Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: CoStar

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and iterate on user-centered experiences for CoStar Real Estate Manager and Visual Lease, focusing on integration and enhancement of enterprise software solutions.

• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering teams to translate complex business objectives into intuitive, high-quality design solutions.

• Drive the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and user research to final production-ready specifications, ensuring consistency and quality across the product suite.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of a comprehensive design system to ensure a cohesive and professional user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on product design within the real estate technology sector, with a significant emphasis on the integration of two acquired platforms (Visual Lease and CoStar Real Estate Manager). The "Product Designer" title, combined with responsibilities like user research, design iteration, and system integration, places this role squarely within the UX/UI design discipline, with a strong need for understanding enterprise software user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with product managers and engineering teams to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive, high-fidelity design solutions.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including user testing and feedback sessions, to inform design decisions and validate proposed solutions.

• Drive multiple design projects from conceptualization through to final implementation, managing timelines and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

• Develop and maintain a robust design system, ensuring visual consistency, scalability, and adherence to accessibility standards across all product interfaces.

• Create detailed design specifications, prototypes, and interactive mockups using tools like Figma for seamless handoff to development teams.

• Effectively communicate design rationale, concepts, and solutions verbally and visually to cross-functional stakeholders, including product, engineering, marketing, and leadership teams.

• Champion inclusive design principles and ensure designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG) to serve a diverse user base.

• Iterate on designs based on stakeholder feedback, user testing results, and performance data to continuously improve user experience and product effectiveness.

• Maintain a high standard of visual craft and attention to detail throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design, including user research and direct collaboration with engineering. The specific mention of integrating two solutions highlights the strategic importance of this role in shaping future product offerings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, not-for-profit, in-person university or college.

Experience: 3+ years of professional Product Design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating visual craft and design thinking.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in Product Design, with a portfolio showcasing end-to-end design process and impactful solutions.

• High proficiency in Figma, including component creation, prototyping, and utilizing Dev Mode for developer specifications.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research methodologies, such as user interviews, surveys, and usability testing.

• Ability to translate user research insights and feedback into actionable design improvements and iterative changes.

• Strong visual design skills, with a keen eye for aesthetics, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.

• Detail-oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with enterprise software design, particularly in SaaS or financial/real estate technology sectors.

• Familiarity with design system principles and experience contributing to or maintaining design systems.

• Understanding of Agile development methodologies and experience working within cross-functional Agile teams.

• Curiosity to explore emerging design tools, technologies, and trends in the UX/UI space.

• Experience with animation and micro-interactions to enhance user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree from an accredited, in-person university/college is a specific educational mandate. The emphasis on Figma and Dev Mode highlights the technical tools expected for this role, aligning with modern design workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 robust case studies demonstrating the full product design lifecycle.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, the user research conducted, design challenges faced, design solutions developed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Showcase strong visual design skills and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of applying design thinking methodologies to solve complex user problems.

• Examples of how user research and testing insights were integrated into the design process, leading to tangible improvements.

• Documentation of contributions to or creation of design systems, showcasing consistency and scalability.

• Clear communication of design rationale and decision-making processes for various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, requiring detailed case studies that not only show design output but also the strategic thinking, research, and iterative processes behind it. Emphasis on Figma and demonstrating impact is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in Richmond, VA, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Richmond, VA, and the typical compensation for mid-level design roles in the technology sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Medical / Vision / Dental / Prescription Drug plans.

• Life, legal, and supplementary insurance options.

• Virtual and in-person mental health counseling services for individuals and families.

• Commuter and parking benefits to ease daily travel.

• 401(K) retirement plan with matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Employee stock purchase plan, offering an opportunity to invest in CoStar's growth.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) to ensure work-life balance.

• Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development.

• On-site fitness center or reimbursed fitness center membership costs (location dependent).

• Access to CoStar Group’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Employee Resource Groups.

• Complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and other healthy snacks.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration. The role is designated as on-site, requiring 5 days per week in the Richmond, VA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on industry data for a Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in the specified location. Specific benefits are listed as provided in the job description, highlighting comprehensive offerings typical for a large, established company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. CoStar Group is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: CSGP) and a significant player in the PropTech (Property Technology) sector.

Company Size: CoStar Group is a large enterprise, indicated by its S&P 500 inclusion and extensive global presence. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: CoStar Group was founded over 35 years ago, suggesting a company with a long history of innovation, market leadership, and evolving business strategies, including strategic acquisitions like Visual Lease.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a larger Product organization, collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, and potentially UX Research departments.

• Team members are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly to design output, working in a hybrid model where design and engineering are closely aligned.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is foundational, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform product and design strategies.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, fostering iterative development, cross-functional collaboration, and rapid response to market changes.

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all product development efforts.

Company Website: https://www.costar.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and market leadership in real estate technology indicate a stable yet innovative environment. The acquisition of Visual Lease suggests a period of significant integration and potential for growth within the combined entity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, requiring 3+ years of experience. It involves taking ownership of design projects from concept to completion, contributing to design systems, and collaborating across functions. It’s a role where design expertise is applied to complex enterprise solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Senior Product Designer, or Head of Product Design. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the usability, efficiency, and adoption of CoStar's enterprise software solutions, specifically CoStar Real Estate Manager and Visual Lease. By creating intuitive and effective user experiences, the Product Designer will influence how thousands of users manage complex real estate portfolios, lease accounting, and related processes, ultimately contributing to client satisfaction and CoStar's market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, visual design, design systems, or user research.

