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Architectural Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Design Manager is responsible for the technical demands of facilitating project design and ... Licensed Architect/Engineer with at least 10 years of industry experience as a technical architect ...

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate ... You pick the architecture firm best suited to each project, then give that firm clear and ...

The Design Manager is responsible for the technical demands of facilitating project design and ... Licensed Architect/Engineer with at least 10 years of industry experience as a technical architect ...

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$167K - $183K/yr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate ... You pick the architecture firm best suited to each project, then give that firm clear and ...

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$167 - $183/hr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate ... You pick the architecture firm best suited to each project, then give that firm clear and ...

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$167K - $183K/yr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate ... You pick the architecture firm best suited to each project, then give that firm clear and ...

Design Manager Description Balfour Beatty is seeking a Design Manager to join our team in Southern ... Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

Design Manager III

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

BA or BS in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management or a closely related ... Experience in design and design management of major K-14 or higher education projects.

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

BA or BS in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management or a closely related ... Experience in design and design management of major K-14 or higher education projects.

Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Manage the design and permitting processes to ensure quality, on‑time delivery, constructability ... Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

LAWA Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

Position Description The Design Manager enforces procedures for architectural and engineering review activities to ensure they are done according to best practices and standards identified in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Architectural Design Manager information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$93.5K

$129.3K

How much do architectural design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for architectural design manager in California is $93,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an architectural design manager do?

An Architectural Design Manager oversees the design process on construction and development projects, ensuring that architectural plans meet client requirements, building codes, and industry standards. They coordinate between architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to manage timelines, budgets, and design quality. Their responsibilities often include reviewing drawings, leading design meetings, and resolving any design-related issues that arise during a project. Ultimately, they ensure that the vision for the building or space is executed effectively from concept through to completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an architectural design manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Architectural Design Manager, you need a solid background in architecture, project management, and design principles, usually supported by a professional architecture degree and licensure. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM systems, as well as experience with project management tools, is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help manage teams and collaborate effectively with clients and stakeholders. These skills ensure successful project delivery, innovative design solutions, and smooth coordination across all phases of development.

How does an architectural design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

An Architectural Design Manager works closely with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, to ensure that project goals are met efficiently and creatively. They facilitate communication between stakeholders, coordinate design reviews, and resolve conflicts that may arise during the design and construction phases. This collaborative approach helps maintain project timelines, budget adherence, and alignment with client expectations. Effective teamwork and leadership are essential for successfully managing these interdisciplinary relationships.

What is the difference between Architectural Design Manager vs Architectural Project Coordinator?

AspectArchitectural Design ManagerArchitectural Project Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, licensure often requiredBachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, corporate offices, project sitesOffice settings, project sites, client meetings
Employer & Industry UsageArchitecture firms, design consultancies, construction companiesArchitectural firms, construction companies, project management firms
Primary FocusLeading design processes, overseeing architectural conceptsCoordinating project schedules, communication, and documentation

The Architectural Design Manager primarily focuses on leading architectural design efforts and overseeing creative processes, while the Architectural Project Coordinator handles project logistics, communication, and coordination tasks. Both roles are essential in the architecture industry but serve different functions within project teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Architectural Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Architectural Design Manager jobs in California?

For Architectural Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Architectural Design Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Architectural Design Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Architectural Design Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Architectural Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Architectural Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,450 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Design Manager is responsible for the technical demands of facilitating project design and permitting process. The Design Manager is responsible to help successfully deliver Webcor projects by managing the design process by defining deliverables, scheduling design and defining potential obstacles, and monitoring and developing workflow. Webcor projects will include design-build projects and projects that Webcor performs preconstruction services (typically include design reviews, constructability reviews and value management of design documents).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Partners with the Owner to develop and maintain design documentation.

  • Manages the overall design process and schedule.

  • Serves as the primary communication channel between the design team and Webcor.

  • Ensures the design team has the information needed to meet all deliverables.

  • Monitors design submittals, permitting, and approvals, escalating issues when needed.

