Kitchen Lead Designer

A2z Builders; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Job summary

A2z Builders is seeking an experienced Kitchen Designer to lead high-end residential kitchen design projects in Denver, Colorado. In this role, you will mentor junior designers and ensure design excellence from client consultation to installation. You must demonstrate a strong background in luxury kitchen design with proficiency in relevant software, coupled with excellent client communication skills. This position is not entry-level and offers opportunities for advancement within the department.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in high-end residential kitchen design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing luxury projects and complex designs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects without compromising quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen design projects from client consultation to installation.
• Develop complete design packages including layouts and specifications.
• Coordinate with vendors and ensure compliance with codes and budgets.
• Mentor junior designers and maintain design quality standards.

Skills

Kitchen design expertise

Client communication

Mentorship

Project management

AutoCAD proficiency

Tools

Chief Architect

2020 Design/Cabinet Vision

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off

THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL ROLE.

We are hiring a seasoned kitchen design professional. You will work alongside junior interior designers providing the experience, confidence, and patience to elevate the entire department.

The aim for this position is for it to be fast‑tracked to a co‑leadership roll within 3 months.

ABOUT A2Z BUILDERS A2Z Builders is a Class A General Contractor specializing in high‑end residential remodels and new construction in the Denver market. With 70+ concurrent active projects, and a dedicated kitchen showroom, we operate at significant scale with an unwavering commitment to design excellence and client experience. Our design department is growing, and we are investing in the talent, experience, and leadership needed to take it to the next level.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Kitchen Designer with a deep, specialized portfolio in high‑end residential kitchen design. This is not a general interior design role, kitchen design is the core competency we are hiring for. You will own the kitchen design process from client consultation through final installation, while simultaneously mentoring junior designers through both structured guidance and daily example.

You will collaborate closely with project managers, estimators, and field teams to ensure every design is beautiful, buildable, and on budget. You bring precision, taste, and professionalism — and you are energized by the opportunity to shape the next generation of designers while doing the work you love.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen design projects from initial client consultation through installation sign‑off
• Develop full kitchen design packages including layouts, cabinet specifications, material selections, finish schedules, and 3D renderings
• Advise clients on cabinetry, countertops, appliances, hardware, lighting, and spatial flow with an elevated, luxury sensibility
• Ensure all designs are code‑compliant, construction‑feasible, and aligned with project budgets and insurance or bid scope
• Coordinate with vendors, cabinet suppliers, and material reps for pricing, lead times, and specification accuracy
• Conduct site visits to verify design intent is executed correctly in the field
• Upload finalized selections and design documentation to our project management hub/CRM and communicate updates through internal project channels

Mentorship & Department Leadership

• Serve as a mentor for the department — guiding growth through both formal structured sessions and daily hands‑on collaboration
• Review fellow designer work product, provide constructive feedback, and hold the department to a high standard of design quality
• Share industry knowledge, design methodology, and professional best practices to accelerate department development
• Model the professional client‑facing behaviors and design discipline expected across the department
• Contribute to the development of internal design standards, templates, and processes that elevate the team as a whole

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with project managers and estimators to ensure design selections align with project timelines and cost structure
• Support clients through the full build process including change orders, revised selections, and design questions
• Participate in pre‑construction planning meetings to establish design intent early and prevent costly field changes

What We’re Looking For — Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated, specialized experience in kitchen design — specifically higher‑end residential kitchens. General interior design experience alone will not qualify
• A portfolio that reflects luxury residential kitchen projects with sophisticated material selections, complex spatial planning, and elevated aesthetic execution
• Proficiency in Chief Architect, 2020 Design/Cabinet Vision, AutoCAD, or Revit
• Deep knowledge of cabinetry systems, countertop materials, appliance specifications, plumbing placement, and kitchen construction sequencing
• Proven mentorship experience or a demonstrable commitment to teaching and developing junior talent
• Strong client‑facing communication skills — able to translate complex design concepts into clear, confident presentations
• Ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously without sacrificing design quality or attention to detail
• Comfort with CRM platforms and collaborative team environments
• Experience working within a general contracting or design‑build environment
• Experience collaborating with field teams and subcontractors to resolve design‑execution conflicts
• Background in both new construction and remodel kitchen design contexts

Strongly Preferred

• NKBA certification (National Kitchen & Bath Association) or equivalent professional credential
• Familiarity with Colorado building codes and permit requirements as they relate to kitchen remodels