Lead Designer
Zenith Design + Build West Des Moines, Iowa In Person
Are you a designer who lights up when a homeowner starts to see the possibilities? Do you have the talent to create spaces that inspire and the instincts to guide a client from concept to commitment? Are you ready to own a role where your design ability and your people skills matter equally?
At Zenith Design + Build, our Lead Designer is far more than a drafter. You own the relationship from the very first conversation through the handoff to construction and everything in between. This role was built for the designer who is equally confident designing and across the table from a homeowner walking them through options, budgets, and next steps.
THE ROLE
You will own the client relationship from initial inquiry through construction start. That means you're the first call, the design visionary, the trusted advisor, and the person who closes the project. You'll develop design concepts, produce detailed drawings, lead selections, and hand off a well-documented, construction-ready project to the production team with a homeowner who is genuinely excited about what's ahead.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the single point of contact for clients from first inquiry through construction start — consistent, reliable, and client-focused throughout
- Lead initial client discovery: listen carefully, understand the vision and budget, assess project scope, and set clear expectations from day one
- Design and develop residential remodel, addition, and custom project plans in Chief Architect — proficiency in similar platforms is accepted, but you must be willing to learn and work in Chief Architect as Zenith's standard tool
- Present design concepts compellingly and guide homeowners through investment levels, scope options, and decision-making with clarity and confidence
- Ask for the commitment — you're comfortable and confident closing a project when the design and trust are aligned
- Lead clients through material and finish selections for cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and more — coordinating with showrooms and vendors as needed
- Partner closely with Zenith's estimators, project managers, and field team to ensure designs are buildable, accurate, and priced to win
- Deliver thorough design documentation and a clean, professional handoff to production
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of experience in residential construction — remodeling and additions experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to guide clients through a design-to-commitment process — whether in a formal sales capacity or through naturally consultative relationships
- Proficiency in Chief Architect, AutoCAD, or similar residential design software — must be willing to work in Chief Architect as Zenith's primary platform
- Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and how design decisions impact buildability and budget
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills — you can make a homeowner feel heard, informed, and excited in the same conversation
- BA/BS in Interior Design, Architecture, or equivalent professional experience
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and project tracking tools
- Current knowledge of interior design trends, finishes, and materials
IDEAL BACKGROUND
- Residential designer at a design-build firm who has owned the full client journey from first meeting to signed contract
- Kitchen & bath designer with showroom or retail selling experience ready to move into a broader design role
- Interior designer ready to step into a role with more ownership, client influence, and direct business impact
- Design professional who has naturally developed consultative instincts and wants a role that rewards them
CORE VALUES — MUST BE A FIT
- Excellence
- Courage
- Positive Mindset
- Continuous Improvement
- Extreme Ownership
- Empathy
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: Competitive, starting from $60,000-$100,000 year
401(k): Yes
Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision
Time Off: Paid time off
Location: In-Person West Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-518-0237
Apply today to own a role where your design talent and client instincts directly shape project outcomes, homeowner experience, and the growth of a company that's building something special.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
