Project Designer

Harth Builders has been serving the residential renovation needs of homeowners in Bucks and Montgomery County for decades. The company has made a strong commitment to quality, communication, and cleanliness. We have an outstanding team of experienced and service-minded employees and subcontractors that continually strive for excellence.

Why Join Harth Builders?

Harth Builders is a family company that truly values our workforce. We know how dedicated our employees are to their profession and we strive to deliver the same level of commitment in return. In addition to an extensive list of benefits, we offer many resources and opportunities for our employees to grow both personally and professionally. Our culture of growth is supported by training and annual reviews that encourage accountability and goal setting.

Position Description:

The Project Designer is an independent and creative position with significant interaction with our clients. Good communication skills, design, and listening skills, are essential. Qualified candidates will have some design training and 3 to 5 years of experience designing, residential remodeling, creating floor plans and specifying materials. Experience in Chief Architect, space planning, and finish selections is essential.

This role combines both the Draftsperson and Design Coordinator positions. The primary duties involve managing project design from the initial client interview to completion of the design, specifications, and permit submittal. You will be responsible for producing both preliminary and working design documents for the production handoff package.

Requirements:

• Good communication skills and personable demeanor
• Creative imagination and practical understanding of construction and residential remodeling
• Detail oriented and organized
• Dress and groom neatly and professionally
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Email
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
• CAD drafting & rendering skills in Chief Architect
• Construction degree or degree in related field
• Sense of humor

Major Responsibilities:

• Execute Projects with an OPC of approximately 120k or less with minimal demo
• Projects include (but not limited to): gut & replace kitchens, bathrooms, decks, simple additions and
• Design development and project workflow management including coordination of employees, subcontractors, selections while achieving exceptional client satisfaction
• Further develop selections process for clients
• Regularly communicate with the client to ensure satisfaction including Weekly Project Updates
• Subcontractor communication during design development by coordinating all client decisions that impact the various trades so that when a change is made in one area, affected trades are aware
• Marketing our company to prospective future clients by representing the company in a professional and courteous manner in public

Specific Responsibilities

Preliminary Design

• Conduct initial client interview, document client’s design goals and dreams, and in conjunction with the Salesperson, develop the scope of work
• In conjunction with Salesperson, the Project Designer is responsible for measuring the home accurately, photographing existing conditions, and assuring that the Salesperson has documented the existing conditions
• Either directly or with aid of the architect produce as built drawings
• Create imaginative and practical design solutions and prepare floor plans (sketching &/or CAD) for the first preliminary drawing client meeting
• Review designs with Salesperson for construction feasibility and cost implications before presenting preliminary drawings

Design Development

• Refine and hone the preliminary plan expeditiously and give the Salesperson drawings for obtaining a preliminary estimate
• Produce presentation drawings and perspectives for preliminary design meeting
• Conduct research for building codes compliance
• Either directly or with aid of kitchen designers, design cabinet layouts and elevations with Chief Architect and review with client
• When cabinet design is finished, review cabinet layout designs with Kitchen Designer to check for completeness of order. Process cabinet orders, document ordering and keep Production staff abreast of timelines.
• With aid of architect, develop working drawings including electrical and mechanical plans, window and door schedules, etc.
• Create 3D architectural features to accurately represent existing and new design plans and create color renderings of designs as necessary
• Create specification checklists with client’s input and client’s shopping-homework results. Review checklists and specifications with the client. Notify client of remaining selections still to be determined
• Develop specifications documents with assistance from Salesperson. Research materials and design ideas
• Create space planning solutions as necessary. Recommend finishes /fixtures /materials/appliances and other miscellaneous items unique to each job and assist client in shopping at showrooms if necessary
• Implement drawing changes, update specifications as necessary
• Visit job site when necessary to resolve design issues which cannot be worked out over the phone or at the office
• Research and implement Built Green construction practices and implement for projects when applicable.
• Prepare contract drawings for Salesperson to finalize the construction agreement.
• Take Design Meeting notes and record on the office data drive
• Assist Estimator and Salesperson with project estimates

Preconstruction

• Review and approve Field Binders for sold projects including specification cut sheets, scope of work, plans, etc.
• Review cabinet layout designs to check for completeness of order. Notate orders and communicate lead times with Production staff. Order additional materials as needed and instructed by the production staff
• Process additional order requests and/or warranty requests from completed remodeling projects

Continuing Education

• Keep up with design trends, building practices and technical applications including design software. Coordinate training and continuing education as necessary.
• Participate and help with the setup and takedown of marketing events (i.e. Tours, Home Shows) as necessary and work on the occasional weekend Home Tours.

Weekly Duties

• Plan weekly independent meetings with Design Manager
• Communicate with clients in weekly project update emails
• Job cost hours spent in ¼ hour increments on daily task log, complete weekly time sheet and turn in at end of each week to Department Manager
• Manage conference room samples such as cabinet, counter and knob displays for organization and presentation. Research and update for new products and styles.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person