Project Design Specialist

Salary: $65,000-$90,000

Project Design Coordinator Success Profile

Position Summary & Expectation

This role focuses on creating comprehensive scopes of work, accurate cost estimations, and design recommendations while working collaboratively with the asset management and construction teams to ensure successful project execution. The Project Design Coordinator serves as a key link between design, construction, and finance responsible for maintaining financial accountability across all projects, including construction scheduling, budget approval and tracking, invoice verification, and contractor payment coordination.

Responsibilities

• Property Assessment & Scoping: Assess properties and develop detailed scopes of work outlining necessary repairs, renovations, and value-adding improvements.
• Budget Creation & Management: Create accurate project budgets and cost estimations using current pricing data and contractor feedback; maintain alignment with approved budgets through all project stages.
• Financial Tracking & Reporting: Maintain detailed project financial tracking using advanced spreadsheet and analysis skills; reconcile budgets against actual spend and report variances weekly to the Finance and Asset Management teams.
• Design Recommendations: Recommend design elements that balance market preferences, cost efficiency, and long-term appeal to maximize ROI.
• Vendor & Contractor Coordination: Assist with contractor coordination, bid collection, and payment verification; ensure documentation accuracy for invoicing and draw submissions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate and facilitate weekly team meetings with inspectors, brokers, and construction team members to review project timelines, budget adherence, and performance.
• Documentation & Compliance: Support the construction team with project documentation, purchase order tracking, and approval workflows to maintain consistent financial control.
• Safety & Quality Standards: Ensure renovation specifications meet company standards, safety regulations, and market requirements for retail MLS listings.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline financial and design processes to improve cost accuracy, communication flow, and project delivery timelines.

About Us:

Kendall Partners is a family and veteran-owned real estate investment company based in Yorkville, IL. We provide hope through a professional and trusted real estate experience. We are passionate about real estate and making a positive impact!

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Project Design Specialist to develop and support our residential renovation projects through detailed planning, budgeting, and coordination. This role focuses on creating comprehensive scopes of work, accurate cost estimations, and design recommendations while working collaboratively with our construction team to ensure successful project execution.

Company-wide Expectations:

• Display Company core values at all times. Integrity ~ Commitment ~ Humility ~ Growth

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess properties and develop detailed scopes of work that outline necessary repairs and value-adding improvements
• Create accurate project budgets and cost estimations based on established contractor relationships
• Recommend design elements that incorporate market preferences while ensuring lasting appeal
• Collaborate with our internal inspection team to analyze property conditions and develop improvement specs
• Support the construction team with project documentation, coordination, and site visits as needed
• Ensure renovation specifications meet safety standards and market requirements for retail MLS listings

Required Experience & Skills:

• Strong background in project budgeting and cost estimation
• Proven ability to develop comprehensive scopes of work
• Design sensibility with focus on maximizing property value and residential housing trends
• Understanding of residential construction methods and costs
• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

• Detail-oriented professional who aligns with our core values
• Strong team player with excellent coordination skills
• Proficiency in both planning and project support
• Ability to manage multiple project timelines simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Growth mindset with desire for professional development

Project Scope:

• Focus on residential properties requiring varying levels of renovation ($30,000-$100,000+)
• End product targeted to retail homeowners/families
• Emphasis on both structural integrity and marketable design elements
• Annual renovation portfolio of $7.5M+ with consistent growth