Senior Product Designer, Visual Lease & CoStar Real Estate Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer, Visual Lease & CoStar Real Estate Manager Company: CoStar Group Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) / Real Estate Technology Date Posted: August 15, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 years (Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of complex, enterprise-level web applications for CoStar Real Estate Manager and Visual Lease, focusing on enhancing user experience and driving product integration.
• Act as a critical user advocate within cross-functional teams, translating business needs and user insights into intuitive, high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.
• Leverage a robust design system and atomic UI design principles to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability across all product interfaces.
• Drive the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and user flows to detailed mockups and production-ready assets, managing multiple concurrent projects effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in the post-acquisition integration phase of Visual Lease and CoStar Real Estate Manager. The Senior Product Designer will not only contribute to existing product enhancements but will also play a key role in shaping the unified user experience, requiring a strategic understanding of how to merge distinct product functionalities and user bases. The emphasis on enterprise-level applications suggests a need for deep expertise in designing for complex workflows and diverse user roles within commercial real estate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce comprehensive design deliverables, including user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes, informed by user research and stakeholder feedback for the Visual Lease and CoStar Real Estate Manager platforms.
• Serve as the primary user advocate on cross-functional product teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Architects, and Software Engineers to ensure user-centricity throughout the development lifecycle.
• Craft intuitive and beneficial user experiences by applying best practices in UX/UI design, current design trends, and insights derived from user research to elevate the software's usability.
• Partner with Product Managers, Executives, and other key stakeholders to incorporate specific design requirements, define visual treatments, and structure content logically within the application.
• Manage a portfolio of multiple concurrent design projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design assets from initial concept through to final production.
• Champion and actively utilize a robust design system, adhering to atomic UI design principles to maintain consistency and efficiency across all product interfaces.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement within the design workflow and product development lifecycle, contributing to greater efficiency and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "challenge the enterprise software status quo" indicates an expectation for innovative design solutions that go beyond standard industry practices, particularly in the context of integrating two significant real estate technology platforms. The emphasis on making things "better for the user’s sake" highlights a user-centric approach that values tangible improvements in user efficiency and satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited, non-profit university or college. While specific fields are not listed, degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or related disciplines are typically preferred for this level of role.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional design experience, with a proven track record of working effectively within product teams on complex, enterprise-level web applications.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the design and creation of sophisticated, scalable web applications, understanding the nuances of enterprise software user journeys.
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate cross-functionally with various departments and stakeholders, including product management, engineering, and executive leadership.
• Track record of commitment and stability with prior employers, indicating reliability and dedication.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Expertise in the full product design lifecycle, from ideation to final execution.
• User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design: Deep understanding of UX principles, heuristics, and UI best practices for enterprise applications.
• Wireframing & Mockups: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes and high-fidelity mockups to communicate design concepts.
• Prototyping: Strong skills in developing interactive prototypes to test and validate user flows and interactions.
• User Research: Ability to conduct or leverage user research to inform design decisions and advocate for user needs.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely.
• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to robust design systems, utilizing atomic UI design principles.
• Sketching: Proficiency in sketching to quickly explore and iterate on design ideas.
• Figma Proficiency: Strong command of Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Enterprise Software Design: Experience designing for complex, data-rich, and workflow-intensive enterprise applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Multi-tenant Application Design: Experience designing for multi-tenant applications with a large and highly interactive user base.
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript: Familiarity or proficiency in these front-end technologies to better understand implementation constraints and possibilities.
• Workflow Design Principles: Understanding of workflow design principles and concepts to optimize user processes.
• Financial Modeling & Visualization: Familiarity with financial modeling and data visualization concepts, relevant to the real estate and lease management domain.
• Data Modeling Concepts: Understanding of data models and how they relate to specific business domains, particularly in finance and real estate.
• Problem Simplification: A proactive, self-starting attitude with a talent for simplifying complex problems through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with "robust design systems using atomic UI design principles" is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in leveraging and contributing to design systems, highlighting how they've maintained consistency and efficiency. The preference for familiarity with financial modeling and data modeling concepts suggests the need for designers to grasp the underlying business logic and data structures within CoStar's real estate solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 well-designed, user-centered projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of the product design process from problem definition to solution.
• Process Documentation: Clearly articulate the design process used for each project, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.
