Senior Residential Designer

Job Description

Job Description

About Black River Design Build 

Black River Design Build is Southeast Wisconsin’s trusted design-build remodeling partner. We specialize in high-quality residential projects—kitchen and bath remodels, home additions, basement finishes, attic conversions with dormers, and whole-home updates. Our fully integrated in-house model (design, estimating, construction, and project management under one roof) delivers a seamless, low-stress experience for homeowners across Metro Milwaukee, the North Shore, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Washington Counties. As we continue to grow, we are expanding our senior design capacity to support more projects at the highest standard. 

The Role 

We are adding a Senior Interior Designer to expand our design capacity and build a strong parallel design track. This is a true senior-level role—not a junior or support position. You will independently lead residential remodeling design projects from initial client intake through professional Design Reveals and seamless hand-off to estimating and production. You will also provide management and leadership: mentoring junior designers and draftspersons, setting timelines and quality standards, coordinating cross-functionally, and helping elevate the entire design process as the company scales. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the design process for residential remodeling projects (kitchens, baths, additions, basements, attics, and related work) from concept through client-approved construction documents.
• Conduct thorough design intakes and site measurements , document existing structural and mechanical conditions, verify that scope aligns with the design contract and budget, and reset client expectations when necessary.
• Develop optimized floor plans and space plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, traffic flow, furniture placement, and accessibility—working independently or in collaboration with junior staff.
• Prepare and deliver professional Design Reveals : create clear, client-friendly presentations and present them confidently while dressed and prepared to represent the firm at a high standard.
• Produce estimating-ready documentation , calling out non-standard or complex items that require special attention for accurate pricing.
• Independently order custom cabinetry (or rapidly develop the ability to do so) and reconcile plans to orders so the right materials are purchased.
• Hand off projects seamlessly to Estimators and Project Managers; maintain clear communication throughout.
• Coordinate with architects, builders, contractors, and other professionals to ensure design intent is executed accurately and on timeline.
• Utilize and improve company systems : Chief Architect (or equivalent), Buildxact, GoHighLevel, Google Drive, and related tools. Share information efficiently across the team.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior designers and draftspersons—set clear expectations and timelines, review work, give constructive feedback, and foster continuous skill development.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through clear communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and thoughtful handling of feedback and design revisions.
• Keep internal documents and plan sets current so the field team always works from the most accurate information.
• Contribute to process improvement and company growth while modeling the high standards expected of a senior team member. 

What We’re Looking For 

• 7+ years of professional residential interior design experience, with substantial work in remodeling, design-build, kitchen & bath, or whole-home renovation projects strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience—supervising designers, leading project teams, setting schedules/quality standards, or mentoring junior staff. 

• A strong portfolio that shows both creative residential design and practical, buildable solutions for real remodeling constraints.
• Fluency in Chief Architect (or comparable software such as AutoCAD, Revit, 20/20, or SketchUp) and the ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Excellent client-facing skills: professional presentation ability, clear written and verbal communication, and comfort managing expectations and feedback.
• Solid working knowledge of residential construction methods, sequencing, and common code/feasibility issues so designs are realistic and estimable. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement and note-taking on job sites.
• Willingness to work on-site in the Milwaukee area and support the standard schedule of 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday. 

Compensation & Benefits 

We offer a competitive package designed to attract and retain senior talent:
• Salary: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

• Pay frequency: Weekly direct deposit.
• Health benefits: Medical, vision, and dental coverage offered on the first of the month following a 60-day probationary period. Company covers 50% of both the employee’s and dependents’ premiums on approved UnitedHealthcare and Delta Dental plans. • Paid time off: 2 weeks of PTO, plus 8 paid holidays. Details are governed by the company vacation policy. Time-off requests require 14 days’ advance notice and supervisor approval.
• Tools of the trade: Company-provided computer, cell phone, software licenses, and all necessary office supplies and organizational materials (these remain company property).
• Schedule: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
• Opportunity to help shape and grow additional benefits (retirement accounts, etc.) as the company continues to scale. 

Our Expectation of You 

We do not expect you to already know every single internal process on day one. We do expect you to bring strong design and leadership capabilities, a professional presence with clients, and a genuine willingness to learn the systems and standards that make our projects successful. In return, we will invest in your growth while we expand the benefits and opportunities available to the team. Everyone contributes to the whole—if these terms sound like a good fit, we look forward to meeting you.