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Building Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From ...

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From ...

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From ...

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From ...

At Fluor, we are proud to design and build projects and careers. We are committed to fostering a ... to building a better world together. If this sounds like a culture you would like to work in, yo ...

We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.

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Building Design information

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$23K

$85.7K

$138.5K

How much do building design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for building design in the United States is $85,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Building Design vs Architectural Drafting?

AspectBuilding DesignArchitectural Drafting
CredentialsDegree in Architecture or Civil Engineering, licensing often requiredDrafting certification or associate degree, less emphasis on licensing
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, construction sites, client meetingsOffice-based, CAD drafting rooms
Industry UsageInvolved in conceptual and detailed design, project planningCreates technical drawings and plans based on design concepts

Building Design focuses on creating overall architectural concepts and plans, often requiring licensing and advanced degrees. Architectural Drafting involves producing detailed technical drawings to realize those designs, typically with specialized CAD skills. Both roles are essential in the construction process but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a building designer do?

A building designer creates plans and designs for new buildings or renovations, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and compliance with building codes. They often collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients, using design software like AutoCAD or Revit, and may need relevant certifications or licenses depending on the project scope.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in building design, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in building design often encounter challenges such as balancing client expectations with regulatory requirements, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and staying on schedule despite unforeseen site or material issues. Managing these challenges typically involves strong communication skills, proactive project management, and staying updated on local building codes. Collaboration with structural engineers, contractors, and clients is essential to ensure that design concepts are both innovative and feasible within project constraints.

What is the career that designs buildings?

A building designer or architect is a professional who plans and creates building designs, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and safety. They use tools like CAD software and often require licensing or certification to practice legally. Building design involves understanding building codes, materials, and environmental considerations.

What is building design?

Building design refers to the process of creating plans and specifications for the construction of buildings and other structures. It involves considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, structural integrity, safety, and sustainability. Building designers use architectural principles, engineering knowledge, and client requirements to develop designs that meet both practical and regulatory standards. The process typically includes conceptual sketches, detailed drawings, and collaboration with other professionals like engineers and contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Building Design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Building Design, you need a solid background in architecture, drafting, and structural principles, typically supported by a degree in architecture or a related field. Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM systems, as well as relevant certifications (such as LEED accreditation), is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help designers collaborate effectively and develop innovative, client-focused solutions. These skills ensure that building designs are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and compliant with safety and sustainability standards.

What is the highest paid designer job?

In the field of building design, senior roles such as architecture firm partners, lead architects, or specialized design directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, with top earners sometimes exceeding six figures annually depending on the project scope and location.

How much money does a building designer make?

Building designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Salaries can increase with advanced certifications, specialized skills, and a strong portfolio of completed projects.
More about Building Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Building Design jobs? Cities with the most Building Design job openings:
What states have the most Building Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Building Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Building Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,707 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Project Manager - Building Design

Project Manager - Building Design

HDR

Charleston, SC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 369 rated engineering


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 building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

HDR is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join the Building Engineering Services Business Group in our Charleston, SC office. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressive experience leading design teams focused on facility projects through the planning, design, permitting and construction phases. The candidate will perform client development and management activities to support our design center in Charleston, SC. They will need to be skilled in communicating with clients, leading multi-discipline design teams through small and large projects, coordinating with sub-consultants, delivering projects on time and within budget. This individual will also be expected to focus on:

  • Function as Project Manager, responsible for executing projects and managing and developing multidiscipline teams, utilizing HDR's business systems and project management tools.
  • Build team technical expertise and design production capacity through recruitment, staff development and training.  May have the opportunity to lead and mentor other staff.
  • Participate in leadership for external marketing and planning.  Some regional/national travel will be expected.
  • Contract preparation and negotiation, scheduling, budgeting, invoicing, and project quality control.

  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications 
 
  • 5 years project management experience (10+ years total experience)
  • Microsoft Office Suite experience
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and planning skills, and ability to thrive in a team environment. Position requires very strong skills in preparing client presentations, project memoranda and reports
  • Charleston location collocated with the majority of our design center staff is preferred 
  • Local candidates are preferred
  • *LI-SM1
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 7 years related experience
  • A minimum of 2 years  project management experience
  • Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917