Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer

Company: CESO, Inc.

Location: Columbus, OH; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX

Job Type: Regular Full Time

Category: Design & Architecture Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for developing and coordinating comprehensive architectural designs for building projects, integrating civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineering systems.

• Creates detailed 2D and 3D construction drawings and models using advanced CAD and BIM software, ensuring adherence to design guidelines and client visions.

• Conducts thorough research and interpretation of building codes to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.

• Collaborates closely with senior staff, project managers, and quality control teams to review and refine design documents.

• Manages multiple design tasks effectively in a high-pressure environment to meet project deadlines and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Designer," the experience level (2-5 years) and responsibilities suggest a mid-level role focused on design execution and coordination rather than a senior leadership position. This role is crucial for translating high-level concepts into tangible construction documents, acting as a key operational link between conceptualization and execution in the architectural process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed, scaled architectural plans for building construction projects based on preliminary concepts and client-provided design guidelines, with periodic oversight from senior staff.

• Independently design and prepare precise 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings and models utilizing Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.

• Research and interpret complex building code issues, applying design solutions that comply with company, client, and jurisdictional standards.

• Review Civil/SMEP (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings to ensure seamless coordination with architectural design plans, preventing clashes and ensuring constructability.

• Perform redline mark-ups and revisions on drawings as directed by senior architectural staff, integrating feedback efficiently.

• Conduct self-checks and thorough reviews of completed work and redline mark-ups to ensure accuracy and completeness before submitting to team leads and quality control.

• Prioritize and execute multiple design tasks effectively in a high-pressure environment, consistently meeting project deadlines.

• Perform other assigned duties that contribute to the successful delivery of architectural design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize technical execution and coordination. The "Lead Designer" title may imply leadership in task management and quality assurance for their own work, rather than direct team management, given the 3+ years of experience requirement. The role requires a strong operational focus on delivering accurate and compliant design documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related field is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in architectural design and drafting is necessary. Required Skills:

• Proficient knowledge and practical application of Revit and/or AutoCAD for 2D and 3D design.

• Expertise in Bluebeam Revu for document management, redlining, and collaboration.

• Working knowledge of Autodesk Construction Cloud for project document control and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of architectural drawing sets and construction documents.

• Demonstrated ability to research and interpret building codes and jurisdictional requirements.

• Experience coordinating architectural designs with Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (SMEP) engineering systems.

• Excellent task prioritization and execution skills in a deadline-driven environment. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic representation and presentation materials.

• Experience with diverse project types including retail, hospitality, light industrial, healthcare, and worship facilities.

• Familiarity with company-specific design standards and client requirements across various sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills listed are highly technical and operational, focusing on the precise execution of design documentation. The preference for Adobe Suite suggests an expectation for designers to contribute to presentation materials, enhancing client communication and project buy-in, a key operational aspect in design firms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional architectural design work, with a focus on completed construction documents.

• Include detailed examples of 2D scaled plans, 3D models, and comprehensive construction drawing sets.

• Provide case studies or project examples that highlight code research and application of design solutions, showcasing compliance with regulations.

• Showcase experience in coordinating architectural designs with various engineering disciplines (Civil, Structural, MEP), illustrating effective problem-solving and integration.

• Present examples of work produced using CAD and BIM software, such as Revit and AutoCAD, detailing the complexity and scope of projects. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of understanding and applying standard architectural design workflows, from concept to final documentation.

• Examples of how you have interpreted and implemented design guidelines and client requirements into design deliverables.

• Documentation or project examples that demonstrate your process for self-checking and reviewing work for accuracy and completeness.

• Showcase your approach to managing multiple design tasks and meeting project deadlines, highlighting organizational and time management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead Designer" role with 3+ years of experience, the portfolio should emphasize the operational execution of design. This includes demonstrating proficiency in CAD/BIM tools, adherence to codes, coordination with engineers, and the ability to produce accurate construction documents. The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to translate conceptual designs into buildable plans.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,997 - $104,549 per year (Company-wide Band).

• Cincinnati, OH: $64,386 - $76,468

• Columbus, OH: $64,386 - $76,468

• Dallas, TX: $71,163 - $84,518

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges reflect a broad band for the position across different locations. The localized ranges indicate a significant cost-of-living adjustment, particularly for Dallas, TX. The compensation structure is benchmarked against industry and market data, with actual offers determined by location, experience, education, skills, and internal equity. This suggests a structured approach to compensation, common in larger, established firms.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule: Offers adaptability to balance work and personal life.

• Paid Time Off: Credited 100% upfront, providing immediate access to accrued leave.

• 401K with Company Match: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• Rewards and Recognition Program: Acknowledges and rewards employee contributions.

• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Paid Holidays: Standard paid holidays throughout the year.

• Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Welcome Box: A welcome package for new employees.

• Casual Dress Code: A relaxed office attire policy.

• Reimbursement for Professional Licenses: Support for maintaining professional certifications.

• Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events: Encourages and supports community involvement.

• Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability: Additional income protection options.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Company Paid Bonding and Recovery: Support for employees during challenging times.

• Employee Events: Company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment and team cohesion. Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week (standard full-time). The "Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule" benefit suggests potential for adaptable daily or weekly hour arrangements, within the 40-hour framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. The upfront PTO and license reimbursement are particularly attractive for design professionals. The hybrid work schedule aligns with modern workplace expectations, offering operational flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Services, with a diverse portfolio spanning retail, hospitality, light industrial, healthcare, and worship sectors.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the structured compensation bands, multiple office locations, and comprehensive benefits suggest a medium to large-sized organization.

Founded: Not specified, but the company description implies a history of developing leaders and a mission-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer role is part of an architectural design team, likely reporting to a Senior Designer, Project Manager, or Design Principal.

• Collaboration is expected with other designers, architects, engineers (Civil, Structural, MEP), and project management staff.

• The company emphasizes developing leaders and empowering associates, indicating a culture that values growth and initiative. Methodology:

• CESO operates with a mission of "empowering our people to impact communities by bringing clients’ visions to life," indicating a client-centric and community-focused approach.

• The company values service, integrity, and authenticity, suggesting a commitment to ethical practices and genuine relationships.

• They focus on developing and inspiring through on-the-job training and coaching, promoting a learning-oriented environment.

Company Website: cesoinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: CESO's culture appears to be people-centric, focusing on employee development, community impact, and client satisfaction. The diverse project portfolio means designers will encounter a wide range of operational challenges and design requirements, demanding adaptability and broad knowledge.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years experience). This role is positioned to execute designs independently under supervision, with opportunities to grow into more senior design roles or project management positions.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Senior Designer, Project Architect, or Project Manager. May also receive direction from Quality Control teams and senior leadership on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer is critical in translating client visions and conceptual designs into constructible documents, directly impacting project timelines, budgets, and the final built outcome. Their efficiency and accuracy are paramount to the successful operational delivery of architectural projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., healthcare, retail) or technical areas (e.g., BIM implementation, sustainable design).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Designer, Project Architect, or Project Manager roles, taking on greater responsibility for project delivery, client management, and team leadership.

• Skill Development: Enhance proficiency in advanced CAD/BIM software, explore new design technologies, and gain deeper understanding of building codes and construction methodologies through ongoing training and reimbursement for professional licenses.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various engineering disciplines and project stakeholders, broadening understanding of the full project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Designer" title and experience level point towards a role with significant responsibility for design execution and coordination. Growth potential is strong, with clear paths towards leadership within the design and project delivery functions, aligning with the company's emphasis on developing leaders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement is offered, suggesting a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environment likely supports collaboration with a casual dress code.

Office Location(s): Columbus, OH; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX. These are significant metropolitan areas, offering a vibrant professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration among design teams, with access to necessary technology and software.

• Expect a mix of individual focused work (design, drafting) and team-based activities (design reviews, coordination meetings).

• The casual dress code contributes to a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, potentially enhancing creativity and team interaction.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid schedule allowing for potential adjustments to daily routines. The emphasis on meeting project deadlines means occasional extended hours might be necessary during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and casual dress code indicate a modern, potentially progressive work environment. For a designer, this balance of flexibility and collaborative office space is crucial for both productivity and fostering team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely includes a discussion of your design process, experience with CAD/BIM software, code knowledge, and coordination strategies. You may be asked to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects, highlighting your role, design decisions, technical execution, and problem-solving approaches.

• Behavioral/Cultural Interview: Questions focusing on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and alignment with CESO's values (service, integrity, authenticity).

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Final discussion to assess overall fit and answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your skills in architectural design, CAD/BIM proficiency, code compliance, and SMEP coordination, relevant to CESO's diverse project types.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort. Use "I" when describing your actions and "we" for team achievements.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Include examples of detailed drawings, 3D models, and construction documents. Be prepared to explain your software usage and any unique technical solutions implemented.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: For each project, briefly explain any challenges faced (e.g., complex site constraints, code issues, coordination conflicts) and how you resolved them through design.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult in design, mention if your design solutions contributed to efficiency, cost savings, or adherence to tight schedules.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio. Ensure smooth transitions and clear explanations. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design intent and technical execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or case studies that test your ability to quickly interpret a brief, apply codes, and sketch initial design concepts or identify coordination issues.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Understand CESO's project types (retail, hospitality, healthcare, etc.) and be ready to discuss your experience or interest in these sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily emphasize technical skills and the ability to translate conceptual designs into practical, compliant construction documents. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates operational excellence in design execution is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for creating BIM models, generating detailed architectural drawings, and facilitating interdisciplinary coordination. Proficiency in families, worksharing, and documentation best practices is expected.