  • Manages the RFI process between the owner and design team.

  • Reviews design submittals for compliance with Technical Provisions.

  • Leads design meetings and workshops and maintains accurate records.

  • Coordinates with Operations, Scheduling, Estimating, and Document Control to align design, procurement, and information-sharing workflows.

  • Establishes BIM protocols with VDC and ensures design team compliance.

  • Participates in design focus groups and elevates issues as necessary.

  • Leads and documents constructability reviews and manages related comments.

  • Coordinates site access needs between the design team and Operations.

  • Reviews subtrade bid scopes for completeness and provides feedback to Estimating.

  • Participates in subtrade buyout and thirdparty interface meetings.

  • Manages the Critical Issues schedule.

  • Leads the technical and design process from Design Development through Construction and Occupancy.

  • Provides design leadership with the Project Executive/Director and Preconstruction team.

  • Ensures clear communication between Designers, Construction teams, and the client.

  • Coordinates with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

  • Advocates for Owner design requirements and aligns designer/builder efforts.

  • Provides technical guidance for bids and tenders.

  • Documents design decisions and verifies followthrough.

  • Implements and monitors compliance with the Webcor Design Management Plan.

  • Manages design coordinators and maintains design processes.

  • Defines, schedules, and monitors the quality of design deliverables.

  • Establishes design document expectations, packaging strategy, milestones, and quality metrics.

  • Informs stakeholders of design status, quality, and risks.

  • Reviews design progress to prevent cost or scope creep.

  • Resolves design document conflicts.

  • Hosts Engineered Value sessions to optimize cost and materials.

  • Ensures project specifications meet regulatory and Owner requirements.

  • Develops RFPs and prepares scopes of work for design firms and designassist partners.

  • Coordinates budgets, communicates changes, and aligns design with target values.

  • Coordinates permits and utility services with the Owner.

  • Reviews development agreements to ensure Webcor compliance.

  • Coordinates subcontractor budgets and scopes for designbuild and designassist partners.

  • Monitors design between estimate updates and identifies corrective actions to maintain budget.

  • Integrates design deliverables with construction schedules.

  • Develops internal cost analyses and design metrics.

  • Updates Webcor Best Practices and leads Design Management training.


TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

  • Proven experience in technical design development and managing design consultants and effective design documentation (Architectural, Structural, MEP/ HVAC etc.) and other relevant trades.

  • Ability to think in a highly structured manner along all design disciplines while also having the required creativity to develop specialized solutions and anticipating potential challenges and opportunities.

  • Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team environment while keeping an independent professional view on the design.

  • Specific technical expertise in building enclosures or MEP systems preferred.

  • Strong computer skills including proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and software programs (Microsoft products, Revit, Navisworks, QTO, etc.).

  • Good understanding of the technical aspects of all building systems.

  • Understands design, construction and operations and legal perspective of design.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

  • Proven ability to build effective and strong relationships with Risk Management/Legal, Executive Management and owners/architects/engineers.

  • Ability to effectively lead, manage and mentor staff.

  • Clearly defines goals, understands audiences, manages productive meetings, manages and builds team morale.

  • Advanced communication skills. Ability to address an audience of various sizes and effectively communicate his/her message and ideas. Ability to write clear and concise thoughts in a professional manner.

  • Advanced decision quality and use of sound judgement.

  • Advanced customer focus and the ability to work cohesively with many constituents.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Licensed Architect/Engineer with at least 10 years of industry experience as a technical architect/engineer.

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture preferred, or equivalent experience

  • Professional Engineer or Registered Architect preferred. Affiliations with Professional Organizations preferred (AIA, CSI, ASHRAE, etc.).

  • Proven experience working in the design phase of a project and ability to direct design team to positive outcomes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Performance of the required duties will require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus Performing this job requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, sit, talk, hear, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on-site at the construction work site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock The noise in these work environments is usually moderate to very loud.

Range of base pay is $153,000-$168,000. Actual pay is based on individual skill level and experience.

Webcor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.