Lead Designer

Urban Edge Homes is a premier luxury home builder specializing in high-end custom homes, renovations, and remodels. Our design-build approach brings together thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a highly personalized client experience. We are looking for an experienced Lead Designer to join our team and take a leadership role in the design and selection process for our luxury residential projects. This is an opportunity for a creative, organized, highly communicative designer who understands that great residential design is about more than making a home beautiful—it is about creating spaces that are intentional, functional, timeless, and tailored to the way each client lives. The ideal candidate has strong residential design experience, exceptional attention to detail, a sophisticated design eye, and the ability to confidently guide high-end clients through a complex design process. Position Overview The Lead Designer will serve as a primary design resource for Urban Edge Homes and our clients throughout the lifecycle of a project. This individual will work closely with homeowners, architects, project managers, estimators, trade partners, vendors, and the Urban Edge leadership team to develop and execute cohesive design concepts from the initial stages of a project through final installation. The Lead Designer will be responsible for maintaining the overall design vision while balancing aesthetic, functionality, constructability, schedule, and budget. This position requires someone who can be both creative and highly organized—someone who can develop a beautiful concept in the morning and confidently work through specifications, pricing, revisions, and construction details in the afternoon. Key ResponsibilitiesClient Experience & Design Leadership Serve as a primary design contact for assigned luxury residential clients. Build strong, professional relationships with homeowners and understand their lifestyle, preferences, priorities, and design goals. Lead clients through the design and selections process in a confident, organized, and enjoyable manner. Help clients make informed design decisions while maintaining the overall vision and budget of the project. Present design concepts, finish selections, material palettes, fixtures, furnishings, and architectural details to clients. Provide professional recommendations while respecting the client's individual style and goals. Manage client expectations regarding design decisions, pricing, lead times, and project implications. Communicate design decisions and changes clearly to the internal team and appropriate trade partners. Design Development Develop comprehensive interior and exterior design concepts for custom homes and luxury renovations. Create cohesive material palettes and design schemes throughout the home. Select and specify: Flooring Tile and stone Cabinetry Countertops Plumbing fixtures Doors and millwork Paint and wall finishes Appliances Exterior finishes Other specialty materials and finishes Develop mood boards, finish boards, presentation materials, and other design documentation. Coordinate design elements to ensure a consistent and intentional aesthetic throughout the home. Research new products, materials, vendors, and design trends while maintaining a timeless, sophisticated approach. Assist with space planning, furniture layouts, lighting concepts, and interior detailing as appropriate. Construction Documentation & Coordination Review architectural plans and construction documents for design intent, accuracy, and coordination. Identify potential design conflicts or constructability concerns before they reach the field. Coordinate design details with architects, engineers, project managers, estimators, and trade partners. Provide clear specifications and documentation to support accurate estimating and construction. Review shop drawings, product submittals, samples, and trade proposals as needed. Participate in project meetings and jobsite walkthroughs with clients and team. Work with the construction team to ensure the finished product reflects the approved design intent. Assist in resolving field conditions, substitutions, material availability issues, and other design-related construction challenges. Budget & Selection Management Work closely with the estimating and project management teams to maintain awareness of project budgets. Develop selections that align with the established project budget and client priorities. Track design selections, allowances, upgrades, and pricing throughout the design process. Communicate pricing implications of design decisions to clients before selections are finalized. Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain accurate pricing and lead-time information. Help identify opportunities to achieve the desired design aesthetic while maintaining budget discipline. Understand that design decisions have direct impacts on project cost, schedule, and construction. Develop and maintain strong relationships with trusted vendors, showrooms, manufacturers, subcontractors, and trade partners. Coordinate product selections, pricing, samples, lead times, and ordering requirements. Stay informed about vendor offerings, new products, availability, and industry trends. Attend vendor showroom appointments and product presentations as appropriate. Help Urban Edge Homes maintain a high-quality network of design resources and trade partners. Project Completion Assist with final finish coordination and installation details. Participate in punch walks and identify design-related items requiring correction or completion. Help coordinate final selections, accessories, hardware, and other finishing details. Ensure the completed home reflects the original design vision and Urban Edge Homes' quality standards. The ideal candidate will have: 5+ years of professional residential design experience in luxury custom homes or high-end remodeling. Experience working directly with high-end homeowners. A strong understanding of residential construction and how design translates into the field. Exceptional knowledge of interior finishes, materials, fixtures, cabinetry, millwork, lighting, and architectural details. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and project management abilities. Exceptional attention to detail. The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under pressure. Confidence presenting ideas and recommendations to discerning clients. A collaborative personality and ability to work effectively with builders, architects, subcontractors, and vendors. Strong computer skills and proficiency with relevant design and documentation software. Experience with CAD, 3D modeling, rendering, or other design software is required. Experience with Buildertrend or similar construction/project management software is preferred. Knowledge of residential construction methods, building materials, and construction sequencing is highly desirable. We are looking for someone who is: Creative – You have a sophisticated design perspective and can create spaces that feel unique, timeless, and intentional. Client-focused – You genuinely enjoy working with homeowners and understand how important their home is to them. Highly organized – You can manage hundreds of selections and details without losing sight of the big picture. Detail-oriented – You notice the things others miss and understand that luxury is often found in the details. Collaborative – You understand that exceptional homes are created through teamwork between designers, builders, architects, trades, and clients. Confident – You can make recommendations, explain your reasoning, and guide clients through difficult decisions without being pushy. Solutions-oriented – Construction doesn't always go exactly according to plan. You can identify problems, develop solutions, and keep the project moving forward. Design-conscious but budget-aware – You understand that beautiful design must also be realistic, buildable, and appropriate for the client's investment. Core Responsibilities at a Glance Design Develop finish and material palettes Make product and fixture selections Create presentations and design documentation Maintain cohesive design throughout the project Clients Guide homeowners through selections Present recommendations Communicate design decisions and pricing implications Construction Coordinate with project managers and supervisors Review plans and shop drawings Resolve field conditions Coordinate with trades Protect design intent through construction Budget Monitor selections against project budgets Identify upgrades and alternatives Communicate cost impacts Coordinate pricing, samples, and lead times Source products and materials Stay current on industry offerings Education & Experience A degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required. Professional experience and demonstrated ability are highly valued. Preferred qualifications include: 5+ years of luxury residential design experience Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field Luxury custom home or remodeling experience Strong knowledge of residential materials and construction Experience working with architects and builders Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously Proficiency in design software and presentation tools Buildertrend experience Urban Edge Homes offers a compensation package based on experience and qualifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Urban Edge Homes