Position: Technical Design-Build & Project Lead

Location: Remote (Firm based in Kansas City, MO)

Employment Type: Open to Part-Time or Full-Time for the right candidate

Pay: $30–$35 per hour

About Inspired Design

Inspired Design Inc (inspireddesigninc.com) is a boutique, highly specialized design-build firm in Kansas City focused on the architectural framework of the home. We specialize in custom kitchens, primary bathrooms, and complex structural reconfigurations. Inspired Design is a true design-build firm where selecting something "pretty" is only good if it is actually feasible. We believe that superior aesthetics are the natural byproduct of sound technical logic and material durability.

The firm is led by the principal who serves as both lead designer and licensed general contractor. This unique dual-role allows for a seamless transition from concept to job site, but it requires a high-level technical counterpart to bridge the gap between design and production. We typically manage 3–7 active projects with an annual volume of approximately 15 large-scale renovations. We are currently scaling and looking for a foundational team member to own the technical lifecycle of our projects.

The Role: Technical Execution & Project Leadership

This is a role for a high-agency professional who finds genuine satisfaction in the technical anatomy of a project—the drafting, the estimating logic, and the procurement accuracy that makes a $200k+ renovation successful.

As the Technical Design-Build & Project Lead, you will take schematic visions and translate them into construction-ready reality. You aren't just supporting a designer; you are the technical engine of the firm. You will own the "paper trail" and production logic, ensuring that what is drawn is what was estimated, and what was estimated is exactly what gets ordered and built.

This role is a fit for you if:

You thrive in a lean environment. You prefer the agility of a boutique team where there is zero "red tape" and your technical expertise is the final word on production.
You live in a technical world. You find more satisfaction in a perfectly solved cabinetry elevation or a flawless project estimate than in picking out paint colors.
You have High Agency built on experience. You don't need a task list to be handed to you. Because you have been doing this for years, you can look at a project’s status and know exactly what needs to happen next.
You are a "Search-First" problem solver. When you hit a technical snag, your first instinct is to troubleshoot and research. You enjoy the autonomy of finding the answer independently.
You leverage AI with intention. You are all about using your own brain for complex thinking, but you enjoy the investigative power, brainstorming, and problem-solving capabilities that AI can assist with.
You value SOPs (and want to build them). You appreciate the clarity of a standard operating procedure and would love to help establish and refine the "Inspired Design" way of doing things.
You are ready for Total Remote. You may currently be in a hybrid or office role, but you have the discipline and technical setup to transition into a 100% remote, deep-work environment.

Technical Qualifications & Requirements

AutoCAD Mastery: 5+ years of professional experience (Required). You must be capable of producing construction documents including floor plans, cabinetry elevations, tile details, and specification documents and independently.
Estimating & Takeoff Skills: 3+ years of experience performing detailed project take-offs. Proficiency in measuring for materials like tile and translating those into accurate order quantities (per piece, per box, or sf) is essential.
Design-Build/Remodeling Experience: 4+ years working within a Design-Build firm or for a General Contractor (Required). Deep understanding of residential construction standards and allowances is mandatory.
Hybrid/Remote Experience: Minimum 2+ years of professional experience in a remote or hybrid model (Required).
Procurement & Spec Logic: 3+ years of experience in DesignFiles, Materio or similar design program (Required).
Systemic Autonomy: Experience managing a digital "paper trail" in Basecamp or similar PM tools.

Primary Responsibilities

Drafting: Translate as-builts and schematic sketches into final construction sets and detailed elevations using AutoCAD.
Estimation Management: Build out rough project estimates with appropriate allowances. Update and refine these estimates in real-time as selections are approved.
Material Takeoffs: Use takeoff software to generate precise measurements. Translate those measurements into exact order quantities for tile, flooring, and other permanent finishes.
Design Boards and Spec Sheets: Build high-detail specification boards prioritizing technical clarity and orderly digital design.
Procurement Auditing: Audit vendor quotes for technical and financial accuracy before they reach the client.
Logistics: Manage vendor tracking, damage claims, and trade scheduling.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a technical portfolio (AutoCAD samples and selection/estimate sheets).

Because we are a small but mighty boutique firm, we take our hiring process very seriously. We are looking for a true peer, not just an employee. We are deeply considerate of the time it takes to provide thoughtful answers, and in return, we commit to reading every cover letter submitted. To be considered for the next step, please provide brief, direct answers to these four questions in your cover letter:

The Fit: What specifically draws you to a technical design-build role rather than a traditional creative design position?
The Remote Transition: How do you personally maintain productivity and clear communication when working from home?
The Snag: When you encounter a software glitch or technical error on a deadline, what is your immediate course of action?
The Leverage: Describe one way you’ve used an AI tool (like Gemini or ChatGPT) to solve a professional problem while still maintaining your own critical thinking.

Next Steps & Hiring Timeline

We are searching for a high-level, long-term fit and are prepared to take the time necessary to find the right candidate. We will reach out to qualified applicants to schedule initial phone or Zoom consultations as the search progresses.

A Note on Team Chemistry

Because we are a small firm, team chemistry and personality alignment are vital to our success. The principal of Inspired Design is an INTJ; the firm operates on direct communication, systemic efficiency, and high autonomy. (https://www.16personalities.com/intj-personality)

If you feel your professional style aligns with this environment, we invite you to complete the free and quick 16Personalities Test (https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test) and include your results with your application. This assists us in evaluating how our respective communication styles might integrate within a technical partnership.

Thank you for your interest in Inspired Design—we look forward to learning more about you and your experience.

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Paid time off

Work Location: Remote

Inspired Design

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Technical Design-Build & Project Lead