Lead Designer / Senior Designer (007-0358)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer / Senior Designer
Company: Hunt St (Client of Hunt St)
Location: Philippines
Job Type: Independent Contractor
Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Creative Services)
Date Posted: October 20, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for translating high-level design concepts into precise, actionable technical documentation for luxury residential construction projects.
• You will be responsible for producing comprehensive drafting packages that adhere to stringent Australian building standards and the client's specific quality benchmarks, ensuring seamless on-site execution.
• The position demands meticulous attention to detail in creating plans, elevations, sections, and specialized joinery/lighting layouts, directly impacting project quality and minimizing costly rework.
• Successful candidates will operate as independent contractors, requiring proactive communication, robust time management, and a strong commitment to confidentiality and intellectual property protection.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Designer," the core responsibilities heavily lean into "Drafting Services" and "Technical Documentation" within the residential construction sector. This implies a need for strong operational execution and process adherence, rather than purely conceptual design. The "Lead/Senior" designation suggests an expectation of independent work, mentorship potential, and a deep understanding of drafting standards and client requirements. The "Operations" category is assigned due to the focus on process, documentation, and quality control within a creative service delivery framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drafting & Documentation Excellence: Generate detailed, build-ready working drawings, including comprehensive plans, elevations, sections, detailed cabinetry/joinery designs, and precise lighting/HVAC/AV layouts, ensuring strict adherence to client-specific drafting standards and templates.
• Technical Integration: Seamlessly incorporate technical inputs from engineers, lighting consultants, and AV specialists into the final drawing sets, creating cohesive and complete project documentation.
• Revision Management & Timeliness: Efficiently action mark-ups and revisions provided by Senior Designers, ensuring all deliverables are met within the agreed-upon timeframes, demonstrating a strong sense of urgency and project ownership.
• Quality Assurance & Precision: Maintain an exceptionally high level of precision in all drafted work to minimize site requests for information (RFIs) and reduce the likelihood of rework, upholding the client's reputation for luxury and detail.
• Compliance & Confidentiality: Strictly adhere to all company policies, IT protocols, and privacy obligations, maintaining the utmost confidentiality of all company and client information, and assigning all created intellectual property to the client.
• Proactive Communication & Reporting: Maintain consistent and proactive communication with the Senior Designer and Operations Manager, providing timely updates on Works Orders and promptly raising any queries or identifying missing information to prevent project delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize operational execution and quality control within a design context. The focus on "build-ready," "Australian standards," "minimizing RFIs," and "timeliness" highlights the operational rigor expected. The "Independent Contractor" status necessitates a self-starter approach to project management and communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in residential or interior design drafting, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked on luxury, high-end, or bespoke residential projects.
• Proven track record of delivering accurate and buildable technical documentation packages.

Required Skills:

• Technical Drafting Proficiency: Expert-level command of AutoCAD for producing detailed architectural and joinery drawings.
• Design Software Acumen: Demonstrated ability to interpret and translate design concepts into precise technical documentation.
• Construction Documentation Standards: In-depth understanding of Australian construction drawing standards, terminology, and detailing conventions.
• Joinery & Detailing Expertise: Strong capability in creating detailed joinery drawings and understanding intricate detailing for high-end finishes.
• Quality & Precision Focus: Exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and strong organizational skills essential for minimizing errors and rework.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and consistently meet stringent deadlines.
• Remote Collaboration Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote, asynchronous, and sometimes synchronous (with AEST overlap) environment.
• Technical Infrastructure: Possession of reliable, high-speed internet, up-to-date hardware, and access to licensed design software (AutoCAD is mandatory).

