AO-Architects Orange

Archinect; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and life insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Long-term disability

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Transit access

Job summary

AO-Architects in Orange, CA seeks a Senior Designer to lead design efforts from concept through construction documentation. You will mentor junior designers, coordinate with consultants, and ensure design intent remains strong across all project phases.

The ideal candidate has 15-20 years of architectural experience, strong leadership, and excellent client-facing communication while balancing budgets, schedules, and quality.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of architectural design experience.
• Experience across all phases of architecture and engineering projects.
• Strong project planning and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead project design across all phases from concept to construction documents.
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, agencies, and other disciplines.
• Mentor junior designers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure codes, permits, and standards are met across projects.
• Maintain design intent and manage on-time, on-budget delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

3D modeling tools

Building codes

Job description

Senior Designer

AO-Architects Orange Employer

Location: Orange, CA, US

Posted on: Thu, Sep 3 '26

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 annually

The Senior Designer is a senior-level architectural design professional responsible for leading project design efforts from concept through construction documentation. This role develops innovative design solutions, coordinates with consultants and stakeholders, ensures compliance with codes and standards, and mentors junior designers. The position requires extensive experience managing complex architectural projects while balancing design excellence, client satisfaction, project schedules, and budget requirements.

Core Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead project design across all phases of development.
• Develop and refine design concepts that align with client goals.
• Prepare design drawings, presentations, specifications, and 3D models.
• Maintain design intent throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Management & Coordination

• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, agencies, and other design disciplines.
• Monitor project documentation quality and drawing production.
• Ensure project deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Oversee multiple project stakeholders and technical requirements.

Client Relations

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead design presentations and communicate project vision effectively.
• Translate client needs into practical and innovative design solutions.

Technical Excellence

• Apply building codes, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Review design quality and compliance standards.
• Recommend materials, finishes, and products that support project goals.
• Integrate sustainable design practices into projects.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop junior designers.
• Provide technical guidance and career development support.
• Foster collaboration and adherence to AO standards and processes.

Key Competencies

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 15-20 years of architectural design experience.
• Experience across all phases of architecture and engineering projects.
• Strong project planning and leadership experience.

Technical Skills

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• 3D modeling and visualization tools
• Building codes and permitting processes
• Construction documentation

Soft Skills

• Leadership and team management
• Client-facing communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Written and verbal communication

Why AO?

Our Culture Is Built On Collaboration, Trust, And The Belief That Great Work Happens When People Are Supported And Challenged In Equal Measure. You’ll Find a Team That Values

• Strong relationships, with clients and each other
• A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality
• Continuous learning and professional growth
• Thoughtful design paired with technical rigor

At AO, you will work alongside colleagues who care deeply about what they do and are committed to building something meaningful together.

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team. Highlights include:

• Medical, dental, life, and supplemental insurance
• Most medical plans fully paid for employee-only coverage
• Company-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability
• Retirement plan, health savings, and flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Free parking and convenient transit access
• Employee discount program (OC location)