Senior Designer

Hobbs; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hobbs+Black Architects in Ann Arbor, MI seeks a Senior Designer to lead the development of creative design solutions from concept through design development. You will partner with clients, project teams, and studio leadership to craft innovative, functional, and human-centered environments while mentoring emerging designers.

Through leadership and collaboration, you will establish design direction that balances client goals, user experience, and technical requirements, strengthening

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of related work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of architectural design and space planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an NCARB accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Deliver design solutions that balance creativity, function, sustainability and technical needs.
• Lead design workshops, client presentations, and mentor junior designers.
• Collaborate with architects, interior designers, PMs and technical teams.
• Advance design innovation while maintaining design excellence across projects.
• Support business development through pursuits and client engagements.

Skills

Eight or more years experience

Revit

Bluebeam

Enscape

Lumion

Twinmotion

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture (NCARB accredited)

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Enscape

Lumion

Twinmotion

Job description

About Us

We're not your typical architecture firm. At Hobbs+Black Architects we offer a one-of-a-kind, people-centered work environment where collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie thrive. We are an architectural and design team that believes great success comes from meaningful relationships, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to improve the lives of the people we serve.

If you're looking for a place where your work makes a difference, we'd love to meet you. Here, you're not just contributing to projects. You’re helping shape places where people live, heal, learn, gather, and grow.

Primary Focus

Our Senior Designer will lead the development of creative design solutions that reflect Hobbs+Black's design philosophy while guiding projects from concept through design development. This role partners with clients, project teams, and studio leadership to create innovative, functional, and inspiring environments while mentoring emerging designers and advancing design excellence across the practice.

Through creative leadership, collaboration, and thoughtful problem-solving, the Senior Designer will establish design direction that balances client goals, user experience, technical requirements, and business objectives. By mentoring others and championing design excellence, this role strengthens Hobbs+Black's reputation for innovative, human-centered design.

Essential Functions

Deliver Design Excellence

• Integrate creativity, functionality, sustainability, and technical considerations into comprehensive design solutions.


• Maintain design integrity while collaborating with technical teams throughout project delivery.

Create Meaningful Client Experiences

• Build trusted relationships by understanding client goals, organizational culture, and project objectives.


• Lead design workshops, visioning sessions, and client presentations that inspire confidence and engagement.


• Translate client needs into compelling design solutions that enhance user experience and organizational performance.

Lead and Collaborate

• Partner with architects, interior designers, project managers, and technical professionals to deliver integrated design solutions.


• Mentor Designers I and II while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth.


• Encourage collaboration that strengthens project outcomes and advances design excellence across the firm.


• Contribute to a positive studio culture where ideas are shared openly and innovation is encouraged.

Advance Design Innovation

• Explore emerging design trends, materials, technologies, and visualization tools that enhance design quality.


• Promote evidence-based and human-centered design practices across projects.


• Support thought leadership through design competitions, publications, presentations, and professional involvement.


• Continuously seek opportunities to elevate the firm's creative capabilities and market presence.

Development

• Continue expanding expertise in design leadership, client engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.


• Develop mentoring and coaching skills while supporting the growth of emerging designers.


• Pursue opportunities to strengthen professional influence through industry engagement and continuous learning.


• Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Contribute to Firm Success

• Strengthen Hobbs+Black's design reputation through exceptional project outcomes and innovative thinking.


• Support business development by contributing to pursuits, interviews, and client presentations.


• Promote collaboration, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing across the design practice.


• Help develop the next generation of design professionals while advancing the firm's long-term creative vision.

Experience and Technical Knowledge

• Eight (8) or more years of related work experience.


• Experience using Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion, or other rendering platforms in a professional setting.


• Advanced knowledge of architectural design, concept development, space planning, sustainability, and building codes.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Hybrid work format (3 days in office; 2 days remote).


• English language communication and client interface skills.


• Legally eligible to work in the United States, without need for sponsorship.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an NCARB accredited program.

Skills

Interior and exterior architectural detailing, Code review and compliance, Specifications, Site analysis and zoning review, Cost estimating, Schedule management, QA/QC review, Construction administration management, Consultant coordination.