We are seeking a skilled Residential Architectural Designer to join our new RenoAdvisor service offering. This role isn’t about creating abstract, unattainable designs—it’s about using design, conceptual planning, and visualizations to help homeowners make confident, informed decisions at the earliest stages of their renovation journey. You’ll work closely with homeowners to develop practical, feasible design concepts that address their unique needs and guide them through the next steps of their renovation process with clarity and confidence.
You will be part of a team that’s redefining how renovations are done—putting homeowners first and ensuring they achieve great outcomes with peace of mind and more confidence. We are the Homeowner’s greatest advocate! This role allows you to make a greater impact, helping hundreds of Homeowners successfully renovate their homes.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
You are a Residential Designer with a keen eye for spatial design, your solutions are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You excel at using the right tools to deliver designs efficiently and effectively. You’re passionate about translating real-world renovation challenges into practical solutions, always putting homeowners first. You excel at prioritizing their wants and needs with a practical, feasible design that solves their problems within their stated budget. You are excited to be part of a team that is changing the game in the renovation space, with a homeowner centric approach that helps homeowners earlier in the process than ever before.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Developing preliminary but practical renovation concepts and visualizations that help homeowners understand their options, visualize realistic outcomes, and prioritize feasible paths forward. These deliverables will provide clear, actionable guidance to both homeowners and professionals who will take the project beyond the initial planning phase.
As part of the core RenoAdvisor team for the South Bay, you will be a key resource to our Construction Sales and Pre-Construction Experts in creating comprehensive renovation roadmaps. These deliverables will help homeowners move from initial ideas to actionable next steps, ensuring they are prepared to embark on their projects with confidence and clarity.
As part of the effort to enhance the RenoFi platform, you will contribute valuable insights from real-world renovation projects to inform how we build future digital experiences. The experience and work you do will help ensure that the Product we build is aligned with practical homeowner needs and streamline the renovation planning process.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Trained architect or spatial designer specializing in residential renovations.
5+ years of experience in residential/renovation architectural/spatial design in the San Francisco Bay Area, with experience in San Jose / South Bay a major plus.
Understanding of the California Residential code and construction standards
Proficiency in at least one design tool such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Figma, or similar software.
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to balance design aesthetics, functionality, and technical feasibility.
Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.
Experience working in tech or startup teams is a plus.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
Competitive salary
Early stage employee equity — let’s build this rocketship together!
Top of the line medical, dental and vision benefits
Participation in Cottage’s 401k plan
A dynamic and passionate work environment — we're in it together and the sky's the limit
Empowerment to make decisions, act quickly, and be an owner
The renovation process in America is broken. It’s hard to know what’s possible, how much it will cost, who to hire, and how to pay for it. RenoFi and Cottage have been tackling these challenges independently: Cottage has been matching homeowners with vetted architects, designers, contractors, and engineers since 2020. RenoFi has unlocked financing options tailored to renovation projects, helping homeowners fund the transformation of their homes.
With Cottage now part of RenoFi, Homeowners can find the perfect pro and the smartest financing option for your project - all in one place. Now, these strengths come together to simplify every step of the renovation planning journey.