Residential Kitchen & Bath Designer

Job description:

CQC Home is a community-centered leader in whole-home renovation, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling in central North Carolina. We provide personalized care and visionary expertise to each of our customers, bringing their dream home into beautiful reality.

We are seeking a Residential Designer with 20/20 experience, focused on kitchen and bath design, who is passionate about creating functional, beautiful spaces, values teamwork, and thrives in a detail-driven environment.

Position Summary:

Designers are trusted to balance creativity, precision, and project management, acting as the liaison between the client, the design team, and the production team. This role is suited for a passionate, organized, and communicative professional eager to bring beautiful designs to life while meeting measurable project outcomes.

*Please note*: Submission of a professional portfolio will be required before proceeding to the interview stage.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in residential design, remodeling, or construction.
• Proficiency in 2020 Design (required), AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering tools (e.g., Enscape).
• In-office collaboration each day to work closely with the team and stay connected to every phase of the project.
• Extensive cabinet design experience in luxury homes.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, design theory, and material applications.
• In-depth knowledge of premium cabinetry lines, hardware, and luxury finishes.
• Proven experience designing for discerning clients with an emphasis on craftsmanship, customization, and elevated detail.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex design concepts to clients and team members.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; able to thrive in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced environment.
• Preferred: Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.

Design Development & Documentation

• Curate cabinetry designs and selections for luxury kitchen and bath remodeling projects, while coordinating complementary finishes such as countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.
• Lead the design vision and development for assigned remodeling projects.
• Create and present floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings to clients.
• Collaborate with drafters on construction drawings and existing/proposed conditions.
• Ensure code compliance and feasibility of proposed designs.
• Review, redline, and approve technical drawings and selections for construction handoff.

Client Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary design contact for clients throughout the design phase.
• Facilitate design meetings, presentations, and material reviews.
• Translate client needs and lifestyle preferences into thoughtful design solutions.
• Educate clients about options, alternatives, and cost impacts of design decisions.

Selections & Sourcing

• Oversee cabinetry and finish selections, including countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, hardware, lighting, and paint.
• Source materials that align with the design concept, budget, and availability timelines.
• Enter all selections into software platform (e.g., BuilderTrend, JobTread) with accurate specifications and pricing.
• Coordinate sample orders and maintain organized material libraries.

Budget Management

• Collaborate with estimators and project directors to ensure design solutions meet project budget goals.
• Make design adjustments as needed to balance aesthetics and cost.
• Provide value-engineering options when budget revisions are necessary.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with drafters, estimators, project directors, and the construction team to ensure seamless collaboration and project execution.
• Attend internal project handoff and coordination meetings.
• Support collaboration across the design team and share expertise with peers and junior staff as needed.
• Foster open communication across all stakeholders, ensuring client goals are translated clearly into design and construction deliverables.

Quality & Accountability

• Own the accuracy and completeness of all design deliverables.
• Ensure all documentation is consistent with CQC’s quality standards and workflows.
• Respond promptly to design-related RFIs during the construction phase.
• Remain accountable to project timelines and deliverable deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Projects progressing to construction within 90 days of design start.
• Contribute to annual revenue goals ($2.5–3M) through accurate, high-quality cabinet designs that progress efficiently to construction.
• Client satisfaction and positive post-project design reviews.
• Consistent on-time completion of design milestones.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, inclusive design studio environment with direct access to leadership and decision-making.
• The opportunity to work on meaningful, custom projects that improve lives and neighborhoods.
• Competitive compensation: base salary + annual performance bonus based on company profitability.
• Comprehensive benefits package: 401(k) with company match; medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off; and holidays.
• Ongoing professional development and training support.

This highly collaborative role requires being onsite daily at CQC Home’s headquarters in Durham, NC, during core office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Only candidates currently based in the Triangle area and able to reliably commute each day will be considered.

Compensation includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus tied to meeting key performance indicators (KPIs).

CQC Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• 20/20: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Durham, NC 27707 (Required)

Work Location: In person