Residential Designer

About the role

Bluestem Remodeling is seeking a Residential Designer to own both the design and the client relationship on assigned remodeling projects — from the first consultation through construction handoff. This role is client-facing first. We produce beautiful, technically sound remodels, but what distinguishes a great designer here is the ability to lead a client: to listen well, frame choices clearly, hold a budget conversation without flinching, and keep people confident when a project gets complicated. Drawing skill we can evaluate. Client leadership is the thing we are really hiring for. You will carry your own projects, work alongside our pre-production and production teams, and have real influence on how the work gets done.

Bluestem Remodeling specializes in personalized remodeling solutions for clients with exacting expectations. Great design, high aesthetic and superior artisanship are our standards. We are a family owned, local business in St. Louis Park.

Responsibilities

• Own the client relationship on assigned projects, from initial consultation through construction handoff
• Lead design conversations, presentations, and selections meetings
• Frame options, scope, and budget clearly — and hold those conversations directly
• Keep clients informed and confident across the full arc of a project
• Own design quality, clarity, and completeness on your projects
• Space planning, design development, and construction documentation
• Material, fixture, and finish selections
• Partner with pre-production so projects move cleanly toward construction readiness
• Work closely with pre-production, estimating, and production
• Document client conversations, decisions, and next steps consistently in our systems
• Participate in design reviews and help improve how the studio works

Where This Role Can Go

Depending on your strengths and interests, this role can grow in one of two directions:

• Design Team Coordination – For someone systems‑minded and organized. This would involve helping coordinate the design team’s workflow, schedules, and handoffs, and strengthening how design work moves through the company.
• Sales & Early Client Engagement – For someone energized by meeting new people. This involves joining early client conversations and site consultations, helping articulate our design value and process, and converting qualified leads into signed design contracts.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years in residential design, kitchen and bath design, interior design, or residential architecture
• Demonstrated ability to lead client relationships independently
• Strong space planning and residential design fundamentals
• Proficiency with design software (Chief Architect, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, 2020, or similar)
• Ability to produce clear, coordinated construction documentation
• Comfort discussing budget and scope directly with clients
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Design‑build or remodeling experience, as distinct from new construction
• Experience with construction project management software (Buildertrend, CoConstruct, or similar)
• Depth in selections — cabinetry, plumbing, lighting, tile, and finishes
• Experience carrying projects in the $150K–$1M+ range
• Clear interest in either team coordination or client development

Pay

$75,000 – $110,000 base salary, plus commission on design contracts

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule

Full‑Time • In‑Person