Project Manager / Design Assistant - Residential Design-Build

Job Description

We are a highly regarded local design build firm in Seattle that has primarily served the Queen Anne neighborhood area since 2004 . We are an early adopter of the design-build model in Seattle, bringing design and construction under one roof so homeowners work with a single team from concept through completion. 

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We’re looking for a Project Manager to join our design/build team and lead residential projects from preconstruction through completion. This person will work closely with our Director of Design & Project Management to support the coordinating of the many moving parts of a project—working closely with clients, architects, subcontractors, and our internal construction team to keep projects organized, on schedule, and on budget. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, while maintaining a high level of communication and client service.

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This is a hands-on role for someone who understands both the big picture and the details that make a residential construction project successful. You’ll help develop schedules and budgets, manage subcontractors and vendors, track costs and change orders, coordinate design and construction decisions, and serve as a trusted point of contact for our clients throughout the process. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality work, enjoys solving problems, communicates clearly, and thrives in the collaborative, fast-paced environment of a design/build firm.

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Project Manager / Design Assistant – Residential Design-Build \n

Position Type: Full-Time, in person

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Department: Design & Construction

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Reports To: Director of Design / Construction Manager

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Salary Range : Hourly calculated  $55,000-$65,000 (+performance bonus & opportunities for growth)

About the Role \n

We are seeking an organized, and client-focused Project Manager / Design Assistant to join our residential design-build team. This position plays a key role throughout the entire project lifecycle from initial client consultation and design development through estimating, permitting, construction, and project completion.

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The ideal candidate combines an affinity for and interest in residential design sensibility, project management, basic construction knowledge, and exceptional communication skills . You will work closely with our Director of Design & Project Management and serve as a trusted partner to homeowners while coordinating closely with designers, architects, estimators, trade partners, and field teams to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget.

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This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both the creative and business sides of residential construction and wants to have a meaningful impact on the client experience and success of each project.

Key Responsibilities Design Assistance \n

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• Serve as the day-to-day client contact during the design and pre-construction phases.
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• Meet with prospective and existing clients to understand their goals, lifestyle, priorities, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
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• Develop strong client relationships and guide homeowners through the design-build process.
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• Translate client needs into practical design concepts and project requirements.
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• Assist with selections of finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and other materials.
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• Present design concepts, budgets, schedules, and project options to clients.
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• Help clients make informed decisions while balancing design objectives, constructability, and budget.
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• Identify opportunities for value engineering and provide alternative solutions when appropriate.
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Project Management \n

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• Manage multiple residential remodeling and/or new construction projects from pre-construction through completion.
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• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, scopes of work, and client expectations.
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• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, engineers, estimators, subcontractors, suppliers, and field personnel.
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• Review plans and specifications for completeness, constructability, and alignment with the client's goals.
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• Coordinate permitting and other pre-construction requirements as needed.
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• Track project costs, selections, allowances, change orders, and commitments.
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• Manage client change requests and communicate the financial and scheduling implications clearly.
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• Maintain consistent communication with clients and internal teams.
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• Monitor project progress and help ensure work is completed according to company standards, plans, specifications, and schedule.
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• Assist with punch lists, final inspections, project closeout, and warranty coordination.
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• Represent the company's brand, values, craftsmanship, and commitment to service.
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Internal Team Collaboration \n

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• Work closely with company leadership to establish project goals and priorities.
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• Collaborate with the construction team to ensure designs are practical and executable in the field.
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• Participate in estimating, budgeting, and project planning.
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• Contribute to improving company processes, systems, templates, and client experience.
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Qualifications \n

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• 1–3 years of experience in residential construction, remodeling, architecture, interior design, design-build, or related fields.
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• Comfortable managing residential projects from design through construction is preferred.
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• General understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and sequencing.
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• Solid design and aesthetic sensibility with an understanding of current residential design trends.
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• Experience with project budgets, estimating, schedules, selections, and change orders.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
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• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
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• Professional, confident, and personable approach to working with homeowners.
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• Bachelor's degree in construction/project management, architecture, interior design, business, or a related field is preferred but not required.
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\n Physical Requirements: \n

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• Ability to regularly visit and walk through active residential construction sites, including homes in various stages of renovation or construction.
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• Ability to safely navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, unfinished flooring, and other typical residential construction environments.
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• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while visiting job sites and meeting with clients, subcontractors, and field teams.
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• Ability to occasionally bend, crouch, kneel, reach, and climb ladders or access areas of a residential project as needed to observe site conditions.
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• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials, samples, plans, or equipment weighing up to approximately 25-50 lbs on occasion.
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• Ability to work in environments that may include dust, noise, temperature variations, and other typical construction-site conditions while following required safety protocols.
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• Ability to use a computer, tablet, phone, and other standard office and construction-management tools for extended periods.
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• Ability to travel locally between residential project sites, suppliers, showrooms, and the company office as required.
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Ideal Candidate \n

You are someone who:

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• Enjoys working directly with people and building lasting relationships.
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• Can move comfortably between a design conversation and a construction conversation.
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• Understands that great design must also be practical, buildable, and financially responsible.
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• Is highly organized and naturally takes ownership of projects.
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• Can manage details without losing sight of the overall client experience.
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• Is comfortable discussing budgets and making recommendations based on value.
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• Communicates clearly and professionally with both clients and construction professionals.
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• Can anticipate problems rather than simply react to them.
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• Takes pride in craftsmanship, design quality, and delivering an exceptional finished product.
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What We Offer \n

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• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
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• Performance-based bonus opportunities
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• Paid time off and holidays
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Collaborative team environment
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• Opportunity to work on high-quality, design-driven residential projects
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• Significant ownership and influence over the client experience and project outcomes
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If you are passionate about residential design, construction, and creating exceptional client experiences, we would love to hear from you.

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Apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to View email address on ziprecruiter.com and View email address on ziprecruiter.com with the subject line “Project Manager / Design Assistant Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

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