Department: Design
Reports To: Remodeling Sales & Design Manager
Location: 7885 W 16th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Office
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At VL Builders, we're on a mission to improve lives through design-build remodeling — for our clients, our team, and our community. We live by our core values of BUILDERS: We Build It Right, act with Uncompromising Integrity, Improve Lives, Lead with Respect, show Dedication to Excellence, Elevate the Experience, put Relationships First, and Seek Continuous Growth. Together, we create spaces and experiences that stand the test of time.
Join our dynamic team as we work toward our 10-Year Target: to become a multi-division residential design-build company known for improving lives, with a leadership team running day-to-day, multiple revenue streams for stability, and a lasting culture that develops leaders and gives back to the community.
Our primary clients are single-family residential property owners, aged 35-65, with household incomes of $250k+, who live within 30 minutes of our office and are seeking to invest in their long-term home. If you have experience working with clients like these, or want to gain that experience, this role is a great fit.
Our company operates on EOS, which means you will have a leader who:
- Gives clear directions and ensures you have the tools you need
- Acts with the greater good in mind and delegates tasks appropriately
- Makes expectations clear and communicates effectively
- Conducts efficient and purposeful meetings
- Meets with you one-on-one quarterly, or more as needed
- Rewards and recognizes your performance
JOB SUMMARY
The Remodeling Designer (RD) is the design lead on every project from the signed Build Study Agreement through substantial completion. This role is responsible for all design deliverables: site measures, as-builts, design schemes, material selections, construction drawings with outside drafter, cabinetry designs, and on-site design support during the build. The Remodeling Designer works in close collaboration with the Remodeling Consultant (RC), who owns the client relationship and sales process, and the Project Developer (PD), who handles estimating and technical feasibility.
As the Remodeling Designer you will be singularly focused on design quality, accuracy, and client experience through the design process. The ideal candidate brings formal design education or equivalent experience, a strong understanding of residential construction, proficiency in design and drafting tools, excellent client communication skills, and a passion for creating spaces that genuinely improve people's lives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design Programming & Concept Development (Build Study Phase 1)
- Participate in the design kickoff huddle to agree on game plan, program requirements, design ideas, timing, and use of outsource options (as-builts, 3D renderings, etc.).
- Research zoning, HOA, historic district, and other site constraints for addition projects.
- Submit 811 utility locate requests as required for applicable projects.
- Conduct site measures (with RC and/or PD as needed) and produce accurate as-builts, leveraging outsourced drafting support as appropriate.
- Develop design schemes in close coordination and collaboration with the Remodeling Consultant.
- Illustrate up to three design schemes for Conceptual Review with the clients.
- Attend the Conceptual Review Meeting with the Remodeling Consultant and clients to present conceptual schemes, gather feedback, and align on the preferred direction.
- Refine Designs into one Preliminary Design for use at the Construction Development Meeting (CD)
- Provide refined scheme to the Remodeling Consultant and Project Developer with appropriate annotations for estimating and client review.
- Attend the CD Meeting with the Remodeling Consultant and clients to present the final scheme, gather feedback, and move forward into Phase 2 design.
- Update designs based on the CD Meeting review and provide revised drawings to the Project Developer and Remodeling Consultant for Phase 2 Contract creation.
Design Refinement & Construction Drawing Production (Contract Development Phase 2)
- Huddle with the Remodeling Consultant and Project Developer to agree on game plan, timing, action items, and budget implications of selections and design decisions.
- Obtain the plat from the homeowner or order a property survey as required for addition projects.
- Work with the client, Remodeling Consultant, and Project Developer on iterative design refinement, plans, elevations, lighting layouts, and more.
- Guide clients through the material selections process in the showroom, selecting finishes, fixtures, tile, cabinetry, and other products that align with project goals, budget, and style.
- Gather pricing on all selection items and input into Selections Management software with accuracy.
- Send a preliminary plan to the draftsperson to prepare the trade walk-through drawing set, annotated with all critical dimensions and scope descriptions.
- Attend the trade walk-through to verify critical dimensions and be available to answer design-related questions from trade partners.
- Update drawings as required based on client meetings, estimating changes, refinements from trade proposals, and Project Developer review.
- Prepare the contract review set for the Project Developer; communicate and make final adjustments to drawings prior to contract signing.
- Attend the pre-contract meeting and update drawings with any final client revisions.
- Send the final construction drawing set through Buildertrend for client signature.
- Attend the contract meeting as necessary to support the Remodeling Consultant.
Cabinetry Design & Ordering
- Create and document detailed cabinetry designs, including elevations, renderings, and technical drawings that communicate clearly to clients, production, and trade partners.
