Residential Interior Designer | Design Build Remodeling

The Opportunity

At IHR, our Interior Designers are more than designers. They are thoughtful guides who help homeowners turn the way they want to live into beautiful, functional, and buildable homes.

We are looking for a Residential Interior Designer with a strong foundation in residential design who is ready to take meaningful ownership of the design process. You may have developed your experience primarily in a traditional design studio, architecture firm, or the design phase of projects. You do not need to have already managed every aspect of a design-build project from early programming through construction completion. What matters is that you are excited to learn how thoughtful design decisions connect to planning, construction, investment, schedule, and the finished client experience.

You will work closely with homeowners to understand their goals, develop cohesive design solutions, guide them through key decisions, and help move each project from concept into clear, buildable documentation. You will collaborate with IHR's Project Coordinator, Drafter, Site Superintendent, suppliers, and trade partners, gaining direct exposure to the integrated design-build process.

This is an opportunity for a capable designer who loves creating exceptional residential spaces and wants to deepen their project leadership, construction collaboration, and client-guidance skills within an established team.

About Us

Innovative Home Renovations is a residential design build remodeling firm serving homeowners throughout Northeast Seattle. We reimagine existing homes around the way our clients want to live, combining thoughtful design, detailed planning, and exceptional construction in one integrated process.

A successful remodel is about more than the finished home. We are equally focused on creating an exceptional remodeling experience where homeowners feel understood, informed, confident, and in control throughout their project.

At IHR, we believe the homeowner is the hero of the remodeling story. Our role is to understand where they want to go, guide the decisions along the way, and bring that vision to life.

What You Will Do

Understand the Client and Their Home

Participate in client discovery meetings, site visits, and design conversations to understand homeowners' goals, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, priorities, and how they want their home to functionAsk thoughtful questions and listen carefully so design recommendations reflect what matters most to the clientStudy the existing home's architecture, layout, constraints, and opportunities with guidance from the project team

Develop Thoughtful Design Solutions

Create cohesive design concepts that balance beauty, function, architecture, lifestyle, investment priorities, and buildabilityDevelop space plans, layouts, material palettes, finish selections, cabinetry concepts, millwork details, lighting intent, fixtures, furnishings, renderings, and visual presentations appropriate to the projectPrepare and present design recommendations that help homeowners understand the possibilities for their homeRefine designs in response to client feedback, existing conditions, and input from the project team

Guide Client Decisions

Build trusted relationships with clients by being prepared, responsive, curious, and clearLead or co-lead design presentations, showroom visits, material and finish selections, and site walkthroughsExplain the reasoning behind recommendations in an accessible, confident mannerHelp clients navigate options and tradeoffs while seeking support on complex investment, schedule, or construction decisions

Create Clear, Buildable Documentation

Develop or coordinate floor plans, interior elevations, cabinetry layouts, finish plans, specifications, visual presentations, and other design documentation required for planning and constructionWork closely with IHR's Drafter and project team so design intent is translated into accurate, usable construction informationMaintain organized selections, specifications, and design decisions so the team can find the right information when neededIdentify unanswered questions, potential conflicts, or incomplete decisions early and bring them forward for resolution

Collaborate Through Planning and Build

Work closely with the Project Coordinator, Drafter, Site Superintendent, clients, suppliers, and trade partnersParticipate in project meetings and site walkthroughs when design input, clarification, or client decisions are neededLearn how design decisions affect construction feasibility, existing conditions, material availability, lead times, cost, and scheduleAssist in responding to design questions during construction and help evaluate alternatives when field conditions or product availability require a changeStay connected to the project through completion and help protect the overall design vision

Grow With IHR

Bring curiosity and ideas to the continued development of IHR's design capabilitiesSeek feedback, build fluency in the design-build process, and take on increasing responsibility over timeContribute to improvements in design standards, presentations, documentation, client communication, tools, and workflowsStay informed about residential design trends, materials, products, and best practices

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines strong design ability with the interpersonal skills, judgment, organization, and ownership required to lead residential remodeling projects.

