Head of Design - Luxury Custom Homes & Team Leadership

Clevanoo LLC; Fenton (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Head of Design at Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations leads the full design experience from initial homeowner conversations to final walkthroughs, setting the creative direction and ensuring every project is buildable, on budget, and on schedule.

This role heads the design department, mentors designers, coordinates with project teams, and drives design excellence across high-end residential builds in the St. Louis area, including renovations, with a focus on client satisfaction and craftsmanship.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-end residential design, custom homes or major renovations.
• 2+ years leading, managing, or mentoring designers.
• Advanced proficiency in Chief Architect, including renderings and design documentation.
• Working proficiency in BuilderTrend, or equivalent CM software.
• Strong knowledge of cabinetry, millwork, finish carpentry, and sequencing.
• A portfolio of high-end residential work showing aesthetic range and technical docs.
• Ability to manage multiple active projects without missing details.
• Valid driver's license and ability to visit job sites regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Department and mentor designers.
• Uphold design standards for consistent quality across projects.
• Assign designers, balance workloads, and manage complex homeowner relationships.
• Recruit and onboard new designers as the team grows.
• Guide homeowners through design phases from discovery to final specification.
• Create mood boards, palettes, renderings, and plans in Chief Architect.
• Lead selection meetings and drive decisions within budget and schedule.
• Present in homeowner meetings with empathy and authority.
• Ensure designs are built as drawn on site.

Skills

5+ years in high-end residential

2+ years leading designers

Chief Architect proficiency

BuilderTrend proficiency

cabinetry & millwork knowledge

construction sequencing understanding

portfolio of high-end work

multi-project management

valid driver's license

Education

Degree in interior design/architecture

NCIDQ or NKBA credentials

Tools

Chief Architect

BuilderTrend

Job description

The Head of Design at Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations leads the full design experience from initial homeowner conversations to final walkthroughs, setting the creative direction and ensuring every project is buildable, on budget, and on schedule.

This role heads the design department, mentors designers, coordinates with project teams, and drives design excellence across high-end residential builds in the St. Louis area, including renovations, with a focus on client satisfaction and craftsmanship.