- Prepare cabinet orders with complete accuracy, verifying all dimensions, specifications, and field conditions prior to submission to the Sales Manager.
- Develop mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) layouts that align with the design intent and construction feasibility.
- Coordinate with the Sales Manager on cabinet orders prior to Sales-to-Production Turnover; receive Dealer Order Acknowledgments (OAs) and flag any issues.
- Place all special order materials, cabinets, tile, fixtures, and other long-lead items, in advance of the production start date.
- Track delivery of all special order items & coordinate receiving dates with team; resolve material issues in coordination with the Production Supervisor.
Space Planning & NKBA Compliance
- Space plan new layouts using NKBA design guidelines to ensure function, flow, and adherence to industry best practices.
- Ensure all designs meet applicable building codes, accessibility considerations, and local jurisdiction requirements.
- Collaborate with the Project Developer on cross-section details for wall and floor assemblies and other technical components as required.
Sales-to-Production Turnover & Design Support During Construction
- Attend the Sales-to-Production Turnover Meeting; participate in creating and completing the open items list.
- Attend the Pre-Construction Meeting with one full set of Construction Drawings.
- Attend key construction milestones as on-site design support: rough electrical walk-through, cabinet pre-installation walk-through, countertop template review, and the Substantial Completion Walkthrough.
- Provide design support to the Production Supervisor and Lead Carpenter for on-site questions, substitutions, and field challenges, acting as the bridge between the client's design intent and the reality of construction.
- Assist the Project Manager in creating change orders for design-related changes.
- Celebrate project completion, visit to thank clients and deliver a gift on behalf of VL Builders.
- Schedule and oversee the project completion photoshoot, if applicable.
Selections Process & Project Management
- Maintain the design project management calendar; track and communicate design milestone dates to the Remodeling Consultant, Project Developer, and Sales Manager.
- Ensure all designs move through the workflow on schedule and that selections are finalized within budget and on time.
- Maintain complete project documentation in the project management system (Buildertrend): drawings, selections, change orders, and design-related communications.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Education: Bachelors in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field; accredited design certificate; or equivalent professional experience.
- Certifications: CIDQ, NCIDQ, LEED, NKBA or related preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in residential interior design, design-build remodeling, or kitchen and bath design; NKBA certification or experience applying NKBA guidelines strongly preferred.
- Construction Knowledge: Solid understanding of residential construction systems and sequences — including framing, MEP rough-in, cabinetry, tile, finish carpentry, and fixture installation.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in design and drafting software (Chief Architect and 2020 preferred); experience with Selections Management tools, project management software (Monday.com, Buildertrend, or JobTread), and cabinetry design tools.
- Skills: Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills; high attention to detail; ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously; collaborative team player who can work closely with sales, estimating, and production.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct site measures and attend active construction sites; valid driver's license required.
CORE VALUES
You will love it here if you live by:
- B – Build It Right: We refuse to cut corners. If it's wrong, we make it right — every time.
- U – Uncompromising Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it's hard, even when no one is watching.
- I – Improve Lives: We create spaces, systems, and opportunities that make life better for our clients, team, and community.
- L – Lead with Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, listen before speaking, and lead by example.
- D – Dedication to Excellence: We give our best effort, every time, in every detail.
- E – Elevate the Experience: We go beyond what's expected to make every interaction exceptional.
- R – Relationships First: We prioritize trust and connection with clients, teammates, and trade partners.
- S – Seek Continuous Growth: We push ourselves to learn, adapt, and improve every day.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- $80,000-$120,000 (Salary + Performance Incentives)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with company contribution
- Supplemental insurance with company contribution
- Retirement plan with 4% company match
- 80 hours of paid time off plus paid company holidays
- 1 three-day weekend per month
- Company-wide shutdown from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day
- Professional development, volunteering, and team-building opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are a perfect fit for VL Builders. Applications can be sent to [email protected] or submitted through Indeed.
Join VL Builders and be part of a team that values dedication, innovation, and quality! Together, we'll build more than just homes — we'll build dreams.
VL Builders is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable completing a background in accordance with local law and regulations if offered this position?
- Do you have a bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, a related field, an accredited design certificate, or equivalent professional experience?
- Do you have any of the following certifications: CIDQ, NCIDQ, LEED, NKBA or related?
- Do you have at least 5 years of experience as a designer in residential interior design, design-build remodeling, or kitchen and bath design?
- Do you have proficiency in design and drafting software (such as Chief Architect or 2020), experience with Selections Management tools, project management software (such as Monday.com, Buildertrend, or JobTread), and cabinetry design tools?
Ability to Commute:
- Lakewood, CO 80214 (Required)
Work Location: In person
