Sr Project Designer

HOK; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

4 weeks paid time off with cash out

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with matching contributions

Job summary

HOK seeks a Senior Project Designer to lead design direction, develop architectural concepts, and collaborate with project architects, managers and consultants. You will prepare compelling presentations, coordinate with agencies, and mentor design teams to ensure high-quality, sustainable outcomes across complex projects.

The role emphasizes leadership, coordination, and delivering design excellence within a hybrid work environment, with competitive compensation reflecting experience and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensed Architect with current registration preferred, if licensure is offered in your region.
• NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.
• Healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Originates and develops creative design concepts and the design documents during the design development phase.
• Supports resolution of design solutions during construction documents and construction administration phases.
• Incorporates Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
• Develops solutions to design problems and oversees the design team to ensure schedule and budget adherence.
• Mentors and directs less experienced staff and supports project reviews.

Skills

Design leadership

Concept development

Collaboration

Presentation skills

Regulatory coordination

Sustainable design

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture

Licensed Architect

NCARB registration

LEED accreditation or Green Associate

Healthcare experience

Job description

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.

At HOK, we are a collective of future‑forward designers, thinkers, and makers united by a shared ambition: to shape a healthier, more sustainable, and more inspiring built environment. We believe great design emerges from creativity, curiosity, rigorous thinking, and a deep sense of purpose. Our teams thrive at the intersection of art and science where bold ideas meet technical mastery, and where design has the power to improve lives and heal the planet.

We are seeking aSenior Project Designer who shares our passion for design excellence and meaningful impact. This role is ideal for a creative leader who excels at developing strong design concepts, collaborating across disciplines, and guiding teams toward exceptional project outcomes.

What You’ll Do:

As a key member of the project team, the Senior Project Designer:

• Leads overall design direction with guidance from the Design Principal, shaping the conceptual vision for one or more projects from early exploration through design development.
• Develops and advances architectural design concepts, ensuring work reflects HOK’s high standards of innovation, sustainability, and technical rigor.
• Works collaboratively with project architects, managers, and consultants to translate design intent into coordinated construction documents.
• Prepares and delivers compelling design presentations, communicating ideas with clarity and storytelling that inspire clients and stakeholders.
• Coordinates with agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring alignment between design excellence and compliance requirements.
• Partners closely with the Senior Project Manager and Senior Project Architect to support seamless project delivery, strong team communication, and responsible financial performance.
• Champions sustainable thinking, integrating environmental responsibility as an essential component of design quality

Why You’ll Love Working at HOK

• You’ll join a global community of designers who value curiosity, courage, and craft.
• You’ll have opportunities to work on impactful, mission‑driven projects that make a difference in people’s lives.
• You’ll collaborate with interdisciplinary experts who bring diverse perspectives to every challenge.
• You’ll help shape a culture dedicated to continuous innovation, design excellence, and planetary stewardship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• Originates and develops creative design concepts and the design documents during the design development phase.
• Supports the resolution of design solutions during the construction documents and construction administration phases. May assist with the completion of construction documents.
• Incorporates Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
• Develops solutions to design problems.
• Oversees design team to ensure project is on schedule and within budget.
• Oversees design team in ensuring that documentation for all phases conforms to quality assurance, quality control and best practice standards.
• Mentors and directs the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and “Lessons Learned” sessions.
• Sets up project team software parameters and manages standards.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
• Fosters a commitment to external and internal client service.

Client Interface

• Regularly communicates with client representatives to verify design requirements and specifications, progress reviews and design delivery.
• Prepare client presentations and presents design concepts and drawings.

Business Development

• Supports the marketing and business development activities of the office when needed.

Teamwork

• Provides technical support and project communications to team as required.
• Attends on-site visits and client meetings to verify design requirements and delivers design progress reviews.
• Provide support to all team members for specific market, discipline, or areas of design expertise.
• Assists Project Manager with defining project work plans.
• Participates in team meetings to ensure the design intent is consistently in adherence.
• Performs as Team Leader on certain projects.
• Leads a small team of less senior designer or technicians in developing solutions to technical and design detail problems following established standards.
• Participates in project reviews regarding project costs, budgets and adherence to schedule.
• Responsible for tracking electronic project data and files.
• Facilitates team internal and external project communications.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensed Architect with current registration in your region preferred, if licensure is offered in your region.
• NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.
• Healthcare experience preferred.

OTHER:

• Travel may be required.
• Overtime may be required.
• The job duties and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOK.

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you’ll have a hybrid work environment , 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays ) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well‑rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.

Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education and location. The reasonably expected salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000. Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus.