1

Residential Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Together, we are the nation's trusted one-stop partner for residential and lifestyle real estate FF ... Overview Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our ...

Together, we are the nation's trusted one-stop partner for residential and lifestyle real estate FF ... Overview Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our ...

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Proven ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with residential and professional ...

Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.24/hr

Providing tile, wood, stone and accessories advice to homeowners, interior designers, and builders for both residential and commercial projects. * Design and sell complete, functional and ...

Providing tile, wood, stone and accessories advice to homeowners, interior designers, and builders for both residential and commercial projects. * Design and sell complete, functional and ...

Home Comfort Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$30K - $115K/yr

This role includes mostly residential and some light commercial HVAC System Design work. Help design a system of equipment that will meet customers' heating and cooling needs. Designing effective ...

Home Comfort Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$30K - $115K/yr

This role includes mostly residential and some light commercial HVAC System Design work. Help design a system of equipment that will meet customers' heating and cooling needs. Designing effective ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Residential Designer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$41.8K

$66K

$101.6K

How much do residential designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for residential designer in Raleigh, NC is $65,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential designer?

A residential designer is responsible for the interior design of residential buildings, instead of commercial or business properties. Job duties include meeting clients to review the architecture of the buildings and working closely with architects to ensure the interior design fits within the residential building. A residential designer has artistic skills that allow them to combine elements of color, wallpaper, carpet, floorings, decorative art, and cabinetry

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Designer, you need a solid background in architectural design, spatial planning, and building codes, often supported by a degree in architecture or interior design. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, along with knowledge of local regulations, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and attention to detail help set outstanding designers apart. These abilities ensure that designs are both visually appealing and functional, meeting client needs and compliance standards.

What are some typical challenges a residential designer faces when working on client projects?

Residential Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing client preferences with local building codes and budget constraints. Clients may change their minds about design elements mid-project, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. Additionally, coordinating with contractors, engineers, and suppliers can present scheduling and logistical hurdles. Successfully navigating these challenges requires effective project management and a collaborative approach.

What is the difference between Residential Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectResidential DesignerInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in architecture, design, or related field; certifications like NCIDQ are commonOften holds a degree in interior design; NCIDQ certification is also common
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing entire residential structures, including layout and exterior elementsFocuses on interior spaces, aesthetics, and functionality
Employer & Industry UsageArchitectural firms, residential design companies, or self-employedInterior design firms, home renovation companies, or self-employed

While both roles involve designing residential spaces, Residential Designers typically work on overall home layouts and exterior elements, whereas Interior Designers focus on interior aesthetics and space planning. The choice depends on whether you prefer working on entire structures or interior spaces.

What are popular job titles related to Residential Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Residential Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Residential Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Residential Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Residential Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Residential Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Residential Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,994 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Empire Office rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 62 rated furniture retailers


Job description

About Us
Model Home Interiors (MHI), now part of Empire Office, is a leading design and installation firm creating fully furnished environments for lifestyle real estate, including multifamily housing, student residences, senior living communities, and model homes. Together, we are the nation's trusted one-stop partner for residential and lifestyle real estate FF&E. We help builders and developers stand out by ensuring no two communities ever feel the same, whether aligning with existing design schemes or co-creating custom, differentiated looks. Backed by Empire's 79+ years of expertise across commercial, residential, and hospitality projects, MHI delivers distinctive spaces that inspire buyers, attract residents, and accelerate sales. Joining MHI means being part of a collaborative team within Empire, where creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving make a real impact on how people live.
Overview
Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our team. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers including programming, space planning, development of topicals, color boards, and digital presentations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Create drawings and specifications in CET (ex: Topicals, Furniture plans, 3D Renderings)
  • Revise drawings and specs when required
  • Prepare installation drawings and supporting documents
  • Consistent updates to Director of Design
  • Work closely with dealership sales and sales admins to ensure accurate plans and specifications
  • Assist with Finish selection and create digital sample boards
  • Spec Check other team members work as needed
  • Meet with clients, in person or virtually, to understand the clients' objectives, desires, and design within their allocated budget
  • Identify areas that need field verification and coordinate actual dimensions with final plan
  • Inventory existing product; incorporate in furniture plans and specifications
  • Maintenance of internal reporting systems (i.e. time sheets, tracking design time, project files)
  • Follow Empire Office Design department guidelines and standards for deliverables and filing of projects.
  • Adhere to deadlines of key deliverables
  • Attend Industry events as necessary
  • Continuing education related to product updates and industry trends

Skills & Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of dealership experience in commercial contract furniture industry preferred
  • Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field
  • Proficient in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of contract furniture lines
  • Working knowledge of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code; National Fire Code, etc.
  • Experience with Steelcase products a plus
  • Must be comfortable visiting job sites to take basic field dimensions and furniture inventory
  • Excellent creative thinking, problem solving skills, and attention to detail
  • Proven organizational and follow-through skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, manufacturers reps, and team members
  • Strong presentation skills and must be comfortable attending meetings and interacting with customers, designers, architects, and contractors
  • Works well in a team environment, and ability to work longer hours as needed to support team and meet customer expectations

What Empire Office employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom