Senior Project Designer

HDR, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Irvine is seeking a Senior Designer to lead design concepts for complex architectural projects. You’ll partner with the Design Principal, engage owners/clients, and guide presentation drawings, models, and narratives through all project phases.

You’ll mentor staff, help shape HDR’s design culture, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure architectural solutions meet goals, codes, and sustainability targets.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of design leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field.
• Proficient in Autodesk Revit and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative concepts for complex architectural projects with the Design Principal.
• Meet with owners/clients to analyze goals and develop concepts.
• Prepare presentation drawings, models and narratives.
• Provide senior design leadership for all disciplines of building design.
• Mentor staff and contribute to HDR's design culture.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams through all project phases.
• Support business development and client marketing efforts.

Skills

Design leadership

Client communication

Code compliance

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Rhino

Grasshopper

SketchUp

3ds Max

Photoshop

Illustrator

Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

In the role of Senior Designer, we'll count on you to:

• Take lead responsibility for creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects in consultation with the Design Principal.
• Meet directly with the owner/client, analyze project goals, conceive and develop architectural concepts/solutions for those goals
• Initiate and create designs and other documentation with responsibility for preparation of presentation drawings, models and narratives.
• Provide senior design leadership for all disciplines related to overall building design.
• Represent our firm by participating as a key member of our business development team in marketing to prospective owners/clients.
• Work with various disciplines throughout all phases to ensure all concepts/solutions accommodate project needs and the owner's program.
• Develop design solutions that meet both the client's project goals and HDR's internal project performance metrics and goals
• Direct the activities of other designers and mentor other staff members as needed.
• Help build and maintain the design culture of the studio
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture.
• Registered Architect.
• A minimum of 10 years of design leadership experience.
• Experience in the areas of healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED strongly desired.
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, 3-D Studio Max and other appropriate modeling and graphics programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process.
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills.
• Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) San Diego $104,000-$149,000

Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine

Other Locations: United States-California-San Diego

Industry: Architecture

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Transport Architecture

Job Posting: Aug 12, 2026