Lead Designer

Washington, DC | Full-Time | Onsite

Blue Star is seeking an experienced and technically strong

Lead Designer

to support our high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from early concept through construction-ready documentation.

What You’ll Do
In this role, you will work closely with ownership, project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, trade partners, and clients to move projects from concept into construction.

Responsibilities Include

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

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate has a strong technical design background and understands how high-end residential projects are actually built.

Qualifications

3-5 years of experience in residential design, architecture, drafting, design-build, 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

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 construction realities

Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a practical, solutions-focused mindset

Technical Skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD (required)

Experience With Any Of The Following Is Highly Preferred

Revit

Chief Architect

SketchUp

2020 Design

Design-build project delivery

Selections coordination

Permit drawing preparation

Google Workspace and Microsoft Office skills

JobTread, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, or similar construction management software

High-end residential remodeling or custom home construction experience

Licensed Residential Architect (preferred but not required)

Technology Environment
Blue Star operates in a Mac-based environment and currently utilizes Google Workspace for collaboration and communication. The company is transitioning toward Microsoft-based systems, so candidates should be comfortable working across both platforms.

Who You Are
You are technical, organized, collaborative, and solutions-oriented. You care about great design, but you also care about whether the design can actually be built well.

You are comfortable working with both clients and construction teams and understand that successful residential projects require strong communication, clean documentation, practical problem-solving, and teamwork across design and production.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications

2 weeks PTO, increasing with tenure

14 paid holidays

50% company-paid health insurance for employees

401(k) with company match after one year

Opportunity to work on high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects

Collaborative and team-oriented environment

Long-term growth opportunity within an established design-build company

How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief note about your residential design, drafting, architecture, or design-build experience. Portfolio samples or examples of previous residential design work are strongly encouraged.

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 per year

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