Senior Designer / Architect – Residential Design-Build

About Us

HDR Remodeling is an award-winning Design-Build firm celebrating nearly 40 years of satisfied residential clients in the East Bay Area. We specialize in whole-house renovations, kitchen and bath remodeling, and garage and basement conversions. Our start-to-finish process—from design concept to permit-ready plans to production—guides our clients along the way, keeps projects on time and on budget, and takes the uncertainty and stress out of remodeling a home.

Our philosophy and passion is to help our clients make their remodeling dreams come true.

The Role

As our Senior Designer/Architect, you'll play a key role in both design and sales, taking projects from first concept through signed construction agreements. You'll create high-quality residential designs, guide clients through selections, and work with the team to make sure every project meets aesthetic, functional, and budget goals.

You'll lead projects with real structural complexity, using your understanding of planning, building systems, and code to guide design decisions that go beyond standard kitchen and bath work. You'll collaborate with our Design Manager, design team, Estimating, and Production, and have the independence to run your projects with minimal supervision.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on-site discovery, including measurements and documentation of existing structural, plumbing, and electrical conditions
• Produce complete architectural sets — floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, and 3D perspectives — for projects involving structural complexity
• Apply deep knowledge of California Building Codes and Title 24 to keep projects moving through city review with minimal corrections
• Guide clients through selections of fixtures, finishes, and materials, balancing their vision with lead-time realities and budget
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets with the Design Manager, including timely revisions for material costs and subcontractor quotes
• Prepare trade walk packets with clear scopes of work to ensure accurate subcontractor bidding
• Own the cabinetry process from layout through delivery tracking
• Participate in the design-to-production handoff and support the field team through key installations
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers on structural, code, and planning considerations
  

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong understanding of structural considerations, planning, and building codes, including California Building Codes and Title 24
• Knowledge of NKBA design guidelines
• Strong knowledge of residential design principles and construction processes, including kitchen and bathroom construction practices
• Well-developed aesthetic sense for helping clients select finishes for their projects
• Experience creating detailed drawings and specifications, and ability to read and execute plans
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, team, and contractors
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines

Requirements:

• 10+ years of residential design-build experience, including kitchen and bathroom
• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as design or architecture
• Design Software: Highly proficient with CAD. AutoCAD LT is our primary design software (we do not use 20/20). Working knowledge of composing renderings in plan, elevation, and 3D views, Photoshop, and Canva
• Office Software: Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets), MS Excel, Word, DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat, etc
• Reliable vehicle/ability to reliably commute to Emeryville, CA, or relocate before starting
• Authorized to work in the United States

Preferred:

• Design-build firm experience
• Architectural license

Compensation and Benefits:

• $95,680–$124,800/yr based on experience; hourly (non-exempt)
• 401(k) matching and profit sharing
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
  
• Bonus opportunities

Schedule: Monday to Friday, in office

Why HDR Remodeling

We're a design-build company built on sustainability, teamwork, honesty, and exceeding expectations, values that have carried us for nearly 40 years. This is a chance to step into a senior role with real ownership over how our most complex projects get designed and built.

Application Status:
We review every application carefully and will email qualified candidates about next steps. Please don't call the office about your application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
HDR Remodeling is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

In addition to federal law requirements, HDR Remodeling complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. HDR Remodeling expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.