Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer

Company: Blair, Church & Flynn

Location: Clovis, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the transformation of conceptual designs, sketches, and technical information into comprehensive construction documents and detailed drawings.

• Drive project delivery across diverse engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, and land surveying initiatives.

• Apply advanced technical aptitude and problem-solving skills to ensure project success from inception to completion.

• Foster a collaborative environment, working effectively with peers and project stakeholders to achieve design and construction objectives.

• Uphold high standards of quality assurance and control throughout the design and documentation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title, combined with the 7+ years of experience requirement and the emphasis on problem-solving, technical aptitude, and teamwork, strongly suggests this role involves not only individual contribution but also mentorship and oversight of junior design staff. The scope spans multiple disciplines (engineering, architecture, land surveying), indicating a need for broad technical understanding and project management capabilities within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate preliminary sketches, conceptual designs, mark-ups, and technical data into complete and accurate construction drawings, details, and full sets of construction documents.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, SolidWorks, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) to produce high-quality deliverables.

• Interpret complex construction documents, specifications, and industry regulations to ensure compliance and accuracy.

• Prepare and finalize comprehensive construction documents that meet all project requirements and regulatory standards.

• Conduct thorough technical reviews of designs and documentation, adhering to established quality assurance plans and executing rigorous quality control processes.

• Proactively identify and resolve design challenges, collaborating effectively with project managers, engineers, architects, and clients.

• Contribute to all project phases, including planning, design development, documentation, and construction administration support.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, offering technical expertise and feedback to enhance team capabilities and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical execution and project oversight. The emphasis on "complete drawings, details and construction documents" signifies a need for meticulous attention to detail. The requirement to contribute to "all stages of project delivery" implies involvement beyond just drafting, potentially including coordination with other disciplines and support during construction. The "Lead" designation points to potential for guiding less experienced team members.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required.

• Demonstrated experience in transforming conceptual designs into complete construction documents.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency with design software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, SolidWorks, Revit, SketchUp, and/or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong ability to interpret complex construction documents, blueprints, and project specifications.

• Demonstrated capability to prepare comprehensive and accurate construction documents.

• Solid understanding of drafting standards, building codes, and relevant industry regulations.

• Proven capability to perform technical reviews and execute quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project planning and management methodologies.

• Familiarity with land surveying principles and documentation.

• Experience mentoring or leading junior design staff.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and 7-year experience requirement indicate a need for seasoned professionals who can operate independently and potentially guide others. The broad software requirement suggests versatility is key. The preference for specific degrees/certifications points to a desire for formal training in design or technical fields, which is common in engineering and architecture firms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of completed construction document sets for diverse projects (e.g., infrastructure, commercial, residential).

• Include examples demonstrating the transformation of initial concepts or sketches into final, detailed drawings.

• Highlight projects where technical reviews and QA/QC processes were critical to project success.

• Provide evidence of proficiency in the required design software (e.g., sample drawings, CAD files if permitted).

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have applied drafting standards and industry regulations in your work.

• Documentation or explanation of your approach to quality assurance and quality control in design projects.

• Case studies illustrating your collaboration with engineers, architects, or other stakeholders to refine designs.

• Samples of your ability to interpret and adhere to construction specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead Designer" role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical output but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage the design process, ensure quality, and collaborate effectively. The emphasis on "complete drawings, details and construction documents" means the portfolio should reflect the end-to-end production of these deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: Comprehensive 401(k) Plan with potential company match.

• Health & Wellness: Medical insurance with two PPO plan options, Dental insurance, and Vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Bereavement, and Paid Holidays.

• Professional Development: Certification Reimbursement and Professional Membership Reimbursement to support continuous learning and industry engagement.

• Insurance Coverage: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) options.

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses, and an Apparel Allotment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. The role is on-site at the Clovis Headquarters, requiring local travel for meetings and site visits, indicating a need for flexibility within a standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided AI salary estimate ($40-$45/hour) aligns with typical Lead Designer roles in engineering/architecture firms in California, especially considering the 7+ years of experience. The benefits package is robust, covering health, retirement, and professional development, which are strong attractors for experienced professionals. The mention of "local travel" suggests occasional adjustments to the work schedule might be necessary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying. Blair, Church & Flynn operates within the professional services sector, delivering design and planning solutions for infrastructure and development projects. This industry demands precision, technical expertise, and strong collaborative problem-solving.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the "Lead Designer" role suggests a structured team, likely medium-sized to large, capable of undertaking diverse and complex projects. A medium to large size often means established processes, opportunities for specialization, and a solid client base.

