JDS Design Build is seeking an experienced Lead Designer to lead residential remodeling projects from initial concept through construction-ready design while managing the design team supporting those projects.
This is a senior, client-facing design position for someone who can balance exceptional design with strong project leadership. Our Lead Designers don't simply create beautiful spaces—they own their projects. They guide the client experience, lead the design vision, manage schedules, coordinate their design team, and ensure every detail is thoughtfully developed and documented for construction.
As part of an integrated design-build company, our designers work closely with preconstruction, estimating, procurement, and construction. The ideal candidate understands that great residential design must be both beautiful and buildable.
What You’ll Do
Lead Projects & Clients
- Own the design vision and client relationship for assigned projects from concept through completion of design
- Lead client design meetings and presentations
- Guide clients confidently through design decisions, materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings
- Obtain and document required client approvals
- Maintain clear, proactive communication throughout the design process
- Own and maintain design schedules, milestones, and deliverables for your projects
- Anticipate potential issues and keep projects moving forward
Develop Exceptional, Buildable Designs
- Lead concept development and translate client goals into cohesive, fully developed designs
- Develop space plans, materials, finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, furnishings, and architectural details
- Research, source, specify, and document products and materials
- Prepare and oversee construction and permit drawing packages
- Review plans, elevations, specifications, and drafting output for accuracy and completeness
- Assign drafting tasks and coordinate revisions
- Collaborate with preconstruction and construction teams to identify constructability concerns before they reach the field
- Ensure designs meet JDS standards for quality, functionality, documentation, and presentation
Lead Your Design Team
- Manage and assign work to Designers and Junior Designers supporting your projects
- Set clear expectations, priorities, and deadlines
- Review team deliverables and hold team members accountable for quality and completion
- Mentor Designers and Junior Designers in design craft, documentation, client service, and project execution
- Manage workload and performance within your team
- Collaborate with the Senior Designer on scheduling, design standards, and quality across the department
- Contribute to improving JDS design processes, standards, and systems
Collaborate Across Design + Build
Our designers don't work in a silo. You'll collaborate closely with our preconstruction, estimating, procurement, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
You'll help ensure the design intent is clearly communicated, accurately priced, properly documented, and ultimately executable in the field.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong residential interior design and remodeling experience
- Experience independently leading projects and managing client relationships
- Demonstrated ability to take a project from concept through detailed design and construction documentation
- Strong understanding of residential construction and how design decisions translate into the field
- Experience developing or reviewing plans, elevations, cabinetry, finish details, and specifications
- Strong material, fixture, finish, and furnishing knowledge
- Experience managing project budgets, pricing, and procurement
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities
- Experience directing or mentoring other designers
- Excellent client communication and presentation skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to working with construction and production teams
- Comfortable taking ownership and being accountable for project outcomes
You’ll Be a Great Fit If You…
Love creating beautiful spaces but care just as much about whether they can actually be built.
You naturally take ownership rather than waiting for someone else to identify the next step.
You can confidently lead a client through difficult decisions while still making them feel heard and supported.
You enjoy mentoring other designers and raising the quality of the work around you.
You understand that great design requires creativity and organization, documentation, communication, budget awareness, and follow-through.
And most importantly, you care deeply about delivering an exceptional experience for the client—from their first design meeting through the transition into construction.
About JDS Design Build
JDS Design Build is a residential design-build firm based in Livermore, California, specializing in thoughtfully designed remodels, additions, ADUs, and new construction.
Our integrated approach brings design and construction together under one team, allowing us to create a more coordinated experience for our clients and better outcomes in the field.
We believe exceptional projects come from exceptional collaboration—and we're looking for a Lead Designer who wants to take ownership, lead confidently, and help us continue raising the standard for the JDS client experience.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
