Residential Interior Designer (Design-Build Remodeling)
Base Salary: $80,000 – $1100,000 (DOE) Location: Seattle, WA (job sites primarily in Seattle + close-in neighborhoods) Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday (occasional schedule flex as projects require) Project Load: Typically 2–4 active projects in Design + Planning at any time (varies by phase/complexity)
Portfolio required: Please include a portfolio link (website, PDF, or Instagram) with your application.
About Us
Innovative Home Renovations (IHR) is a design-build remodeling firm based in Northeast Seattle. We enable homeowners to transform this house into their home while feeling empowered, educated, and in control. Our highly skilled team delivers superior quality on a set schedule, for a fixed price, using a disciplined process and trusted trade partners.
Position Overview
We’re seeking a creative, technically strong Interior Designer who thrives in a collaborative design-build environment and loves balancing creativity with real-world execution.
At IHR, Interior Designers are not just selecting finishes — they are project leaders. You will guide clients from initial vision through completion, owning the Design + Planning budget and schedule, and remaining the project lead through Build.
How We Work (Team Structure & Ownership)
At IHR, each remodeling team typically includes an Interior Designer, Site Superintendent, Project Coordinator, in-house Drafter, and Site Hand.
Ownership is clear so you can focus on the work that matters most:
- Interior Designer (Project Lead / PM): Owns the client relationship, design direction, and the project budget + schedule during the Design and Planning stages. Remains the project lead through Build.
- Site Superintendent (Field Lead): Owns onsite Build Stage execution and the Build Stage schedule, in alignment with the Interior Designer.
- Project Coordinator: Owns ordering, tracking, expediting, and logistics so the Interior Designer is not buried in procurement admin.
- In-house Drafter: Handles the majority of modeling; Interior Designers use Chief Architect to develop proposed plans, elevations, and renderings.
You will:
- Shape design direction from concept through construction
- Work closely with homeowners in a high-touch client experience
- Collaborate daily with our superintendent, project coordinator, clients, and trade partners
- Contribute to evolving and refining our design systems
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership (Concept → Construction)
- Lead client discovery to understand vision, goals, and lifestyle needs
- Establish a cohesive design direction that aligns with project goals, budget, and schedule
- Guide clients through key decisions via meetings, showroom visits, and site walk-throughs
Design Development & Documentation
- Create proposed plans, space layouts, elevations, renderings, and design details in Chief Architect (or equivalent)
- Develop buildable design documentation (including custom millwork details as needed)
- Coordinate with the in-house Drafter, consultants, and trade partners to ensure design intent is documented clearly and accurately
Selections & Specifications
- Recommend and specify finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and materials that are functional, aesthetically aligned, and within budget
- Drive decisions on availability/lead times by coordinating with the Project Coordinator (who owns ordering/tracking/expediting)
Interior Furnishings (as applicable)
- Lead or support interior furnishings scope, including furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles, window coverings, and decor, aligned with design intent and client budget
- Develop furnishings concepts and presentations; guide clients through sourcing and selection decisions
- Coordinate with the Project Coordinator on procurement tracking and delivery logistics as needed
- Support installation/styling and punch list for furnishings scope to ensure a polished, complete final result
Budget & Schedule Management (Design + Planning)
- Own the Design + Planning budget and timeline, keeping scope, selections, and documentation aligned
- Proactively resolve issues related to cost, availability, or logistics before they impact the project
Build Stage Partnership (Design Intent Protection)
- Remain the project lead through Build
- Partner with the Site Superintendent on field decisions that affect design intent, budget, or client experience
- Respond quickly to design RFIs and site conditions; drive solutions with the team
Continuous Improvement & Team Contribution
- Contribute to evolving and refining IHR’s design systems and workflows
- Stay current on interior design trends as they relate to residential remodeling and interior furnishings
- Mentor junior staff (as applicable) and uphold quality standards
Why Join IHR?
At IHR, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where creativity and innovation thrive. We offer competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a company that values transparency, communication, and client satisfaction.
If you are passionate about interior design and eager to contribute to a company that transforms houses into homes, we encourage you to apply.
Requirements
- Portfolio required demonstrating residential interior design work (high-end remodeling/design-build preferred)
- 5+ years of professional interior design experience, preferably in high-end residential or design-build environments
- Proven ability to lead projects from concept through completion
- Strong client-facing communication skills and ability to drive decisions with clarity and empathy
- Strong problem-solving skills (cost changes, lead times, field conditions) while maintaining budget/schedule discipline
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines
- Technical proficiency with Chief Architect (required) and common design communication tools (e.g., AutoCAD/SketchUp/Adobe/PowerPoint as applicable)
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook/Excel/Teams)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or related field required (Master’s preferred)
- Professional appearance and demeanor
Benefits
- Base Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 (DOE)
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision insurance (IHR covers 75%)
- Paid Holidays (5 Days)
- Paid Time Off (4 Weeks)
- 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer match
- Coffee & snack bar
Why Join IHR?
You’ll work in a high-touch design-build environment with clear ownership, real support (Project Coordinator + in-house Drafter), and the chance to lead beautiful residential remodels from concept through completion.