Lake Studio Design + Build
Interior Designer & CAD Drafter
Location: Twin Cities Metro, MN -- primarily remote with regular local travel to client homes and project sites
Note: Candidates will work primarily from home but must travel regularly to client homes and project sites, primarily in the western and southwestern Minneapolis suburbs and Lake Minnetonka area.
Design with Intention. Create with Distinction.
Lake Studio Design + Build is a boutique residential design-build firm specializing in high-end, customized remodeling and new construction. Led by a licensed general contractor and experienced designer, we guide clients from their first ideas through the final walkthrough. Our projects include kitchens, bathrooms, large-scale renovations, additions, and thoughtfully designed new homes. We combine beautiful design, practical functionality, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional communication to create spaces and client experiences that stand apart.
We are seeking a talented and highly detail-oriented Interior Designer & CAD Drafter to support the design and pre-construction phases of our residential projects. Your primary responsibilities will include developing accurate floor plans, cabinetry elevations, permit-ready drawings, renderings, and client design boards.
This is a part-time independent contractor opportunity for someone who understands how American homes function and can translate field measurements and project requirements into thoughtful, buildable designs. The right person will be responsive, proactive, comfortable asking questions, and committed to getting the details right. As trust and alignment develop, the role may expand to include sourcing fixtures, finishes, and other project selections.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend client meetings and project-site visits to take detailed notes, field measurements, and photographs.
- Develop accurate, scaled floor plans for kitchens, bathrooms, main-level remodels, additions, and other residential projects.
- Prepare construction and permit-submission drawing sets based on project requirements and direction from Lake Studio Design + Build.
- Create realistic 3D renderings that help clients visualize proposed spaces.
- Develop polished client design boards using Lake Studio's established templates.
- Incorporate floor plans, elevations, renderings, materials, fixtures, and selections into presentation documents.
- Contribute practical design ideas that improve layout, function, flow, and appearance.
- Apply established residential space-planning principles, including kitchen work zones, clearances, cabinetry dimensions, bathroom layouts, and fixture requirements.
- Review drawings carefully against field measurements, product specifications, and project conditions before submission.
- Revise plans and presentations promptly based on client, owner, or construction-team feedback.
- Help source appropriately sized and styled fixtures, finishes, hardware, and other selections as the role develops.
- Coordinate closely with the owner, project coordinator, subcontractors, vendors, and other project partners.
- Maintain organized, editable project files and transfer completed work to Lake Studio Design + Build.
- Manage multiple assignments while meeting agreed-upon deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
Qualifications
- Two or more years of residential interior design, architectural drafting, or related professional experience preferred.
- Degree or formal education in interior design, architecture, drafting, or a related discipline preferred.
- Demonstrated experience developing residential floor plans and elevations for kitchens, bathrooms, and remodeling projects.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. residential space-planning practices, common dimensions, clearances, and how homeowners use kitchens and living spaces.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or another professional CAD program capable of producing accurate construction and permitting documents.
- Experience creating 3D residential renderings and professional design presentations.
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- Strong visual judgment regarding scale, proportion, materials, finishes, and color.
- Proactive, responsive communicator who is comfortable asking questions and receiving feedback.
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small, relationship-focused team.
- Able to prioritize assignments and adapt to changing project needs and workloads.
- Must live in the Twin Cities Metro area.
- Must have a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, and the ability to travel to project sites. Contractors are responsible for their own local transportation and related business expenses.
- Must provide an appropriate computer and home-office setup suitable for design work.
- Professional liability and/or general liability insurance is preferred but not required.
- A portfolio containing original floor plans, elevations, and completed residential design work is required. AI-generated images alone will not be accepted as evidence of drafting or space-planning ability.
Pay and Benefits
- Part-time independent contractor position
- Project volume and weekly hours may fluctuate based on the construction and design schedule.
- Compensation: $30-$40 per hour, depending on experience, technical ability, portfolio quality, and the complexity of work the candidate can independently manage.
- Flexible, primarily remote work arrangement.
- Opportunity to visit and contribute to distinctive high-end residential projects.
- Potential for additional hours and expanded design responsibilities as the company grows.
- Lake Studio may provide access to an approved CAD software subscription when needed.
- Contractors provide their own computer, home-office equipment, transportation, insurance, and standard business expenses.
- This independent contractor position does not include employee health, retirement, or paid-leave benefits.
Why Lake Studio Design + Build?
At Lake Studio Design + Build, you will contribute meaningful design work within a small, passionate team where your ideas and attention to detail matter. We value authentic relationships, customized solutions, clarity, transparency, dependability, and proactive advocacy for our clients. Our standards are high because our clients trust us with their homes, but questions, collaboration, and continued learning are always encouraged. If you take pride in accurate work and want to help create beautiful, functional spaces and an exceptional remodeling experience, you will find a rewarding opportunity here.
Lake Studio Design + Build welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Selection is based on qualifications, experience, portfolio quality, and the requirements of the work.