• Problem-Solution Alignment: Clearly define the user problem or business challenge addressed in each case study and how the design solution effectively solved it.
• Visual Design Excellence: Highlight high-fidelity mockups and UI elements that demonstrate strong visual design skills, adherence to design principles, and an understanding of UI patterns for enterprise applications.
• Interaction Design: Include interactive prototypes or detailed descriptions of key user flows and interactions that showcase intuitive navigation and task completion.
• Design System Application: If possible, demonstrate how design systems or style guides were used to ensure consistency and scalability in the presented projects.
• Impact & Results: Quantify the impact of the design solutions where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, efficiency improvements, or user satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of designing complex workflows for enterprise software, demonstrating an ability to map out user journeys and optimize process efficiency.
• System Implementation Standards: Showcase an understanding of how designs are translated into production-ready assets and integrated into development workflows, adhering to engineering best practices.
• Metrics and Efficiency Improvements: Present case studies that highlight quantifiable improvements in user efficiency, task completion time, or error reduction resulting from design interventions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the enterprise nature of the software and the integration aspect, the portfolio should emphasize projects that demonstrate the ability to manage complexity, handle large datasets, and design for multiple user roles within a business context. Providing examples of process optimization through design is highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a Senior Product Designer role in Richmond, VA, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is between $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level design positions in major metropolitan areas within the United States, considering CoStar Group's established market presence and the specialized nature of real estate technology.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Prescription Drug plans.
• Insurance: Life, Legal, and Supplementary Insurance options.
• Mental Health Support: Virtual and in-person mental health counseling services for individuals and families.
• Commuter & Parking: Commuter and parking benefits to ease daily travel.
• Retirement Savings: 401(K) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Employee Ownership: Employee stock purchase plan, allowing employees to invest in the company's success.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing internal training programs to support career growth.
• Wellness: On-site fitness center or reimbursement for fitness center memberships, promoting employee health.
• Inclusion & Community: Access to CoStar Group's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• On-Site Amenities: Complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and other healthy snacks to enhance the workday experience.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time position. However, given the senior level and the dynamic nature of product integration, there may be expectations for flexibility and occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior UX/UI designers in comparable tech hubs and industries. It's crucial for candidates to research current market rates for this specific role in Richmond, VA, and to negotiate based on their unique skills and experience. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a company invested in employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Commercial & Residential Real Estate Information, Analytics, and Online Marketplaces: CoStar Group operates within the FinTech and PropTech sectors, providing critical data, analytics, and software solutions that power the commercial real estate industry. This means the environment is data-driven, analytical, and focused on providing actionable insights to clients. The integration of Visual Lease, a leader in lease accounting and administration, further solidifies its position in the real estate software ecosystem. Company Size:
• Large Enterprise: CoStar Group is a significant player in its industry, likely employing thousands of individuals globally. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for career advancement within a large organization. For a designer, this can mean access to extensive resources but also a need to navigate larger decision-making processes. Founded:
• 1987: CoStar Group has a long history of operating in the real estate information space, demonstrating stability, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. This longevity suggests a company that has successfully evolved with technological advancements and market shifts, providing a stable foundation for innovative product development.

Team Structure:

• Product Design within Product Management: The Senior Product Designer will likely be embedded within a product team, reporting to a Product Manager or Design Lead. This structure ensures close collaboration with product strategy and engineering.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Managers, Software Engineers, UX Researchers, and potentially Marketing and Sales teams to align design efforts with business objectives and user needs.
• Integration Focus: Given the recent acquisition of Visual Lease, expect a team structure that is actively focused on integrating the two platforms, which may involve close collaboration with teams from both legacy organizations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: CoStar's core business relies on data, so design decisions are expected to be informed by user research, analytics, and performance metrics.
• Agile Development: It's highly probable that the product teams operate within Agile or Scrum frameworks, requiring designers to be adaptable and contribute iteratively.
• User-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs and workflows is paramount.