Founded: Blair, Church & Flynn has a history that implies stability and experience in its field. A company with established roots likely offers a stable work environment and a deep understanding of client needs and project lifecycles.

Team Structure:

• The presence of a "Lead Designer" role indicates a design department with a clear hierarchy, likely including junior designers, drafters, and potentially project managers or principals overseeing design efforts.

• The reporting structure would likely place the Lead Designer under a Design Manager, Director of Operations, or a Principal Engineer/Architect, with direct oversight of a team of designers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Designers rely on technical data, site surveys, and regulatory information to inform their designs. Proficiency in GIS and CAD software facilitates the analysis and visualization of this data.

• Workflow Planning: Projects are managed through defined phases, from conceptualization to final construction documents. The Lead Designer plays a key role in planning and executing the design workflow, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely delivery.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging advanced CAD features and automation tools within software like Revit or Civil 3D is crucial for maximizing efficiency, reducing errors, and ensuring consistent documentation standards.

Company Website: bcf-engr.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on multiple design disciplines (engineering, architecture, land surveying) means the operations within the design team are complex and require coordination. The "Lead" role implies a need for someone who understands these interdependencies and can manage the design process across these areas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, designated as "Lead." It signifies a transition from individual contributor to a role that involves technical leadership, problem-solving oversight, and potentially mentoring. The responsibilities extend beyond personal output to ensuring the quality and efficiency of design documentation for projects.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Director of Engineering, or a Principal. They will, in turn, supervise and guide junior designers and drafters, acting as a technical resource and quality gatekeeper for the design team.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer directly impacts project success by ensuring that accurate, compliant, and constructible design documents are produced. Their work is foundational for the engineering and construction phases, influencing project timelines, costs, and overall quality. Efficient and effective design documentation leads to smoother construction, fewer change orders, and greater client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Design Manager, Director of Operations, or Principal, overseeing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced Revit modeling, complex Civil 3D site design) or in a particular project type (e.g., large-scale infrastructure, sustainable development).

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gain broader knowledge and experience by working on projects that integrate engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture, becoming a more versatile designer.

• Professional Development: Benefit from certification and professional membership reimbursement to stay current with industry standards, software updates, and emerging design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title is a significant career milestone, indicating a move towards management and strategic contribution. The company's explicit mention of "Opportunities for career growth and development" and support for professional memberships/certifications suggests a commitment to employee advancement within the operations and design functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is located at the Clovis Headquarters and is an on-site role. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaborative work, with dedicated workstations and meeting spaces.

Office Location(s): Clovis, California. This location is specified as the primary work site. Local travel is required for meetings and site visits, indicating the need for a reliable mode of transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is conducive to team collaboration. Designers will work alongside engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders, fostering an environment where ideas are shared and problems are solved collectively.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, etc.) and hardware is expected. The company supports professional development, implying investment in up-to-date technology and resources.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with peers, project leads, and management will be frequent, facilitating knowledge transfer and team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours, approximately 40 hours per week. The on-site nature and requirement for local travel mean that while the core hours are defined, occasional flexibility might be needed to accommodate site visits or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and local travel indicate a hands-on work environment where direct collaboration and site understanding are valued. This is typical for design and engineering firms where physical project context is critical.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with the "Lead" requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design challenges, and the software/processes used. This stage assesses technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews will explore problem-solving capabilities, teamwork, collaboration style, and how candidates handle specific work scenarios. Questions may relate to project planning, quality control, and managing design complexities.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for the candidate to meet potential team members and assess cultural alignment. This may involve discussions about work ethic, collaboration preferences, and contributions to a positive work culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, long-term impact, and final fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience as a Lead Designer, highlighting your ability to manage complex documentation and contribute to diverse project types.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, explain your role, the design challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the final outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction).

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, etc., and how these tools contributed to project success.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with other disciplines and stakeholders to achieve project goals.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about drafting standards, building codes, and QA/QC processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a partial set of plans and asked to identify issues, propose solutions, or outline how you would approach completing the documentation.

