Senior Project Designer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Senior Designer in Irvine, CA, to lead creative concepts for complex architectural projects and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. The role involves direct engagement with owners/clients, preparing presentation drawings, models, and narratives, and guiding design across disciplines.

Candidates should have a Master's in Architecture, 10+ years of design leadership, and strong communication skills. Experience in healthcare, education, and research facilities is desirable.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture and minimum 10 years design leadership experience
• Proficient in Autodesk Revit and related tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities is preferred

Responsibilities

• Take lead responsibility for creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects in consultation with the Design Principal.
• Meet directly with the owner/client to analyze project goals and develop architectural concepts.
• Initiate and create designs and documentation including presentation drawings, models and narratives.
• Provide senior design leadership for all disciplines related to building design.
• Represent HDR in marketing to prospective owners/clients as a key member of the business development team.
• Collaborate with various disciplines through all phases to meet program needs.
• Develop design solutions aligned with client goals and HDR performance metrics.
• Direct activities of other designers and mentor staff as needed to build design culture.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Design leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Photoshop

Illustrator

Rhino

Grasshopper

SketchUp

3ds Max

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.

Primary Location

United States-California-Irvine

Other Locations

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 12, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.