Director of Residential Design

The current Director of Residential Design is planning to retire in approximately two years, creating a unique opportunity for a qualified candidate to transition into a long-term leadership position and help shape the future of our residential practice. The Director of Residential Design is responsible for guiding residential clients from initial engagement through schematic design, budgeting, bid presentation, and ultimately securing signed construction contracts. Key Responsibilities • Follow up on residential sales opportunities and lead early client engagement • Conduct initial client meetings and facilitate discovery and goal-setting discussions • Develop and present design proposals and design agreements • Lead initial design meetings and establish project direction and scope • Prepare conceptual sketch plans and schematic layouts • Coordinate the handoff of initial plans to drafting staff for detailed drawing development • Lead ongoing client meetings throughout schematic design and refinement • Prepare schematic-level construction budgets aligned with design intent and feasibility • Collaborate closely with internal construction teams to validate scope and cost assumptions • Present construction bids, negotiate contracts, and secure signed construction agreements • Serve as the primary design leader and client-facing representative during early project phases • Oversee and mentor the residential design department, including: • Interior Design staff • Glenbrook Cabinetry team • Coordination with drafting personnel and workflows • Maintain design quality standards, project documentation expectations, and a consistent client experience • Collaborate with firm leadership on business development, design strategy, and long-term growth initiatives Qualifications • 10+ years of high-end residential design experience (renovations and/or custom homes preferred) • Proven ability to manage client relationships from concept through signed construction contract • Strong schematic design capability and comfort producing conceptual sketch plans • Experience preparing early-stage construction budgets and understanding real-world construction costs • Demonstrated success presenting proposals, bids, and negotiating contracts • Strong leadership experience managing and mentoring design staff • Deep understanding of residential construction and design-build processes • Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly with high-end residential clientele • Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field preferred This position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, high-quality residential projects while shaping the future of a respected design department within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

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