Project Designer

NKBA Big Sky Chapter; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ateliers Jacob DC is seeking a Project Designer to join the design team in Washington, DC. You will own the full project journey, lead client relationships, and collaborate with a Senior Technical Designer and Project Manager to deliver refined kitchen and cabinetry solutions.

The role emphasizes strong design judgment, portfolio quality, and ability to manage multiple projects with a collaborative, client-focused approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in kitchen/cabinetry design or related high-end residential design.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong design portfolio showing refined aesthetic in kitchen, cabinetry, interior or related residential design.
• Comfort working in CAD software (Vectorworks, Chief Architect, or similar).
• Experience working directly with clients as a trusted advisor.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted, lasting relationships with clients and trade partners from inquiry to post-installation follow-up.
• Lead discovery conversations to understand goals, budget, and vision.
• Guide decisions on materials, finishes, and design details.
• Develop complete design documentation (floor plans, elevations, specifications) using CAD software.
• Keep projects moving forward by coordinating timelines and decisions.

Skills

Custom Cabinets

Interior Design

Kitchen Design

3D Models and Renderings

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Remodeling

Education

BA in Interior Design, Architecture or related industry

Tools

Vectorworks

Chief Architect

Job description

Project Designer

Project Designer at Ateliers Jacob DC

Location

Washington, DC

Job Type

Full-time

Job Description

About the Role Ateliers Jacob DC is looking for a talented Project Designer to join our design team! This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who loves building genuine relationships, has a great eye for design, and enjoys guiding clients and trade partners toward beautiful, functional solutions they might not have imagined on their own. In this role, you'll own the full journey of your projects — from the very first conversation all the way through the final walkthrough and beyond. You'll partner closely with a Senior Technical Designer and Project Manager, so you're never doing it alone, while you lead the client relationship, the design vision, and the overall momentum of each project. We work with both trade professionals (designers, architects, builders) and homeowners directly, so you'll get to build a wide and rewarding network across the DC design community.

What You'll Do

• Build trusted, lasting relationships with clients and trade partners — from first inquiry through post-installation follow-up
• Lead discovery conversations with genuine curiosity to understand each client's goals, budget, and vision
• Guide decisions on materials, finishes, and design details with confidence and clarity
• Develop complete design documentation (floor plans, elevations, specifications) using CAD software
• Keep projects moving forward — coordinating timelines, decisions, and the right people at the right moments
• Lead proposals and pricing conversations, always focused on communicating value and craftsmanship
• Help grow the business by nurturing relationships that lead to repeat projects and referrals
• Represent Ateliers Jacob DC at showroom events and industry gatherings

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in kitchen/cabinetry design, or a related high-end residential design field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A strong design portfolio showing refined aesthetic judgment in kitchen, cabinetry, interior, or related residential design
• Comfort working in CAD software (Vectorworks, Chief Architect, or similar)
• Experience working directly with clients as a trusted advisor
• Ability to juggle multiple projects with great attention to detail
• A collaborative mindset — you're excited to partner with technical experts and work within shared systems
• BA in Interior Design, Architecture or related industry

Nice-to-haves

• Technical experience with custom cabinetry and millwork
• Background supporting trade professionals in a B2B design environment
• An existing network of designers, architects, or builders in the DC area
• Familiarity with the Georgetown / DC luxury residential market
• Experience with Octopus or similar project management platforms

Why You'll Love Working Here

You'll be part of a team that believes great design and great relationships go hand in hand. You'll have real ownership over your projects, strong support from technical and project management partners, and plenty of opportunity to grow your network and your career within a studio that values craftsmanship, curiosity, and genuine connection.

Skills

• Custom Cabinets
• Interior Design
• Kitchen Design
• 3D Models and Renderings
• Custom Kitchen Cabinets
• Kitchen Remodeling

Experience

Mid-Senior

About Ateliers Jacob DC

Ateliers Jacob brings together master cabinetmakers, millworkers, and designers—artisans dedicated to crafting spaces that inspire well-being. Our clients envision kitchens as the heart of their homes, where connection and warmth flourish. Every day, we commit to transforming these visions into sacred spaces that exceed expectations. Guided by a passion for detail and clean lines, our designs embody individuality, human connection, and timeless beauty. At Ateliers Jacob, we don't just create spaces; we bring our client's dreams to life—because in our world, the boldest dream always wins.