Head of Design

W3Global; Fenton (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Company computer and tablet

Professional development support

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Head of Design in the St. Louis area to own the complete design experience for luxury homes. You will lead the design department, set creative direction, and ensure every project is buildable, on budget, and on schedule.

You will mentor Interior Designers, standardize design practices, and oversee client interactions from discovery through final specifications. The role requires strong leadership and proficiency in Chief Architect and BuilderTrend.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-end residential custom homes or major renovations.
• 2+ years managing or mentoring interior designers.
• Advanced proficiency in Chief Architect (renderings & documentation).
• Working proficiency in BuilderTrend (or equivalent construction management software).
• Solid understanding of cabinetry, millwork, finish carpentry, and construction sequencing.
• Portfolio showcasing both high-end aesthetic range and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Department and mentor the team to achieve goals.
• Establish and enforce design standards across projects.
• Assign workloads, recruit talent, and lead homeowner interactions.
• Guide homeowners through discovery, concepts, selections, and specifications.
• Create mood boards, material palettes, renderings, and technical plans in Chief Architect.

Skills

Leadership

Interior design

Portfolio management

Project budgeting

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

Interior design degree

NCIDQ or NKBA credentials

Tools

Chief Architect

BuilderTrend

Job description

• Location: Fenton, MO office, St. Louis-area job sites, and homeowners' homes

Role Overview

• Position: Head of Design
• Department: Design
• Reports to: VP of Design & Construction
• Direct reports: Interior Designers
• Location: Fenton, MO office, St. Louis-area job sites, and homeowners' homes
• Type: Full-time, salaried (exempt)

ROLE SUMMARY

The Head of Design owns the complete design experience at company, from initial homeowner discovery to final walkthrough. This leader sets creative direction, manages and develops the design team, and ensures every design is buildable, on budget, and on schedule for high-end custom homes starting at $750K.

WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS

As MCH grows, we need a visionary operator to elevate design standards, establish repeatable SOPs for selections, and lead homeowners through timely decisions so the design pipeline keeps moving without delays.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Design Department

• Manage, mentor, and develop Interior Designers through regular reviews and Goal Setting Reviews (GSRs).
• Establish and enforce MCH design standards across all projects to ensure consistent quality.
• Assign project workloads, recruit new talent, and lead high-stakes homeowner interactions.

Own The Homeowner Design Experience

• Guide homeowners through discovery, concepts, selections, and final specifications.
• Create mood boards, material palettes, renderings, and technical plans in Chief Architect.
• Lead selection meetings, establish firm decision deadlines, and drive selections to closure.
• Conduct site visits with Project Managers and homeowners to verify constructability.

Protect Scope, Budget, and Schedule

• Keep all selections within approved budgets, obtain vendor quotes, and flag lead-time risks early.
• Issue change orders with cost/schedule impacts prior to work proceeding.
• Ensure design deliverables and material handoffs match the production schedule.

Run Clean Documentation and Systems

• Own the Chief Architect and BuilderTrend software ecosystem for selection tracking and design records.
• Build and maintain design SOPs, including QA checklists and selection binder standards.
• Collaborate with architects on redline plans and coordinate installation details with trades.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years in high-end residential custom homes or major renovations.
• 2+ years managing or mentoring interior designers.
• Advanced proficiency in Chief Architect (renderings & documentation).
• Working proficiency in BuilderTrend (or equivalent construction management software).
• Solid understanding of cabinetry, millwork, finish carpentry, and construction sequencing.
• Portfolio showcasing both high-end aesthetic range and technical documentation.

Preferred

• Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.
• NCIDQ or NKBA (CKD/CMKBD) credentials.
• Experience serving high-net-worth homeowners and building design SOPs.

How Success Is Measured

• Design Accuracy: 99% (final specs match approved plans)
• On-Time Deliverables: 90%+ by schedule milestone
• Budget Adherence: 95%+ selections within approved budget
• Homeowner Satisfaction: 4.5 / 5 average post-design rating

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary + performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (up to 3%)
• Paid vacation, holidays, company computer, tablet, and tech tools
• Professional development support and continuing education