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Experience with SketchUp, Revit, or Enscape for 3D modeling and visualization, which can aid in design interpretation and client communication.
• Australian Building Codes: Familiarity with specific Australian building codes and regulations relevant to residential construction, beyond general standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AutoCAD as a mandatory skill, alongside the preference for luxury project experience and understanding of Australian standards, points to a specialized drafting role. The "Lead/Senior" aspect implies a need for autonomy and problem-solving capabilities beyond basic drafting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Drawing Samples: A curated selection of at least 3-5 detailed technical drawing packages (e.g., full working drawings, joinery details, lighting plans) from completed residential projects, showcasing precision and adherence to standards.
• Case Studies in Detail: For each portfolio piece, include a brief narrative explaining the project's scope, your specific role, the challenges encountered (e.g., complex joinery, integrating consultant data), and how your precise drafting contributed to a successful outcome (e.g., minimized RFIs, high-quality finish).
• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Visual evidence or clear descriptions of your workflow and output using AutoCAD. If preferred software like Revit or SketchUp is listed, include examples where these were integrated into the drafting process.
• Quality & Compliance Evidence: Highlight examples of how you've ensured accuracy, managed revisions, and maintained confidentiality in previous roles, potentially through annotated examples or testimonials if available.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for taking a design concept from initial brief or mark-up to a final, build-ready documentation package.
• Revision & Version Control: Demonstrate an understanding of robust version control practices and how you manage iterative changes to drawing sets to prevent errors and ensure all stakeholders are working with the latest information.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: While not directly creating reports, be ready to discuss how you track your own project progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure your output meets the defined quality and timeliness metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a drafting-focused role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just showcase aesthetic design but the operational capability to produce technically sound, buildable documents. Emphasizing how the applicant's work directly contributes to project efficiency and quality is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $2,000 - $2,500 AUD per month.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: 40 hours per week with flexibility to choose working hours, though some overlap with AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) is expected to facilitate real-time communication and collaboration.
• Remote Work Environment: The opportunity to work full-time from home, eliminating commute time and costs.
• Direct Client Engagement: As an independent contractor, you will be hired directly by the client, offering a more direct working relationship and understanding of project goals.
• Professional Development: Exposure to luxury residential design and renovation projects, offering valuable experience in a high-end market.
• International Collaboration: Opportunity to work with an Australian-based firm, enhancing cross-cultural communication and project management skills.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Flexibility in daily scheduling is provided, with an expectation of some alignment with Sydney's AEST (+10 GMT) time zone for critical communication and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented in AUD, which is common for Australian clients engaging contractors. The "benefits" are primarily derived from the nature of the contract (remote, flexible) and the exposure to a specific industry. As an independent contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off) are not typically included and are the responsibility of the contractor. The requirement for AEST overlap is a crucial detail for time management.

📍 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design & Renovation Services (Luxury Residential)
Company Size: Small to Medium (Client operates with a dedicated team, but the contractor model suggests a lean core)
Founded: Nearly two decades of experience (Client has established a strong reputation).

Client Company Description: The client is a full-service design and renovation firm based in Perth, Australia, specializing in transforming luxury homes. They pride themselves on crafting timeless, personalized, and refined spaces that reflect their clients' lifestyles. Their philosophy emphasizes a blend of creativity and meticulous craftsmanship, intentionally limiting projects to ensure focused attention on each detail. This suggests a culture that values quality, precision, and client satisfaction above high volume.

Team Structure:

• Client-Side Structure: Likely includes Senior Designers, Project Managers, and an Operations Manager who will be your primary points of contact. The drafting contractor will integrate into this structure, working closely with Senior Designers.
• Reporting: You will report directly to a Senior Designer for project-specific guidance and to an Operations Manager for administrative and contractual matters.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily working with designers, you will indirectly collaborate with engineers and other consultants whose inputs are integrated into the drawings. Effective communication with the client's project leadership is key.

Methodology:

• Design Intent Translation: The core methodology involves taking a client's vision and a designer's intent and translating it into technically accurate, buildable documentation.
• Quality-Centric Process: A strong emphasis is placed on meticulous detail, accuracy, and adherence to Australian standards to ensure the final build matches the luxury aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Agile Revision Handling: The process involves iterative revisions based on feedback from Senior Designers and consultants, requiring agility and efficient turnaround times.