• Software Simulation: In some cases, a brief practical exercise using design software might be included.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to explain your workflow for creating construction documents, including your QA/QC steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and the emphasis on problem-solving and collaboration suggest that interviews will go beyond technical skills to assess leadership potential and how candidates fit into the company's positive work culture. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating the ability to translate concepts into complete, high-quality construction documents.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential), Civil 3D (highly relevant for infrastructure), Revit (critical for BIM and integrated design), SketchUp (for conceptualization and visualization).

• 3D Modeling/Design: SolidWorks (potentially for specific components or detailed modeling), GIS (for spatial data integration and analysis).

• Graphics & Visualization: Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) for image editing, presentation graphics, and integrating design elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design function for client management. However, project management software might be used for tracking project status, deadlines, and task assignments within the design team. Automation within Revit (e.g., family creation, template management) and Civil 3D (e.g., corridor modeling, feature line automation) will be key for efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in multiple CAD and design software packages is non-negotiable for this role. The inclusion of GIS, Revit, and Civil 3D points towards a company heavily involved in land development, infrastructure, and potentially BIM projects. The company's commitment to professional development suggests they invest in up-to-date software and training.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Problem Solvers: Blair, Church & Flynn values individuals who can tackle complex challenges with innovative and practical solutions, a trait essential for design work.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on delivering high-quality, complete documentation that meets project objectives and client expectations efficiently.

• Collaboration: An emphasis on teamwork and effective communication across disciplines and with stakeholders to ensure cohesive project development.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and delivering work with precision and reliability.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, adaptation to new technologies, and refinement of processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with engineers, architects, surveyors, and project managers, actively participating in design review meetings and contributing to integrated project planning.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where constructive feedback on designs and processes is encouraged, fostering mutual learning and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, software tips, and lessons learned among team members to elevate the collective skill set of the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated value of "Positive work culture where motivated and results-oriented problem solvers succeed" directly translates to how the design team operates. Collaboration is key in multi-disciplinary projects, and the "Lead" role implies fostering this collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Balancing the requirements of various disciplines (engineering, architecture, land surveying) within a single project and ensuring seamless integration in the final documents.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and mastering new software features and industry standards (e.g., BIM advancements) to maintain efficiency and competitiveness.

• Complex Regulatory Environments: Navigating and adhering to a wide array of building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations across different project types and jurisdictions.

• Client & Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicating design intent, technical details, and potential issues to diverse audiences, from technical experts to non-technical clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific CAD/BIM software through internal or external training programs.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications relevant to design, CAD, or specific disciplines (e.g., Autodesk certifications).

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leadership or to mentor junior designers, enhancing leadership and technical guidance skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of infrastructure projects provides invaluable experience and broadens technical knowledge across different engineering and design fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenging assignments on a wide range of infrastructure projects" is a significant draw. This implies opportunities to tackle complex problems and gain broad experience, which are key drivers for career growth in the design and engineering fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project where you had to transform conceptual ideas into complete construction documents. What was your process, and what were the key challenges you overcame?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and documentation accuracy).

• "How do you ensure quality and accuracy in your construction documents, especially when working with multiple disciplines or tight deadlines?" (Highlight QA/QC processes, attention to detail, and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Blair, Church & Flynn, how do you see your skills and experience contributing to our mission and culture?" (Research company website, project types, and values).

• "Describe your ideal work environment for a Lead Designer. How do you foster a positive and productive atmosphere within a design team?" (Align with company's emphasis on positive culture and collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the solutions, and the final outcome. Use a consistent structure.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced drafting time by X% through optimized Revit families," "Ensured zero re-work orders due to accurate documentation").

• Highlight Software Expertise: Be prepared to show specific examples within your portfolio that demonstrate advanced use of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, etc.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you interacted with other team members, engineers, architects, and clients to achieve successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on demonstrating practical application of design skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to lead and collaborate. The portfolio is the primary tool to showcase this, so candidates must be prepared to articulate their contributions and processes effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruitingbypaycor.com.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, specifically emphasizing your responsibilities in transforming conceptual designs into complete construction documents and your leadership capabilities. Integrate keywords such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, construction documentation, QA/QC, and project planning.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate your strongest projects that demonstrate proficiency in the required software, ability to handle complex documentation, and examples of problem-solving. Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining your process and impact for each piece.

• Research Blair, Church & Flynn: Understand their project portfolio, company values (especially "motivated and results-oriented problem solvers"), and the industries they serve (engineering, architecture, land surveying) to tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical questions about design standards, software usage, and QA/QC processes, as well as behavioral questions focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.

⚠️ 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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