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.

Design Leadership & Project Ownership

• Take the lead on assigned residential projects, coordinating interior design work from early planning through construction and final presentation.
• Collaborate closely with the design and architecture teams to develop a cohesive vision for the entire home.
• Apply established company design standards and processes consistently while tailoring each home’s selections and details to its architecture, setting, and intended market.
• Coordinate interior layouts, finishes, fixtures, lighting, cabinetry, millwork, and furnishings with the broader architectural design.
• Prepare and maintain design concepts, material palettes, selections, plans, elevations, schedules, and related project documentation.
• Work with the project team to ensure design decisions align with project budgets, schedules, and construction requirements.
• Communicate design direction and decisions clearly, track open items, and follow through to help ensure the completed home reflects the agreed-upon vision.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with architecture, construction, and project management teams to integrate interior design with the home’s architecture and building systems.
• Participate in design coordination and project review meetings, communicating decisions and resolving design questions promptly.
• Review architectural and consultant drawings for design intent, functionality, and coordination with interior selections.
• Coordinate with contractors, trades, vendors, manufacturers, artisans, and specialty consultants.
• Identify design or construction conflicts early and propose practical, well-considered solutions.

Project & Budget Management

• Manage multiple projects and design tasks while maintaining quality, schedules, and budget expectations.
• Develop and maintain design schedules, selection schedules, and procurement timelines in coordination with the project team.
• Track design decisions, specifications, samples, submittals, and outstanding items.
• Review selections and costs against project budgets and established specifications.
• Monitor product availability, pricing, lead times, and substitutions; recommend alternatives when needed.
• Take ownership of details and follow decisions through to installation and project closeout.

Technical Documentation & Construction Support

• Produce and/or oversee interior design drawings and documentation, including plans, elevations, finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, and cabinetry or millwork details.
• Prepare clear specifications and schedules for finishes, fixtures, lighting, and other interior elements.
• Review shop drawings, samples, and submittals for accuracy and consistency with design intent.
• Participate in construction meetings and make regular site visits.
• Observe installation and construction progress, document items requiring attention, and coordinate follow-up with the project team.
• Assist with punch lists, final detailing, staging, and preparation of completed homes for sale.

Furnishings, Styling & Market Presentation

• Develop furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessory selections that support the home’s design and buyer appeal.
• Coordinate custom furniture and specialty pieces, as required.
• Work with vendors and suppliers to obtain pricing, samples, lead times, and production information.
• Coordinate procurement and installation with the project team.
• Participate in final styling and presentation to ensure each home is market-ready and meets company design standards.

Team Contribution

• Help prioritize design work and coordinate responsibilities with team members.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas that strengthen the company’s homes and processes.
• Support consistent standards, documentation, and workflows across projects.
• Communicate proactively and contribute to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional interior design experience, preferably in luxury residential, custom-home, or high-end design-build projects.
• Portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, sophisticated residential interiors.
• Experience carrying projects from concept through construction, installation, or final presentation.
• Strong knowledge of residential materials, finishes, furnishings, millwork, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and architectural detailing.
• Understanding of residential construction and the ability to coordinate effectively with architects, builders, project managers, contractors, and trades.
• Proficiency in relevant design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable programs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to travel locally and attend job sites, showrooms, vendor appointments, and installations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with luxury homes valued at $3M or more, or comparable high-end residential projects.
• Experience in a design-build environment or with homes developed for sale.
• Knowledge of buyer expectations and design considerations for luxury spec homes.
• Experience with project budgets, procurement, product substitutions, and vendor coordination.
• Established relationships with high-end vendors, showrooms, artisans, or trade professionals.
• NCIDQ certification or other relevant professional credentials.
• Experience in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, or other high-end residential markets.
• Strong knowledge of custom millwork, stone, cabinetry, specialty finishes, and architectural detailing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced, self-directed designer who can bring a clear design vision to life while working within the realities of budgets, schedules, and construction. You take initiative, communicate early, and collaborate closely with the design and architecture teams to develop each home’s overall vision and aesthetic. You enjoy working across disciplines to create homes that feel distinctive, cohesive, and exceptionally well executed.

You are someone who:

• Has a strong eye for proportion, scale, color, texture, and materiality.
• Enjoys collaborating with the design and architecture teams to shape the home’s overall vision and aesthetic.
• Contributes ideas openly, listens to others, and helps bring the team’s design direction together into a cohesive result.
• Understands how interiors, architecture, and building decisions influence one another.
• Balances creativity with market awareness, cost, durability, and buildability.
• Takes ownership of work and follows details through to completion.
• Collaborates confidently with design, architecture, construction, vendors, and trades.
• Stays organized and composed while managing multiple projects and changing priorities.

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.