Company Website: huntst.com (This is the platform facilitating the hire; direct client website likely available upon inquiry or during the interview process).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is implied to be high-end, detail-oriented, and client-focused. The contractor will need to adapt to these expectations, which are common in the luxury design and construction sector. The emphasis on a limited number of projects suggests a focus on quality over quantity, which should be reflected in the contractor's approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Specialist
Reporting Structure: You will report to a Senior Designer for project-specific direction and to an Operations Manager for administrative aspects. This structure allows for direct project involvement while maintaining clear lines of operational accountability.
Operations Impact: Your work directly influences the successful execution of luxury residential projects. Accurate and comprehensive drafting minimizes costly on-site errors, ensures the final build aligns with the client's vision and the designer's intent, and upholds the client's reputation for quality and luxury. This role is foundational to the project's physical realization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Luxury Design: Deepen expertise in the specific drafting nuances and material considerations required for high-end residential projects.
• Process Improvement Contribution: As a senior member, there's an opportunity to suggest improvements to drafting workflows, templates, or quality control measures based on your experience.
• Expanded Project Scope: Successfully delivering on current projects may lead to opportunities for involvement in more complex or larger-scale projects as the client's business grows.
• Client Relationship Building: Developing a strong working relationship with the client could potentially lead to ongoing contract work or other collaborative opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to deepening specialization within luxury residential drafting and demonstrating consistent, high-quality operational delivery. Direct career progression within this specific client's structure might be limited for an independent contractor, but the experience gained is highly valuable for future roles in the design/construction sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote Independent Contractor Engagement.
Office Location(s): Work from home within the Philippines.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy & Flexibility: You will have the autonomy to set up your workspace and manage your time to meet project deadlines, provided you maintain a professional and productive environment.
• Technology Dependency: Your workspace must be equipped with reliable high-speed internet, a capable computer, and licensed design software (especially AutoCAD), as these are your primary tools for delivery.
• Communication Hub: Your primary interaction point will be digital – via email, project management tools, and video conferencing for meetings. Proactive communication is key to overcoming the physical distance.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexibility in daily scheduling. However, a critical requirement is to have some overlap with the Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) zone (GMT+10). This ensures that you can participate in real-time discussions, attend urgent meetings, and receive timely feedback from the Perth-based team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires a high degree of self-discipline and effective time management. The AEST overlap is a non-negotiable aspect of the work schedule that candidates must accommodate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's technical requirements.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Likely involves a practical drafting exercise or a detailed discussion about your portfolio, focusing on your AutoCAD proficiency, detailing knowledge, and understanding of construction standards.
• Client Interview: A discussion with the client's Senior Designer and/or Operations Manager to assess your experience with luxury projects, communication style, problem-solving approach, and fit with their operational expectations.
• Contract & Onboarding: If successful, a discussion regarding the independent contractor agreement, payment terms, and onboarding procedures.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Prioritize examples that clearly demonstrate your ability to produce accurate, detailed, and build-ready technical drawings, especially joinery and construction details.
• Highlight Luxury Project Experience: If you have worked on high-end residential projects, ensure these examples are prominent and clearly articulated.
• Quantify Your Impact: Where possible, use the case study narrative to explain how your precise work contributed to positive project outcomes, such as reduced RFIs or successful execution of complex designs.
• Demonstrate Process & Tools: Be prepared to walk through your process in AutoCAD and explain how you ensure accuracy and manage revisions. If you have experience with preferred software (SketchUp, Revit), show how it complements your AutoCAD work.
• Address Australian Standards: Explicitly mention your understanding of and experience with Australian construction drawing standards, if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Drafting Exercise: Be prepared for a timed drafting challenge that assesses your speed, accuracy, and ability to follow instructions for a specific detailing task (e.g., a kitchen joinery detail, a section through a specific architectural feature).
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common drafting challenges, such as conflicting consultant information, ambiguous design briefs, or requests for urgent revisions.
• Time Management Simulation: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a workload with multiple competing deadlines and the need for AEST overlap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical skills and portfolio quality. Candidates should be ready to "show, don't just tell" their drafting capabilities and understanding of practical construction documentation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Mandatory requirement. Proficiency in creating 2D drawings, detailed plans, elevations, sections, and specific detailing (e.g., joinery, construction).
• SketchUp (Preferred): Useful for 3D visualization, massing, and conceptual design translation.
• Revit (Preferred): BIM software, valuable for more complex projects and better integration with consultant models.
• Enscape (Preferred): Real-time rendering plugin for visualization and client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for reporting, you’ll likely use project management tools or shared drives for file management and version control. Understanding how your deliverables feed into broader project reporting is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this drafting role, but understanding how designs are integrated into project management or client management systems could be a plus.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Email clients (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
• Video Conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
• Cloud Storage/File Sharing (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Project Management Software (Client-specific, but familiarity with general principles is good)

