding
• Own the cabinetry process from layout through delivery tracking
• Participate in the design-to-production handoff and support the field team through key installations
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers on structural, code, and planning considerations

What You’ll Bring:

• Extensive kitchen and bathroom design experience
• Deep understanding of NKBA design guidelines
• Working knowledge of California Building Codes and Title 24 requirements
• Well-developed aesthetic sense for helping clients select finishes for their projects
• Basic understanding of construction practices for kitchens and bathrooms
• Strong knowledge of residential design principles and construction processes
• Experience creating detailed drawings and specifications
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, architects, and contractors
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as design or architecture
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines
• Must be able to read and execute plans

Requirements:

• 10+ years of design e(xperience) working in high-end residential projects
• Design-build experience strongly preferred
• Design Software: Highly proficient with CAD — AutoCAD LT is our primary design software (we do not use 20/20). Working knowledge of composing renderings in plan, elevation, and 3D views, Photoshop, and Canva
• Office Software: Google Workspace, Slides, Docs, MS Excel, Word, DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat, Slack, and other typical office equipment, printers, and plotters
• Must have a reliable vehicle
• Authorized to work in the United States

Why HDR Remodeling

We're a design-build company built on sustainability, teamwork, honesty, and exceeding expectations. This is a chance to step into a senior, high-trust role with real ownership over how our most complex projects get designed and built.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: Emeryville, CA (in office)

• Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (REQUIRED)

Compensation and Benefits:

• $55-65/hr DOE
• Retirement plan 401(k) + matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Bonus opportunities

APPLICATION STATUS NOTICE:

To ensure an efficient hiring process, we kindly ask that you do not call the office regarding your application status. We will review all applications carefully and will be in touch with qualified candidates via email regarding the next steps.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS:

HDR Remodeling is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

In addition to federal law requirements, employer complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Employer expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.