Freelance Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Type: Freelance / Contract – Project-by-Project
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience
Schedule: Flexible; workload and hours vary by project
Location: Greater Austin / Central Texas Area

Confidential Search

An established residential design-build company is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Residential Designer to join our team on a freelance, project-by-project basis.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in kitchen and bathroom design, whole-home remodeling, additions, and residential interiors.

This is not a traditional 40-hour-per-week position. Work will be assigned as projects require, with hours varying depending on the size and stage of each project. Our goal is to establish a long-term relationship with a talented designer who can become a trusted extension of our team.

The Person We’re Looking For

Design talent is important, but we are looking for more than someone who can simply put together a beautiful space.

The ideal candidate is excellent with clients, confident presenting ideas, comfortable discussing budgets, and has strong sales instincts. You should be able to help homeowners navigate decisions while balancing design, budget, and the practical realities of construction.

You should also be comfortable collaborating with architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, vendors, and other members of a residential construction team.

Responsibilities

• Meet with homeowners to understand their goals, style, priorities, and budget
• Develop design concepts for kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-home renovations
• Create space plans, layouts, and design presentations
• Guide clients through cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, paint, and finish selections
• Present design concepts confidently and professionally
• Help clients make decisions and keep the design process moving forward
• Keep selections and design decisions aligned with project budgets
• Collaborate with architects and engineers during the design and planning process
• Coordinate design details with project managers and construction personnel
• Review architectural plans and provide design input
• Maintain organized documentation of selections and design decisions
• Assist in creating an exceptional client experience from initial design through construction

Qualifications

We are particularly interested in candidates with:

• Professional residential interior design experience
• Strong kitchen and bathroom design experience
• Whole-home remodeling and/or residential addition experience
• Experience working directly with homeowners
• Experience collaborating with architects and construction professionals
• Strong knowledge of cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and residential finishes
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills
• Confidence discussing budgets and helping clients make decisions
• Strong interpersonal and sales skills

· Proficiency with professional design and drafting software such as 2020 Design, Chief Architect, AutoCAD, or comparable industry-standard software. Ability to produce professional floor plans, elevations, space plans, and design drawings suitable for client presentations and coordination with architects and construction teams

Previous experience with a design-build firm, residential remodeling company, architectural firm, kitchen and bath company, or custom home builder is highly desirable.

Freelance / Project-Based Structure

This is a freelance contract opportunity, with work assigned on a project-by-project basis.

Hours will vary depending on our project load and where individual projects are in the design process. Some weeks may require limited involvement, while active projects may require significantly more time.

Although the schedule offers flexibility, candidates must be available for in-person client meetings and project collaboration in the Greater Austin area when required.

We are looking for someone interested in developing an ongoing professional relationship with our company rather than completing a single project.

Compensation

Compensation will be an hourly rate based on experience, capabilities, and level of responsibility.

Please include your desired hourly rate or hourly-rate range when applying.

How to Apply

Because this is a confidential search, additional information about the company will be provided to qualified candidates as the interview process progresses.

Please submit:

• Resume
• Portfolio or examples of residential design work
• Design software proficiency
• General freelance availability
• Desired hourly rate
• Brief description of your experience with kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodeling, client presentations, and working with architects or construction teams

All applications and conversations regarding this position will be handled confidentially.