• Design System Utilization: Adherence to and contribution to a centralized design system will be a key aspect of the design methodology to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Company Website:

• https://www.costargroup.com/ and https://www.visuallease.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and established market position provide a strong foundation, but the integration of Visual Lease presents a dynamic, growth-oriented phase. Designers should be prepared for a blend of established corporate processes and the agility required to build new, integrated experiences. Understanding CoStar's data-centric approach is key to aligning design with business value.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a Senior-level position within the Product Design function. It signifies a highly experienced individual contributor expected to possess deep expertise in UX/UI design, a strong understanding of enterprise software, and the ability to lead design initiatives independently. The role demands not just execution but also strategic input into product direction and design system evolution.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Product Design Manager, Head of Product Design, or a Senior Product Manager within one of the product lines (CoStar Real Estate Manager or Visual Lease). They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact:

• As a Senior Product Designer, the impact is directly on the usability, efficiency, and adoption of CoStar's real estate management software. By creating intuitive and effective user experiences, this role directly influences client satisfaction, reduces support costs, and contributes to revenue growth by making the software more valuable and sticky for users. The integration work will have a significant impact on the future of CoStar's offerings in this space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing a team of designers and setting design strategy.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as lease accounting software, commercial real estate technology, or advanced data visualization.
• Cross-functional Influence: Develop strong strategic partnerships with product management and engineering, influencing product roadmaps and architectural decisions.
• Design System Evolution: Contribute to the growth and governance of CoStar's design system, potentially becoming a design system lead.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior designers and share best practices within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of autonomy and the expectation to mentor others. The integration project offers a unique opportunity to shape a core product offering, which can lead to significant internal visibility and career acceleration within CoStar Group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• In-Office, 5 Days Per Week: The role is explicitly stated as being on-site in Richmond, VA, requiring full-time presence in the office. This fosters a collaborative environment where in-person brainstorming, quick feedback loops, and team cohesion are prioritized. Office Location(s):
• Richmond, Virginia, United States. Candidates should research the specific office location within Richmond to understand commute times and local amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Workspace: Expect a dynamic office environment designed to encourage collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped with presentation tools, and potentially dedicated spaces for design sprints or workshops.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., Figma), collaboration tools, and potentially high-performance workstations necessary for demanding design tasks.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and other designers, facilitating a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, the fast-paced nature of product development, especially during integration phases, may necessitate flexibility in working hours to meet critical deadlines or participate in cross-time-zone collaborations if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory 5-day in-office requirement is a key factor for candidates to consider. This setup is conducive to strong team dynamics and rapid, in-person collaboration, which can be highly beneficial for complex design challenges.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, design philosophy, and alignment with team needs.
• Design Portfolio Review & Presentation: A core part of the process where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches. This often includes a live walkthrough of a case study.
• Design Challenge/Take-Home Assignment: Potentially a practical exercise to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to a specific design problem relevant to the company's products.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate into the team.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or executives to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to enterprise web applications and ideally, complex workflows or data-heavy interfaces.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design decisions (and the rationale behind them), and the impact of your solution.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you arrived at your solutions, not just the final visuals. Detail your research, ideation, iteration, and testing methods.
• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with stakeholders (PMs, engineers, users) and incorporated feedback.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to show the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task time, increased user satisfaction).
• Design System Experience: If you have experience with design systems, specifically mention it and show examples of how you utilized or contributed to one.
• Be Prepared for Figma: Since Figma is a required skill, be ready to discuss your proficiency and potentially demonstrate aspects of your work within the tool.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research CoStar Group and Visual Lease, familiarizing yourself with their products, target users, and the broader commercial real estate technology landscape.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: If given a challenge, break down the problem, identify key constraints, define success metrics, and outline your approach before diving into solutions.
• Think Enterprise: Consider the complexities of enterprise software: scalability, data management, user roles, security, and workflow efficiency.
• Present Clearly: Structure your presentation logically, communicate your thought process effectively, and be prepared to answer questions about your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates should treat it as a presentation of their design capabilities, focusing on demonstrating not only visual polish but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the user-centered design process within an enterprise context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a baseline requirement.
• Sketch: While Figma is listed, experience with Sketch is often transferable and may be used in some parts of the organization.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Useful for asset creation, image manipulation, and vector graphics.
• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Axure RP, or other advanced prototyping tools might be used for more complex interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Pendo might be used to understand user behavior within the applications. Designers should be comfortable interpreting data from these sources.
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or custom internal dashboards may be used for reporting and analysis, requiring designers to understand how data is presented.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly a design tool, understanding how CRM data flows and impacts user workflows within enterprise applications is beneficial.
• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar tools are likely used for managing design tasks and collaborating with engineering teams.
• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Figma is the primary specified tool, candidates should be prepared to discuss their adaptability and experience with a broader range of design and collaboration tools common in enterprise environments. Familiarity with data analytics platforms is increasingly important for product designers to make data-informed decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value focused on deeply understanding and serving the needs of the users of CoStar's software solutions. This translates to empathy in design and a commitment to creating intuitive, efficient experiences.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data from user research, analytics, and market trends to inform design choices and validate solutions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of seeking new solutions, challenging the status quo, and constantly looking for ways to enhance product value and user experience.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designs are developed in close partnership with product management and engineering, ensuring feasibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Iterative Design Process: Expect regular feedback loops, design reviews, and iterative refinement of designs based on input from various team members and stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned within the design team and across other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decisions suggests an environment where designers are expected to be vocal contributors, articulate their rationale clearly, and be open to constructive feedback from diverse perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Diverse Platforms: The primary challenge will be harmonizing the user experiences of CoStar Real Estate Manager and Visual Lease, which likely have different design languages, user flows, and feature sets. This requires strategic thinking, strong UX principles, and effective stakeholder management.
• Enterprise Complexity: Designing for complex, data-rich enterprise applications requires managing numerous user roles, intricate workflows, and vast amounts of information while maintaining usability and clarity.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user needs and business requirements into design solutions that are both user-friendly and meet strategic objectives.
• Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to the processes, communication channels, and decision-making structures of a large, established company like CoStar Group.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in commercial real estate technology, lease management, and financial analytics.
• Design System Contribution: A chance to significantly influence and contribute to the evolution of CoStar's design system.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles within the product design function.
• Industry Exposure: Working on products used by a significant portion of the commercial real estate industry provides exposure to industry trends and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration project presents a unique opportunity for growth. Successfully navigating the challenges of merging two platforms can significantly enhance a designer's strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to influence product direction, offering substantial career advancement potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to integrate features or user experiences from two different product lines. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on your approach to harmonization, user research, and stakeholder alignment.)
• "How do you approach designing for complex enterprise workflows with multiple user roles? Provide an example." (Highlight your process for understanding user needs, mapping workflows, and simplifying complexity.)
• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data analytics into your design process?" (Emphasize your iterative approach and how you use evidence to inform decisions.)
• "Tell me about your experience with design systems. How do you ensure consistency and scalability in your designs?" (Be ready to discuss atomic design principles and your role in design system utilization.)
• "How do you prioritize design tasks when managing multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines?" (Showcase your organizational skills and ability to manage workload effectively.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CoStar Group and this specific role in integrating Visual Lease?" (Demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the company's mission and the integration challenge.)
• "How do you typically collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers?" (Provide specific examples of your collaborative process and communication strategies.)
• "What are your thoughts on the importance of data in the design process?" (Align your answer with CoStar's data-centric culture.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution, and the outcome. Use a "problem-solution-result" framework.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Walk through your wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, explaining the rationale behind key design decisions.
• Highlight Your Process: Spend time explaining how you arrived at your solutions – your research, ideation, testing, and iteration. This is often more important than just the final visuals.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Mention how you worked with stakeholders (PMs, engineers, users) and incorporated their feedback.
• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and that you can clearly articulate your thinking. Be prepared for Q&A.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with enterprise software design challenges specifically. The interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can not only create beautiful interfaces but also understand the strategic implications of design decisions in a complex business environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://costar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CoStarCareers/job/US-VA-Richmond/Senior-Product-Designer--Visual-Lease---CoStar-Real-Estate-Manager_R36951
• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight experience with enterprise web applications, complex workflows, design systems, and proficiency in Figma. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on impact related to user experience, efficiency, or problem-solving.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your design decisions, and the quantifiable outcome. Be ready to present this portfolio during the interview process.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: If a take-home assignment or live design challenge is part of the process, practice breaking down problems, articulating your thought process, and delivering a well-reasoned solution within given constraints.
• Research CoStar and Visual Lease: Familiarize yourself with their products, target audience, and the commercial real estate technology landscape. Understand their mission and values to better articulate your fit.
• Practice Your Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your design thinking.

⚠️ 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.