Remote Lead Architectural Designer - Traditional Residential (United States)

About Mollie Bigley Studio:

Mollie Bigley Studio is a Bermuda-based boutique practice providing integrated architecture and interior design services for highly personalized residential projects. Our work includes renovations, additions and new homes, with services extending from initial concept and permitting through detailed design, procurement, construction coordination and final installation. We approach architecture and interiors as an integrated whole, creating homes that respond thoughtfully to their setting, architectural character and the way each client lives.

About the Role:

Mollie Bigley Studio is seeking one experienced Lead Architectural Designer to manage high-end residential projects remotely from concept through construction.

This is an architecture-led position for a designer with a strong understanding of traditional residential architecture, proportion, planning and detailing. The successful candidate should be able to develop designs that feel authentic and well resolved rather than simply applying decorative traditional elements.

The role requires a senior, hands-on designer who can take ownership of assigned projects while collaborating closely with the studio principal and directing support from our Bermuda-based team. The Lead Architectural Designer must be able to maintain the overall design vision while managing the technical documentation, consultant coordination and ongoing decisions required to deliver a completed home.

This remote position is open to candidates currently residing in the United States or Canada. Candidates must be legally able to work or provide independent professional services from their place of residence and must be consistently available during Bermuda/Atlantic business hours.

The designer will direct local team members in obtaining site dimensions, photographs and other field information. Occasional company-paid travel to Bermuda will be required at key project stages.

Key responsibilities

• Lead high-end residential renovations, additions and new homes from concept design through construction
• Develop architectural concepts, plans, elevations, sections and details rooted in sound traditional design principles
• Resolve building massing, scale, proportion, symmetry, circulation and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces
• Design and detail traditional architectural elements, including doors, windows, arches, columns, stairs, fireplaces, moldings, paneling, cabinetry, rooflines and exterior trim
• Adapt traditional architectural language thoughtfully to contemporary residential needs
• Prepare and oversee coordinated drawing packages for planning, permitting and construction
• Develop architectural details that are visually appropriate, technically sound and buildable
• Coordinate architectural information with interior design, structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants
• Review existing conditions and develop sensitive solutions for renovations and additions
• Direct local team members in gathering dimensions, documenting site conditions and following up on field-related questions
• Collaborate with clients to establish project goals and present design concepts and recommendations
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, millworkers, fabricators, suppliers and specialist trades
• Review consultant drawings, shop drawings, samples and submittals for consistency with the approved design
• Identify missing information and coordination issues before they affect permitting or construction
• Manage project priorities, schedules, deliverables and follow-up across multiple active projects
• Provide remote construction-phase support and participate in virtual site meetings
• Guide and review work completed by junior designers, drafters and local team members
• Contribute to the continued development of the studio’s drawing standards, details, systems and processes

North American product knowledge:

The successful candidate must have strong familiarity with the U.S. and Canadian residential product markets and be comfortable researching, evaluating and specifying products available through those markets.

Relevant knowledge should include:

• Residential windows and exterior doors
• Interior doors, moldings and architectural millwork
• Cabinetry and hardware
• Plumbing fixtures and fittings
• Appliances and standard North American appliance dimensions
• Decorative and architectural lighting
• Flooring, tile, stone and finish materials
• Building products and residential construction systems
• Appropriate clearances, installation requirements and coordination allowances
• Manufacturer documentation, product specifications and lead-time considerations

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience leading high-end residential architectural projects
• A degree in Architecture, Architectural Design, Interior Architecture or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• A strong portfolio demonstrating completed traditional or classically influenced residential work
• Demonstrated knowledge of traditional architectural principles, proportions and detailing
• Proven experience managing projects from concept through construction
• Strong design judgment and a refined understanding of residential planning, materials, millwork and architectural detailing
• Experience producing and reviewing coordinated construction drawings and technical documentation
• Strong knowledge of residential construction and structural and MEP coordination
• Strong familiarity with U.S. and Canadian residential products, manufacturers and construction conventions
• Ability to research products independently and assess their suitability for a project
• Ability to manage projects independently while collaborating closely with a studio principal
• Excellent organizational, project-management and client-facing communication skills
• Ability to give clear direction and review the work of remote and local team members
• Confidence coordinating with consultants, contractors, suppliers and residential clients
• Advanced proficiency in relevant CAD or BIM, modelling and presentation software
• Willingness to learn Bermuda-specific building regulations and construction practices
• Consistent availability during Bermuda/Atlantic business hours
• Current residence in the United States or Canada not necessary but helpful

Compensation

The annual consulting fee is US$100,000–$125,000+, depending on experience, qualifications and location.

Application requirements

Please apply through LinkedIn with:

• Résumé/CV
• Portfolio demonstrating relevant completed residential work
• Brief introduction describing your experience leading residential projects
• Examples of traditional architectural design and detailing
• Confirmation that you currently reside in the United States or Canada

Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered.