Highland Homes is currently accepting resumes for a
Design Manager. The Design Manager oversees and leads the design of new and existing residential products for Highland Homes across all brands. Manages custom and renovation projects, coordinates design schedules, and verify alignment with product strategy, design excellence, and Product Development Milestone (PDM) timelines. Collaborates closely with the Director of Design to integrate buyer-driven insights, cost goals, and innovation into Highland's design DNA.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:- Design Leadership & Development:
- Leads design and development of floor plans, elevations, and detailing across all product lines.
- Prepares conceptual and schematic design packages for custom and standard products.
- Guides material and color selections in collaboration with the Director of Design.
- Coordinates programming, scheduling, and delivery priorities in alignment with PDM cadence and department deadlines.
- Project & Process Oversight:
- Engages in our Product Development Process, contributing to early strategy alignment and buyer-centric research and continuing through final design execution.
- Writes and maintains the Product Script, with accountability for accuracy in square footage, room counts, lot requirements, product options, and design intent.
- Drives design reviews verifying each phase meets feedback, quality, and cost criteria.
- Integrates take rates, market research, psychographics, buyer personas, and trend reports to inform project scope and detailing.
- Reviews design requests and plan change forms, validates program requirements, and initiates appropriate research or reuse.
- Quality & Execution:
- Conducts QA on construction documents and shop drawings for design fidelity.
- Leads resolution of field or production design issues; attends field walks, frame reviews, and construction team meetings.
- Maintains design integrity throughout Design Development (DD) and Construction Document (CD) development in partnership with Design Development Managers.
- Cross-functional Coordination:
- Aligns with Purchasing, Estimating, and Construction to address cost, constructability, and schedule feedback.
- Supports Product Script validation and Senior Management design reviews.
- Participates in and leads charrettes for series-based or accelerated design rollouts.
- Team Mentorship & Collaboration:
- Mentors junior designers and supports cross-discipline collaboration through open dialogue and shared design ownership.
- Encourages innovative solutions that maintain intent while improving performance, value, or execution.
- Facilitates design consistency across team output and upholds standards of design excellence.
- Client & Custom Work:
- Manages high-touch customer and sales-facing projects for custom or renovated homes.
- Guides clients through the design process while managing expectations and maintaining brand quality and budget constraints.
- Field & Post-Launch Integration:
- Walks completed homes and under-construction prototypes to verify design intent.
- Provides feedback and design updates based on post-launch hindsight review and construction insights.
- Administrative & Professional Development:
- Maintains project status tracking and communicates updates clearly to the Director of Design.
- Adheres to departmental policies and best practices.
- Attends product tours, continuing education, and trade shows to stay aligned with national trends.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Minimum 3 years of experience dealing with residential wood frame construction, building codes, and drafting standards.
- Minimum 3 years of experience designing elegant, understated, high quality homes from entry level to custom one-of-a-kind residences.
- Bachelor's degree in design/construction related field from accredited institution with ten years of progressive residential design work experience including use of AutoCAD required or a two-year technical degree with twelve years' progressive residential work experience including use of AutoCAD required.
- Proven cost-effective design talent and a keen eye for detail.
- Understands design and architectural style preferences for multiple buyer profiles and regions.
- Possesses creative flair and ability to prepare black and white and color renderings for design assignments and sales/marketing handout and brochure materials suitable for use by graphic artist/printer.
- Understands programs for designs, which incorporate psychographic segment, square footage, room count, required options, flex spaces, cost targets, detail requirements, specifications, etc.
- Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc).
- Proficient in drafting software (AutoCAD, Revit, or comparable software).
- Proficiency in SketchUp preferred.
- Ability to read, interpret, and communicate information necessary in order to perform duties.
- Ability to manage and schedule multiple projects, tasks, and shifting priorities on a daily basis.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to develop, cultivate, and maintain positive relationships with both internal and external customers. Understands how to deal with varied personality types.
- Proficient in preparing and delivering effective presentations.
- Architectural Registration in the State of Texas preferred but not required.
Highland offers a competitive benefit package, including excellent medical / dental / prescription benefits, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k), new home purchase discounts, & more - all in a business casual atmosphere! Join the company that recognizes & rewards the people who create their success.