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoCAD is the non-negotiable core technology. Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software is a significant advantage, indicating a more modern and versatile drafting skillset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A fundamental value, ensuring all technical documentation is error-free and ready for construction.
• Reliability & Timeliness: Meeting deadlines consistently is crucial for project flow and client satisfaction.
• Professionalism & Confidentiality: Upholding client privacy and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.
• Quality Craftsmanship: A commitment to high standards, reflecting the luxury nature of the projects.
• Proactive Communication: Taking initiative to communicate progress, challenges, and needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Independent Contribution within a Team: While working autonomously, you are an integral part of the client’s project delivery team. Proactive updates and clear communication are vital to ensure seamless integration.
• Feedback Integration: A willingness to receive and implement feedback from Senior Designers and consultants is essential for continuous improvement and project alignment.
• Problem-Solving Partnership: Collaborating to find solutions when design or technical challenges arise, rather than simply flagging issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize the operational tenets of quality, timeliness, and professionalism, which are paramount in construction and design services, especially in the luxury segment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating High-End Design to Buildable Plans: Bridging the gap between conceptual luxury design and the practical constraints of construction requires deep technical understanding and meticulous detail.
• Managing Remote Communication Gaps: Ensuring clear understanding and timely feedback across different time zones and without face-to-face interaction requires proactive and structured communication.
• Adhering to Australian Standards: Understanding and consistently applying specific Australian building codes and drafting conventions can be a learning curve for those not previously exposed to them.
• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: The need for both rapid turnarounds on revisions and unwavering accuracy in technical drawings presents a constant challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of Luxury Residential Detailing: Gain in-depth knowledge of the specialized joinery, finishes, and construction techniques common in high-end homes.
• Australian Building Standards Expertise: Develop a strong working knowledge of relevant Australian construction documentation standards and practices.
• Remote Project Management Skills: Enhance your ability to manage workload, communicate effectively, and maintain productivity in a fully remote, independent contractor setting.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Improve skills in working with international clients and teams, navigating different communication styles and expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the specific demands of the role: high-end design, technical accuracy, and remote collaboration with an international client. The growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the technical challenges, your design/drafting process, and how you ensured accuracy and adherence to standards. Focus on your AutoCAD skills and any joinery/detailing expertise.
• Technical Scenarios: Expect questions like:
  • "How would you approach detailing a custom-designed kitchen island with specific material requirements?"
  • "Describe your process for incorporating structural engineer's comments into architectural drawings."
  • "How do you ensure consistency across all drawing sheets in a set?"
• Client Standards & Communication:
  • "What is your understanding of Australian residential construction drawing standards?"
  • "How do you manage receiving feedback or revisions on your work?"
  • "Describe a time you had to work with ambiguous design instructions and how you resolved it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working with a luxury renovation firm?"
• Remote Work Readiness: "How do you ensure productivity and maintain focus while working remotely?"
• Time Zone Alignment: "How will you manage the requirement to overlap with AEST hours?"
• Contractor Status: "What are your expectations as an independent contractor regarding invoicing and payment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Technical Detail: Showcase drawings that highlight your precision, understanding of construction, and ability to create buildable plans.
• Narrate the "Why": Explain the context of each drawing, the specific problem it solved, and the outcome. For example, "This joinery detail ensured the seamless integration of appliances, which was a key client requirement."
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly explain your workflow in AutoCAD, showing how you use layers, blocks, and annotation effectively. If you have preferred software, explain how it aids your process.
• Highlight Quality Control: Explicitly mention how you double-check your work for accuracy and completeness before submission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily emphasize technical drafting skills, a portfolio demonstrating high-quality residential work, and an understanding of operational requirements like timeliness, accuracy, and remote communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with AutoCAD, residential drafting, joinery detailing, and working with technical documentation. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced RFIs by X% through detailed drawings").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest examples of technical drawings for residential projects, focusing on detail, accuracy, and any luxury/high-end work. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance).
• Prepare for a Technical Discussion: Be ready to articulate your drafting process, discuss challenges you've overcome, and demonstrate your understanding of construction drawing standards. Practice explaining your portfolio pieces concisely.
• Research Australian Standards (Basic Familiarity): While not expected to be an expert, having a basic awareness of common Australian residential construction drawing conventions will be beneficial.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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