Residential Design Experience. Experience as a professional interior designer in residential remodeling, high-end residential design, architecture, hospitality, or a comparable design environment is valuable. Traditional design-phase experience is welcomeDesign Judgment. The ability to create thoughtful, beautiful, functional spaces that respond to a client's lifestyle, the home's architecture, and project goalsExceptional Client Communication. The ability to listen carefully, build trust, communicate recommendations clearly, and guide clients through design decisions with empathy and professionalismTechnical Design Ability. Experience creating or coordinating space plans, elevations, cabinetry or millwork concepts, specifications, renderings, and other design communication materials. Experience with Chief Architect is preferred. Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Illustrator, or comparable professional design software is also relevantOrganization and Follow Through. The ability to manage multiple design priorities, maintain attention to detail, and follow decisions through to resolutionCollaboration. A genuine interest in working closely with project coordinators, drafters, site leadership, consultants, suppliers, and trade partnersCuriosity and Growth Mindset. A desire to learn the full design-build process, receive feedback constructively, and take increasing ownership of work over time

Education and Professional Credentials

A Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio may also be considered. NCIDQ certification is valued, but is not required.

Why Join IHR?

This role provides an opportunity to have meaningful ownership while working within an established design build team. You will have support from a Project Coordinator, Site Superintendent, suppliers, and established trade partners while still having significant influence over the client experience and design direction of your projects.

You will also have an opportunity to influence how IHR's design practice develops as the company grows. We want talented people to bring their experience to IHR, not simply conform to the way things have always been done.

Lead substantial design work on meaningful residential remodeling projectsDevelop trusted relationships with homeownersLearn directly from the people who plan and build the workSee your designs move from concept toward construction and completionBuild a path toward greater project and design leadership

Requirements

Portfolio required demonstrating thoughtful interior design work in residentialExperience as a professional interior designerStrong visual, spatial, and technical design skillsStrong client-facing communication skills and a thoughtful, service-oriented approachDemonstrated ability to manage design details, priorities, and deadlinesComfort receiving input and collaborating across design, planning, and construction disciplinesWorking proficiency with Chief Architect or a comparable professional design platform, with willingness to become proficient in Chief ArchitectProficiency with common design communication tools, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, or comparable tools as applicableProficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Excel, and TeamsBachelor's degree in Interior Design or a related field preferred; equivalent experience and portfolio may be consideredProfessional appearance and demeanor

Benefits

Hourly: $38 to $46 (DOE)Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance (IHR covers 75% of premiums, begins the 1st of the month after 60 days of employment)Basic Life Insurance (IHR covers 100%)401(k) retirement plan with Company Match after 90 days: 100% match up to 3%, 50% for up to additional 2%16 days Paid Time Off (accrues throughout the year, available for use after 90 days)10 paid holidays (including office closure between Christmas and New Years)Washington State Paid Sick Leave (1 hour accrued every 40 hours worked)Continuing education and professional development opportunitiesFull-time, on-site position based in NE Seattle (Laurelhurst area)All equipment and software providedCoffee & snack barCollaborative, supportive team environment

Application Timeline & Interview Process

We are actively reviewing applications and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Candidates who apply by August 17 will receive priority consideration. This position is expected to close on August 24.

Our interview process is designed to be straightforward and respectful of your time:

Initial Screening Video Call - A conversation with our HR representative to discuss your background, the role, and mutual fitAt-Home Assignment: Complete an assignment based around floor plan layout and mood board creation1:1 with the CEO - A deeper conversation with our CEO about your experience, goals, and how you'd contribute to IHRTeam Interview - A final interview with members of the IHR team

We aim to move quickly through each stage and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Interested?

If you are an experienced residential designer who loves great design but also enjoys the people, problem solving, collaboration, and leadership required to bring that design to life, we would like to hear from you.

We are especially interested in designers who want meaningful ownership of their projects, enjoy guiding homeowners through important decisions, and believe that an exceptional remodeling experience matters just as much as an exceptional finished home.