Designer

Role overview

BOWA - Design Build Experts is looking for an accomplished Designer to join its luxury residential design/build team in McLean, Virginia. This role suits someone with 3 to 5 or more years of experience in interior design, architecture, or design/build work, and who enjoys contributing in a fast-paced, collaborative, client-facing environment.

As part of the project team, you will work alongside a Project Leader from Sales, a Production Manager, and other designers or architects to take projects from early concepts through production-ready documentation. Your work will help shape high-end home transformations while staying aligned with the company's established design/build process.

What you'll do

You will contribute to schematic design, design development, client meetings and presentations, 3D modeling, material and finish selection, detailed architectural drawings, and permit submissions across multiple jurisdictions. The role also involves close coordination with internal design and project teams to ensure creative ideas are translated into accurate technical deliverables for premium residential spaces.

Core duties

• Bring strong capability in residential and remodeling design.
• Meet with Project Leaders and clients on a weekly basis throughout the project lifecycle, from kickoff to completion.
• Partner with the project team to produce as-built drawings, schematic plans, design development packages, presentation drawings, permit sets, and construction documents.
• Create floor plans, elevations, and detailed drawing sets using AutoCAD.
• Develop 3D models in SketchUp.
• Produce hand sketches when needed.
• Prepare presentation boards using Canva and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Apply knowledge of local zoning rules, environmental considerations, and structural constraints that affect project design.
• Understand permitting procedures within the DC Metro area.
• Oversee the design process for several projects at once.
• Manage product and finish selections within project allowances and scope.
• Research current trends in materials, finishes, fixtures, appliances, and related design elements.
• Support clients through showroom visits, sample reviews, and resource recommendations.

Experience and qualifications

The ideal candidate should bring creativity, accuracy, and a strong sense of collaboration. A degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited university is preferred. Experience with selections and vendors is valuable, and prior design/build exposure is considered an advantage. The position is suited to someone who can work independently, take direction well, and contribute positively to a close-knit, high-performing team.

Additional strengths include a genuine interest in residential design, a solid understanding of the remodeling process, the ability to support projects from concept through construction, excellent organization, strong deadline management, and a desire to grow in a dynamic design/build setting.

Technical skills

You should be highly proficient in AutoCAD for architectural drafting and in SketchUp for 3D modeling. Comfort with Microsoft Office applications is expected, along with graphic design capability using Adobe Creative Suite tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Experience with Adobe Acrobat and Canva is also required. Familiarity with rendering software would be a plus.

Supervisory responsibilities

This role does not include any direct supervisory duties.