Senior Designer – High-End Residential Builds

Blue Star; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two weeks PTO

14 paid holidays

Company-paid health insurance (50% for

401(k) with company match

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Blue Star in Washington, DC is seeking a Lead Designer to drive high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from concept to construction-ready documentation.

The role requires a strong technical design background, site understanding, and ability to balance design with budget and buildability. Collaboration with owners, PMs, engineers, and trades is essential to deliver buildable design solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture required.
• 3-5 years of experience in residential design, architecture, drafting, remodeling, or custom home construction.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, detailing, specifications, and residential building systems.
• Ability to create clear, accurate, and buildable design documents.
• Working knowledge of permitting processes, code basics, and residential construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop residential design concepts, layouts, plans, elevations, and detailed construction drawings.
• Translate client goals and existing site conditions into practical and buildable design solutions.
• Support preconstruction through design development, scope clarification, selections coordination, and documentation.
• Prepare permit drawings and design packages for pricing, permitting, client review, and construction.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, vendors, and trade partners.
• Assist with site verification, field measurements, and existing-condition documentation.
• Help identify constructability issues before projects move into production.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and field teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain organized project files, specifications, drawings, and design notes.
• Help ensure the final design aligns with budget, schedule, client expectations, and buildability.

Skills

Residential design

Space planning

Documentation accuracy

Client collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Chief Architect

SketchUp

2020 Design

Job description

Blue Star in Washington, DC is seeking a Lead Designer to drive high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from concept to construction-ready documentation.

The role requires a strong technical design background, site understanding, and ability to balance design with budget and buildability. Collaboration with owners, PMs, engineers, and trades is essential to deliver buildable design solutions.