Project Designer

NKBA; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ateliers Jacob DC is seeking a talented Project Designer to own the full journey of each client project, from initial inquiry through installation. You will lead design decisions, coordinate with trade partners, and build lasting client relationships.

With 5+ years in upscale kitchen/cabinetry design and strong CAD skills, you’ll collaborate with a Senior Technical Designer and Project Manager in a Washington, DC studio that values craftsmanship and genuine connections.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in kitchen/cabinetry design or related high-end residential design.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong design portfolio showing refined aesthetic judgement 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Represent Ateliers Jacob DC at showroom events and industry gatherings.

Skills

Kitchen design

Client advisory

CAD software

Portfolio

Multitasking

Collaborative mindset

Education

BA in Interior Design/Architecture

Tools

Vectorworks

Chief Architect

Job description

# Project Designer at Ateliers Jacob DCWashington, DC · Full-timeApply Now## Job DescriptionAbout the RoleAteliers Jacob DC is looking for a talented Project Designer to join our design team! This is awonderful opportunity for someone who loves building genuine relationships, has a great eyefor design, and enjoys guiding clients and trade partners toward beautiful, functional solutionsthey might not have imagined on their own.In this role, you'll own the full journey of your projects — from the very first conversation allthe way through the final walkthrough and beyond. You'll partner closely with a SeniorTechnical Designer and Project Manager, so you're never doing it alone, while you lead theclient relationship, the design vision, and the overall momentum of each project.We work with both trade professionals (designers, architects, builders) and homeownersdirectly, so you'll get to build a wide and rewarding network across the DC design community.What You'll DoBuild trusted, lasting relationships with clients and trade partners — from first inquiry through post-installation follow-upLead discovery conversations with genuine curiosity to understand each client's goals, budget, and visionGuide decisions on materials, finishes, and design details with confidence and clarityDevelop complete design documentation (floor plans, elevations, specifications) using CAD softwareKeep projects moving forward — coordinating timelines, decisions, and the right people at the right momentsLead proposals and pricing conversations, always focused on communicating value and craftsmanshipHelp grow the business by nurturing relationships that lead to repeat projects and referralsRepresent Ateliers Jacob DC at showroom events and industry gatheringsWhat We're Looking ForMust-haves:5+ years of experience in kitchen/cabinetry design, or a related high-end residential design fieldExcellent verbal and written communication skillsA strong design portfolio showing refined aesthetic judgment in kitchen, cabinetry, interior, or related residential designComfort working in CAD software (Vectorworks, Chief Architect, or similar)Experience working directly with clients as a trusted advisorAbility to juggle multiple projects with great attention to detailA collaborative mindset — you're excited to partner with technical experts and work within shared systemsBA in Interior Design, Architecture or related industryNice-to-haves:Technical experience with custom cabinetry and millworkBackground supporting trade professionals in a B2B design environmentAn existing network of designers, architects, or builders in the DC areaFamiliarity with the Georgetown / DC luxury residential marketExperience with Octopus or similar project management platformsWhy You'll Love Working HereYou'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 projectmanagement partners, and plenty of opportunity to grow your network and your career withina studio that values craftsmanship, curiosity, and genuine connection.SkillsInterior DesignCustom Kitchen CabinetsKitchen RemodelingKitchen Design3D Models and RenderingsCustom CabinetsExperienceMid-SeniorJob TypeFull-timeLocationWashington, DCPosted4 days ago