Senior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

SAM Construction Group is the construction division for our vertically-integrated developer, SAM Development Group. We specialize in new mid-rise multifamily and luxury home construction. Our structures are concrete and steel, with in-house divisions self-performing a variety of trade craft scopes including grading/excavation, underground wet/dry utilities, concrete/rebar, framing/drywall, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, roofing, landscaping, as well as other scopes.

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Designer to join our luxury residential design team. This role is ideal for a highly creative, detail-oriented designer who understands the unique demands of designing exceptional custom homes and enjoys guiding projects from initial concept through final installation.

The Senior Designer will take a leadership role in developing sophisticated interiors that reflect each client's lifestyle, preferences, and vision while maintaining the highest standards of design, craftsmanship, and execution. This position requires strong creative instincts, technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple aspects of a complex residential project.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Creative Leadership

• Lead the interior design process for luxury custom residences from concept through completion.
• Develop comprehensive design concepts, presentations, floor plans, elevations, material palettes, finish selections, and furniture plans.
• Create interiors that are sophisticated, timeless, highly personalized, and appropriate to the architecture and setting of each residence.
• Develop detailed selections for flooring, stone, tile, cabinetry, millwork, hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting, wall treatments, furnishings, window treatments, and accessories.
• Maintain a cohesive design vision throughout all phases of the project.
• Research and source unique, high-quality materials, furnishings, artwork, antiques, and decorative elements.
• Work closely with architects and builders to ensure the interior design vision is successfully integrated into the architecture and construction.

 

Client Experience

• Serve as a primary design contact for assigned clients and develop strong, trusted relationships throughout the project.
• Lead client presentations and communicate design concepts, selections, budgets, and recommendations with confidence and professionalism.
• Listen carefully to client needs and translate their lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements into a cohesive design.
• Guide clients through selections and decisions while maintaining the overall design direction.
• Manage expectations and proactively communicate project updates, decisions, schedules, and potential challenges.

 

Project Management

• Manage multiple luxury residential projects simultaneously while maintaining design quality, budgets, and schedules.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, selection schedules, and procurement timelines.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, project managers, vendors, artisans, and specialty consultants.
• Track design decisions, approvals, samples, specifications, and outstanding items.
• Review project budgets and selections to ensure alignment with client expectations and project parameters.
• Identify potential issues early and develop practical design solutions.

 

Technical & Construction Documentation

• Produce and/or oversee detailed interior design drawings and documentation.
• Develop plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, finish plans, millwork details, cabinetry drawings, and other project documentation.
• Review architectural and consultant drawings for coordination and design consistency.
• Review shop drawings, samples, specifications, and submittals for accuracy and adherence to design intent.
• Participate in construction meetings and site visits.
• Conduct field observations to monitor design execution and identify items requiring correction.
• Assist with punch lists, final installations, styling, and project closeout.

 

Furniture, Art & Installation

• Develop furniture, lighting, accessory, and artwork selections appropriate for each residence.
• Prepare furniture specifications and coordinate custom furniture and specialty pieces.
• Work with vendors, manufacturers, artisans, and trades to obtain pricing, samples, lead times, and production information.
• Oversee furniture procurement and installation in collaboration with the project team.
• Participate in final styling and installation to ensure the completed residence meets the firm's design standards.

 

Team Leadership

• Delegate project tasks while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Collaborate with principals, project managers, and other designers to establish project priorities.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to the creative development of the studio.
• Help establish and maintain consistent design standards and processes.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional interior design experience , with significant experience in luxury residential or custom-home projects.
• Proven portfolio demonstrating sophisticated, high-end residential interiors.
• Experience managing projects from concept through construction and installation.
• Strong knowledge of luxury residential materials, finishes, furnishings, millwork, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and architectural detailing.
• Strong understanding of residential construction and the ability to communicate effectively with architects, builders, contractors, and specialty trades.
• Proficiency in relevant design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or comparable programs.
• Excellent presentation, communication, organization, and client-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of design standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel locally and attend job sites, showrooms, vendor appointments, and installations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with $3M+ luxury custom residences or similar high-end residential projects.
• Experience working directly with affluent and high-profile clientele.
• Experience with full-service interior design, including furniture, art, accessories, and installation.
• Established relationships with high-end vendors, artisans, showrooms, and trade professionals.
• NCIDQ certification or other relevant professional credentials.
• Experience with luxury residential projects in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, or other high-end residential markets.
• Strong knowledge of custom millwork, stone, cabinetry, specialty finishes, and architectural detailing.
• Experience managing project budgets, procurement, and client approvals.

 

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a design leader, creative problem-solver, and trusted client advisor who understands that luxury is found in the details.

 

You are someone who:

• Has an exceptional eye for proportion, scale, color, texture, and materiality.
• Can develop a strong design concept and carry it consistently through construction and installation.
• Understands both the creative and business sides of luxury residential design.
• Is comfortable presenting sophisticated concepts to discerning clients.
• Can confidently collaborate with architects, builders, craftsmen, and vendors.
• Takes ownership of projects and follows details through to completion.
• Maintains composure and professionalism when managing complex projects and competing priorities.
• Is passionate about craftsmanship, architecture, interiors, and exceptional residential design.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities to work on highly customized, architecturally significant residences.
• Collaborative studio environment with opportunities for long-term career growth.

 

Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am -5:00pm (In Office) *remote work is not available

Salary: $130,000 (DOE)

 

*SAM Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.