• Leadership Track: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or Design Manager roles, taking on more strategic responsibilities and managing design teams.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to product management, engineering, and business strategy, potentially transitioning into product management or other roles within the product development lifecycle.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in real estate technology and lease management software, a valuable niche within the SaaS market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests opportunities for both technical specialization and leadership, common in established tech companies with dedicated product development teams. The impact on enterprise software users is significant.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role requiring 5 days per week in the Richmond, VA office. This indicates a collaborative, in-person work environment designed to foster teamwork and direct communication.

Office Location(s): Richmond, Virginia. Specific details about the office amenities and accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to facilitate collaboration, with shared design tools and common areas for team meetings and brainstorming.

• Access to modern design software and hardware is expected, including high-performance workstations and access to Figma and other necessary tools.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers will be integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, approximately 40 hours per week, is expected. While the role is on-site, CoStar may offer some flexibility in daily start/end times, but the emphasis is on consistent in-office presence for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit "5 days per week in office" requirement is a key differentiator, signaling a preference for a highly collaborative, in-person design process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Candidates with strong portfolios demonstrating relevant experience will be shortlisted.

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and impact. A practical design exercise or case study presentation may be required to assess problem-solving skills and design execution.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineering Leads to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Final interview with the hiring manager to discuss role fit, career aspirations, and overall cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your skills in product design, user research, Figma proficiency, and problem-solving. Prioritize projects that show end-to-end thinking.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, iteration), the solutions, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating component usage, prototyping, and how you prepare specs for developers.

• Showcase Visual Craft: Ensure your portfolio visuals are polished, well-organized, and demonstrate a strong aesthetic sense.

• Address Integration: If possible, include projects that involved integrating systems or designing for complex workflows, as this is central to the CoStar role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Be ready for a practical design exercise that might involve improving an existing feature, designing a new workflow, or solving a user problem within the real estate tech domain.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final deliverable. Explain your assumptions, research methods, and how you arrived at your solution.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, both verbally and visually. Be prepared to answer "why" questions about your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasis on the portfolio and design process is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills through case studies and potentially a practical design challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool mentioned, requiring high proficiency in component building, prototyping, and leveraging Dev Mode for developer handoff.

• Design System Tools: Experience contributing to or managing design systems within Figma or other platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for designers, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but understanding the CRM (likely Salesforce or similar) and automation platforms used by CoStar's sales and operations teams can provide valuable context for user workflows.

• Familiarity with lease accounting and administration software (like Visual Lease and CoStar Real Estate Manager) is a strong plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is prominently highlighted as the essential design tool. A candidate's ability to leverage its advanced features, particularly Dev Mode, is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with product, engineering, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: A drive to challenge the status quo and explore new approaches to improve user experience and product functionality.

• Quality & Detail: Maintaining high standards of visual craft and ensuring precision in design specifications.

• Continuous Improvement: A passion for learning, growing, and iterating on designs based on feedback and data.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Designers are expected to work closely with product managers to define requirements and engineers to ensure accurate implementation.

• Iterative Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback in design reviews and team discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings across the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes hands-on contribution, collaboration, and a drive for continuous improvement, reflecting a dynamic environment within a large tech company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Platform Integration: Navigating the complexities of integrating two established software platforms (Visual Lease and CoStar Real Estate Manager) to create a seamless user experience. This requires understanding existing user mental models and bridging potential gaps.

• Enterprise Software Complexity: Designing for users who often deal with intricate workflows, large datasets, and critical financial/operational decisions. Balancing powerful functionality with intuitive usability is key.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing feedback and priorities from various internal stakeholders (product, engineering, sales, leadership) while advocating for the user.

• Maintaining Design System Scalability: Ensuring the design system can adapt and grow to accommodate new features and the combined product suite.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Real Estate Tech: Gaining specialized knowledge in lease accounting, administration, and commercial real estate analytics.

• Advanced Design System Work: Contributing to the strategic development and expansion of CoStar's design system.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from experienced product managers and engineers, enhancing understanding of the broader product development lifecycle.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and internal training programs to foster skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration of two distinct software platforms presents a significant and unique challenge, offering a prime opportunity for designers to showcase their ability to unify experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a complex product you designed. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating end-to-end ownership, user research, and impact.)

• "How do you approach designing for a new feature that needs to integrate with existing functionality?" (Prepare to discuss user flow mapping, consistency, and potential user disruption.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CoStar Group and the real estate technology space?" (Research CoStar's mission, market position, and recent acquisitions like Visual Lease.)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging design trends and tools?" (Demonstrate curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing, Iteration), Solution, and Impact (Metrics/Outcomes).

• Highlight Figma Usage: Be prepared to share your screen and walk through parts of your Figma files, showcasing your component library, prototyping skills, and how you use Dev Mode.

• Emphasize User-Centricity: Continuously tie your design decisions back to user needs and research findings.

• Focus on Collaboration: Mention how you collaborated with PMs, engineers, and stakeholders throughout the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate Figma proficiency, and show how they've driven impact through user-centered design, especially in complex or integrated environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the CoStar careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features at least 3 detailed case studies that showcase your product design process, visual craft, and proficiency in Figma. Tailor your case study selection to highlight experience with enterprise software, complex workflows, or system integrations if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 3+ years of professional product design experience, specific skills in Figma, user research, and design systems. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on the impact of your designs.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and outcomes using the STAR method. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to user research and collaborative design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CoStar Group's mission, its products (especially CoStar Real Estate Manager and Visual Lease), and its position in the real estate technology market. Understand the importance of integrating these platforms.

⚠️ 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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