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Design Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Project Manager

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Assistant Project Manager

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Dynalectric Company

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Dynalectric Company

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Project Architect, Retail

Ashburn, VA

$84K - $113K/yr

Extensive knowledge of architectural detailing, current construction standards, and associated building trade collaboration process (design-build, design-assist, etc.). * Extensive experience in ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$38

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Virginia is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Design Assistants face when collaborating with senior designers and clients?

Design Assistants often navigate balancing creative input with following the vision set by senior designers and clients. Communication is key, as misunderstandings can arise regarding project expectations, deadlines, or feedback. Additionally, adapting to shifting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously can be challenging, but these experiences help develop multitasking and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships with team members and clients fosters a supportive work environment and facilitates professional growth.

What does an assistant designer do?

An assistant designer supports lead designers by helping develop concepts, creating sketches, preparing design presentations, and managing project details. They often use design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and collaborate with teams to ensure project deadlines are met. This role typically requires strong organizational skills and a basic understanding of design principles.

What is the role of a design assistant?

A design assistant supports designers by preparing sketches, managing project materials, and coordinating schedules. They often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and assist with research, drafting, and presentation tasks to ensure smooth workflow in creative projects.

What is the difference between Design Assistant vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign AssistantGraphic Designer
CredentialsAssociate's degree or related certificationBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentSupportive role in design teams, often in studios or corporate settingsIndependent or team-based projects, creative agencies, or in-house departments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design tasks, preparing materials, organizing projectsCreating visual concepts, designing layouts, producing final artwork

While both roles involve visual design, a Design Assistant primarily supports senior designers by handling preparatory and organizational tasks. A Graphic Designer takes on the core creative responsibilities, producing original designs and visual content. The roles often overlap in work environment and credentials, but differ in scope and level of creative independence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Assistant, you need a solid grasp of design principles, proficiency in graphic design or interior design basics, and a relevant educational background such as a degree or diploma in design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly help you stand out in supporting senior designers and collaborating with clients. These competencies ensure efficient workflow, high-quality deliverables, and effective teamwork in fast-paced design environments.

How much do design assistants make?

Design assistants in Florida typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are Design Assistants?

Design Assistants are professionals who support designers or design teams in various creative industries, such as fashion, interior, graphic, or product design. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with research, organizing materials, preparing presentations, managing schedules, and helping with the execution of design projects. Design Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently by handling administrative and creative tasks. They often collaborate closely with senior designers, clients, and vendors to bring creative concepts to life.

What is a design assistant's salary?

A design assistant's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn more. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Design jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Design Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,783 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Preconstruction Project Executive - Design Manager

Preconstruction Project Executive - Design Manager

HITT Contracting

Falls Church, VA โ€ข On-site

$130K - $185K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Every day, our team members do amazing things in pursuit of our shared purpose to build trust with our clients, partners, subcontractors, and teammates. No matter your background, education, or career path, if you share our vision to create extraordinary experiences, you belong at HITT. Preconstruction Project Executive - Design Manager Job Description: The Preconstruction Executive โ€“ Design Manager reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Strategic Services and supports the Vice President of Preconstruction while leading the development and execution of the companyโ€™s design build strategy. The Design Manager is a key leadership role that oversees the execution of the design build strategy and project execution from beginning to end. In addition, this role provides design-build leadership and design management during pursuits and preconstruction by analyzing RFP/RFQ requirements, coordinating the preconstruction team leads, guiding design team selection, and managing the design phase to maintain alignment to cost, schedule, constructability, procurement, and client performance requirements. The ideal candidate will act as the liaison to HITTโ€™s clients (external owners and internal operations teams), the design team, and the Preconstruction team. The Design Manager may oversee additional design manager resources. Responsibilities ยท Lead design-build preconstruction efforts by establishing the design management plan, design schedule/milestones, decision log, and deliverable requirements from pursuit through handoff to Operations ยท Perform RFP/RFQ and contract document analysis for design-build pursuits to identify scope, performance criteria, deliverables, risk items, and proposal requirements; translate requirements into a clear execution plan for the preconstruction team ยท Coordinate with preconstruction team leads (trade managers, MEP, scheduling, VDC, estimating) to assign responsibilities by phase and maintain a consistent cadence of design-to-budget and design-to-schedule checkpoints ยท Lead design team selection in coordination with leadership: develop shortlist criteria, interview approach, scope alignment, and onboarding expectations to meet HITT deliverables and client requirements ยท Manage the design process by facilitating design coordination meetings, tracking design actions/decisions, ensuring constructability reviews are completed, and driving timely owner and designer decisions required to maintain schedule ยท Integrate trade partner input (design-assist/delegated design where applicable) to support constructability, systems coordination, long-lead procurement, and package strategy; document scope splits and design responsibilities ยท Prepare and analyze bid or budget proposals to include; current market conditions, historical data, material escalation, internal estimates and subcontractor input for complete and accurate proposals to our clients ยท Develop and coordinate proposal narratives and exhibits related to design-build approach, design management, schedule strategy, risk, and cost drivers in alignment with RFP requirements ยท Make and influence decisions under tight deadlines ยท Identify and communicate cost saving solutions both internally and externally ยท Review work product to ensure process and quality are consistently being achieved ยท Assist with on-going training of all staff members ยท Present technical and financial information to stakeholders, including changes from previously presented pricing information Qualifications ยท DBIA education/certification or equivalent design-build training is a plus ยท Strong understanding of design-build procurement and RFP requirements, including development of compliance matrices, risk registers, and design management narratives ยท Demonstrated experience leading design-build pursuits and preconstruction with responsibility for design management and coordination of A/E deliverables ยท Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field preferred ยท (5) to (10) years of commercial general contracting preconstruction or operations experience preferred ยท Clear & Concise communication skills with internal and external stakeholders ยท Critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making in pressure situations ยท Analyze construction documents and identify missing details and components required to provide a complete system or scope ยท Meticulous attention to detail ยท Timeline and Deadline oriented ยท Understand Building Code and LEED Requirements ยท Microsoft Office Suite, with high level of proficiency using Excel ยท Adobe products, including Bluebeam In accordance with Virginia Senate Bill 215 (SB 215), the base salary range for this position is: $130,000.00 - $185,000.00 Compensation in other cities and states may vary. HITT Contracting offers a competitive total benefits and compensation package including performance-based bonuses, premium health care coverage including vision and dental, employer-matched 401(k), wellness reimbursement program, paid holidays and time-off, and other voluntary benefits and leave types. The determination of salary is based on the candidateโ€™s individual professional experience, qualifications, education, skills, and training. HITT Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals based on job-related experience, skills, and merit. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. HITT Contracting maintains a drug-free workplace, consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.