Senior Designer - High-End Residential Remodel & Build Docs

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

Benefits offered by this job

2 weeks PTO

14 paid holidays

50% company-paid health insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Star is seeking an experienced Lead Designer to support high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from concept through construction-ready documentation. This role focuses on practical design solutions that align with buildability, budget, and schedule.

Ideal candidates have a strong technical design background, 3–5 years in residential design, and proficiency in AutoCAD. You will collaborate with owners, project managers, architects, engineers, and field teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch or equivalent)
• 3–5 years of residential design experience
• Strong knowledge of construction drawings, detailing, specifications, and residential building systems
• Ability to create clear, accurate, buildable design documents
• Working knowledge of permitting processes, code basics, and residential construction methods
• Experience with field measuring and existing-condition documentation
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with clients, consultants, project managers, superintendents, and trade partners
• Ability to balance design intent with budget, schedule, and constructability

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 directly 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

Strong communication

Organized and meticulous

Collaborative

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Chief Architect

Job description

Blue Star is seeking an experienced Lead Designer to support high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from concept through construction-ready documentation. This role focuses on practical design solutions that align with buildability, budget, and schedule.

Ideal candidates have a strong technical design background, 3–5 years in residential design, and proficiency in AutoCAD. You will collaborate with owners, project managers, architects, engineers, and field teams to deliver