• AutoCAD: Still relevant for 2D drafting, legacy project work, and specific client requirements.

• Bluebeam Revu: Crucial for document management, mark-up, collaboration, and quality control of PDF-based construction documents.

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Used for project collaboration, document management, and workflow automation across project teams. Understanding its role in document distribution and revision control is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design documents feed into project scheduling, cost estimation, and procurement reports is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that integrate design data into project management platforms is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• This role is less focused on CRM. However, understanding how design deliverables are managed and tracked within project management systems (potentially part of ACC or similar) is important for efficient workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD is non-negotiable. Bluebeam Revu and Autodesk Construction Cloud are critical for operational efficiency in document handling and collaboration within an AEC firm. Demonstrating familiarity with these tools and their application in a project workflow is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service: A commitment to serving clients by bringing their visions to life, and serving colleagues and communities through impactful work.

• Integrity: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all interactions.

• Authenticity: Being genuine and true to oneself and the company's principles.

• Development: A focus on empowering people through training, coaching, and providing opportunities for professional growth.

• Impact: Striving to positively impact communities through the work performed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment that encourages constructive feedback during design reviews and redline processes to improve design quality and accuracy.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on training and development suggests a culture where knowledge is shared, and best practices are disseminated among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values emphasize a people-first, client-focused, and ethically grounded approach to business. For a designer, this means understanding that their work contributes to a larger vision and has a tangible impact on communities, fostering a sense of purpose beyond technical execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Project Needs: The broad range of project types (retail, healthcare, industrial, etc.) requires adaptability and the ability to quickly grasp different design requirements and regulatory landscapes.

• Coordination Complexity: Integrating complex MEP and structural systems with architectural designs in a coordinated manner can be technically challenging and require meticulous attention to detail.

• Code Interpretation: Navigating and applying evolving building codes and local ordinances across different jurisdictions can be complex and demanding.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The high-pressure environment necessitates efficient workflow management and the ability to produce quality work under time constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Deepen expertise in Revit, explore new BIM functionalities, and potentially learn advanced visualization tools.

• Code Specialization: Develop in-depth knowledge of building codes for specific sectors like healthcare or high-occupancy retail.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Gain exposure to project management principles through close collaboration with PMs, potentially leading to future PM roles.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior designers and architects, learning from their experience and career paths within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle a wide variety of design challenges, enhancing problem-solving skills and technical breadth. The company's investment in training and professional development provides a solid foundation for career advancement within the AEC industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a complex architectural project you designed where you had to coordinate closely with MEP and structural engineers. What were the main challenges, and how did you resolve them?" (Focus on your coordination process, problem-solving, and technical communication.)

• "Describe your process for researching and applying building codes to a new project. Can you give an example of a code issue you encountered and how you addressed it?" (Highlight your diligence, accuracy, and problem-solving skills related to compliance.)

• "How do you approach self-checking and quality control for your own design work before submitting it?" (Demonstrate your commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, and proactive quality assurance.)

• "Given our diverse project portfolio (retail, hospitality, healthcare), which sector are you most interested in and why? How would your skills translate to those specific project types?" (Show research into the company's work and tailor your experience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CESO's mission and values? How do you see yourself contributing to them?" (Reference their mission statement, service, integrity, and authenticity.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues." (Align your collaboration style with their emphasis on teamwork and feedback.)

• "How do you stay updated on industry trends, new design software, and evolving building codes?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of the project, your role, key design challenges, your solutions (showcasing technical drawings and models), and the final outcome.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be ready to zoom into specific drawings, explain your CAD/BIM workflows, and discuss how you ensured code compliance and coordinated with other disciplines.

• Conciseness: Present key information efficiently, allowing ample time for Q&A. Focus on demonstrating your operational execution of design.

• Enthusiasm: Show passion for design and a genuine interest in contributing to CESO's projects and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will focus on demonstrating technical proficiency, a methodical approach to design execution, and an understanding of the operational aspects of delivering compliant architectural documents. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your Revit/AutoCAD proficiency, code compliance experience, and SMEP coordination skills, aligning with CESO's diverse project types.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with required software (Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, ACC), your degree, and your 3+ years of relevant architectural design experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities, especially in relation to coordination and code compliance. Prepare to walk through your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CESO's mission, values, and project portfolio. Understand their client-centric approach and commitment to community impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with CESO, Inc. before making application decisions. Salary ranges are estimates based on location and the provided band.