Kitchen/Bath Designer

Pay: $50,680.66 - $80,034.77 per year

Job description:

Designer – City Design

Historic Valley Junction | West Des Moines, IA
Full-Time

City Design has served Valley Junction for more than 40 years — a trusted destination for kitchen and bath design and a retail showroom for lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, mirrors, and more. Two years ago, City Design joined the Drury Design family, gaining the resources, vendor depth, training infrastructure, and “Live Life Artfully” standards of a Chicago-area design/build leader while remaining proudly local.

We are hiring a Designer who can own projects end-to-end — and who understands that great studios run on collaboration, not silos.

You’ll design. You’ll sell. You’ll manage projects.
And when needed, you’ll help mind the shop — because that’s how strong teams operate.

If you’re senior-level, we’ll calibrate title, scope, and compensation accordingly. If you’re earlier in your arc but serious about mastery, we’ll build a clear path forward — including NKBA certification support.

What You’ll Do:

Design Leadership

• Lead discovery conversations to uncover goals, constraints, and budget realities.
• Translate insight into thoughtful plans, elevations, and 3D renderings that balance aesthetics with buildability.
• Specify materials, finishes, fixtures, and cabinetry aligned to scope, timeline, and budget.
• Present confidently and iterate decisively.

Client Engagement & Sales

• Conduct in-home consultations and develop clear proposals with defined scope and pricing.
• Welcome walk-ins and convert showroom conversations into retail sales and design/build opportunities.
• Maintain steady follow-through through long sales cycles.
• Protect margin while protecting client trust.

Project Ownership

• Serve as primary client contact from design through installation.
• Partner with operations on scheduling, change orders, and coordination with trades.
• Visit job sites to verify field conditions and safeguard design intent.

Studio Contribution:

This is a collaborative studio — not a “my projects only” environment.

• Contribute to showroom coverage and retail floor engagement.
• Support sample library care and vendor coordination.
• Step in where needed to keep projects and the storefront running smoothly.
• Mentor junior talent if senior; embrace mentorship if growing.

We value designers who elevate the team, not just their own portfolio.

What Makes You a Strong Fit:

• Growth mindset — coachable, accountable, curious.
• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field (Associate’s considered with strong portfolio).
• 3+ years residential design/build experience preferred, especially kitchen & bath.
• Working knowledge of construction sequencing and jobsite realities.
• Proficiency in hand sketching and design software (Chief Architect a plus).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Portfolio demonstrating thoughtful planning and real-world execution.
• Willingness to pursue (or maintain) NKBA certification.

Important: We are committed to professional standards. Our differentiator is rigorous design training and NKBA certification — not simply selling cabinetry. If you want to deepen your credentials and practice design at a high level, you’ll thrive here.

Leveling & Compensation

We hire for trajectory and impact — not ego or years alone.

Senior Designer
Commission-forward plan with transition/base support. Larger scopes. Mentoring expectations.

Designer
Hybrid base + commission. Full project ownership with operational support and clear path to Senior.

We will not under-level strong candidates. We also will not over-title those not ready for ownership.

Benefits & Support

• Competitive compensation with commission upside
• Health, dental, vision
• Matching IRA program
• Paid time off + flexible scheduling
• Occasional Saturday showroom coverage
• NKBA membership & CEU support
• Access to Drury Design’s vendor network, engineering depth, and refined design/build process

Why City Design + Drury Design

This is a rare hybrid:
Small-team agility in Valley Junction with the infrastructure and standards of an award-winning design/build firm.

You’ll work with clients who value craft.
You’ll be supported by real systems.
And you’ll be expected to raise the bar.

If that excites you, apply through Indeed. We’ll be in touch.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Pay: $50,158.03 - $90,405.37 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• West Des Moines, IA 50265 (Required)

Work Location: In person