Senior Design Architect - Lead High-Impact Projects

AIA Orange County; Newport Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off (vacation, holidays)

Free parking and transit access

Job summary

AO in Newport Beach seeks a Senior Designer, a senior architectural design professional leading project design from concept through construction documents, guiding complex projects with a focus on design excellence and client satisfaction.

You will mentor junior designers, coordinate with engineers and consultants, apply building codes, and manage schedules and budgets while maintaining design intent and delivering innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead design presentations and communicate project vision effectively.
• Translate client needs into practical and innovative design solutions.
• Apply building codes, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Review design quality and compliance standards.
• Recommend materials, finishes, and products that support project goals.
• Mentor and develop junior designers.
• Provide technical guidance and career development support.
• Foster collaboration and adherence to AO standards and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Client communication

Problem solving

Collaboration

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

3D modeling and visualization tools

Job description

AO in Newport Beach seeks a Senior Designer, a senior architectural design professional leading project design from concept through construction documents, guiding complex projects with a focus on design excellence and client satisfaction.

You will mentor junior designers, coordinate with engineers and consultants, apply building codes, and manage schedules and budgets while maintaining design intent and delivering innovative solutions.