Founding Designer (Code-First / 100% Remote)

neoBIM GmbHneoBIM GmbH·Remote(Germany)
Other

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled designers who can bridge the gap between design and code has never been higher, with the global digital skills gap projected to reach 38 million by 2028. As a result, companies like neoBIM GmbH are looking for talented individuals who can own the design process from start to finish. With the rise of AI-powered Building Information Modeling (BIM), the construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and designers with expertise in 3D interaction and spatial software are in high demand. According to recent statistics, the BIM market is expected to grow by 15% annually, making it an exciting time to join a company that is pushing the boundaries of this technology. Before applying, candidates should be aware that this role requires a unique blend of design and coding skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with engineers and other stakeholders.

Job Description

About the Role

The Founding Designer role at neoBIM GmbH is a unique opportunity to join a cutting-edge startup that is revolutionizing the construction industry with AI-powered Building Information Modeling (BIM). As a founding team member, you will have the chance to define the look, feel, and design system of the product from day one and work closely with the founders to shape the company's vision. The ideal candidate will be a designer who thinks in systems, understands software constraints, and can reason about 3D interaction.

The company is looking for someone who can collapse the traditional design-to-handoff pipeline and work directly in code to express their design intent. This will involve using tools like Claude to prototype directly in code and working in a tight loop with engineers to ensure that the design is buildable and lives in the codebase.

What You Will Do

  • Define and build the design system in code using shadcn/ui as the foundation, including tokens, variants, modes, responsive behavior, and accessibility
  • Prototype directly in code with AI assistance using tools like Claude
  • Design the entire product surface, including the 3D canvas, viewport controls, property panels, dashboards, and onboarding flows
  • Own iconography and illustration, either by crafting the icon set and product illustrations yourself or art-directing freelancers to deliver a consistent, high-quality visual language
  • Work in a tight loop with engineers, where handoff mostly means a code review, not a translation
  • Shape the brand and marketing surface as the company grows
  • Collaborate with the founders to define the company's design vision and strategy
  • Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the company's products and services
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies
  • Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to other team members

What We Are Looking For

  • Experience working in code (HTML/CSS/React) and using tools like Claude or similar tools to turn ideas into a working UI
  • Understanding of software constraints and the ability to reason about 3D interaction
  • Experience designing for 3D, spatial, or canvas-based software, including viewport controls, gizmos, camera behavior, and the seam between 2D UI and a live 3D scene
  • Strong icon and illustration skills, with the ability to produce high-quality visual language or direct freelancers to a consistent result
  • Experience with shadcn/ui and understanding of how its tokens, variants, and primitives compose
  • Ability to design with light/dark mode and responsiveness from the start, not as an afterthought
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers and other stakeholders
  • Portfolio that demonstrates your design skills and experience
  • CV that highlights your relevant experience and skills

Nice to Have

  • Experience with other design tools and technologies, such as Figma or Sketch
  • Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and best practices
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies
  • Familiarity with version control systems like Git
  • Certification in design or a related field

Benefits and Perks

  • Founding-level ownership of design at a well-backed startup with a credible founding team in the AEC/3D space
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Direct access to the founders, with no design-by-committee or layers between you and the work
  • The chance to define how a category of professional 3D tooling looks and feels for the next decade
  • Access to world-class infrastructure and a culture of deep tech and real-world application
  • Flexibility with a remote-first work environment and a great team that shapes the future
  • Opportunity to work on impactful global projects and make a real difference in the construction industry
  • Professional development and growth opportunities
  • Recognition and reward for outstanding performance

How to Stand Out

  • Make sure your portfolio showcases your design skills and experience, particularly in 3D interaction and spatial software.
  • Familiarize yourself with tools like Claude and shadcn/ui, and be prepared to discuss your experience with these technologies.
  • Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with engineers and other stakeholders, and be prepared to provide examples of successful design-handoff processes.
  • Research the company and its products, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their vision and goals.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples of your design work, including your process and decision-making, and be ready to defend your design choices.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, and be sure to clarify any concerns you may have about the role or the company.
  • Consider reaching out to the founders or other team members on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about the company culture and values.

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