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Design Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

McLennan Design

Designer II

Bainbridge Island, WA · On-site

... design. * Assist in generating creative and innovative design ideas, concepts, and solutions while participating as an integral member of the design team. * Generate drawings under supervision for ...

Arup

Senior Design Manager - Rail

Seattle, WA · On-site

Support the coordination of Arup-specialist inputs (fire, facades, acoustics, security, assurance) into the design; * Assist in the Integration Manager in overseeing design interfaces, risks, and ...

Delta E Consulting

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Lead mechanical design for various project types and deliver projects across multiple delivery models, including: design/bid/build, design assist, and design build. * Design of HVAC systems including ...

NW Recruiting Partners

Mechanical Estimator

Seattle, WA

$90K - $130K/yr

Demonstrates the skill set needed to successfully estimate diversified project types and delivery methods inclusive of plan/spec, design assist and design build. * Assesses project RFP documents ...

Lotus Design

Assistant Foreman

Port Gamble, WA

$51K - $61K/yr

Lotus Design is a small business with big ambitions. Central to our focus is solution driven design and build practices, stewardship, and innovative sustainability. As we continue to grow and expand ...

HMC Architects

Design Leader, Interiors

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$65K - $98K/yr

Coordinate with project teams and consultants to resolve design and documentation issues. * Assist Senior Project Managers with preparing interior architectural drawings, specifications, finish ...

Stantec

Senior Plumbing Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Incorporate sustainable design methods in buildings and prepare green rating system documentation. * Assist in spatial coordination with architecture and other engineering systems. * Deliver projects ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Assistant JobsDesign Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Design Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$28

$44

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Seattle, WA is $28.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $32.55 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 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.

What skills do you need to be a design assistant?

A design assistant needs strong creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Good communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and basic knowledge of design principles are also important for supporting creative projects effectively.

What is a design assistant?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA? For Design Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $58,293 per year, or $28 per hour.

Designer II

McLennan Design

Bainbridge Island, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

We are looking for world-class talent to work on some of the world's greenest projects!
McLennan Design is a highly collaborative and dynamic team of professionals focused on merging design, building performance, and research in pursuit of a healthier planet. Our work consists of architecture, urban design and interiors, sustainability consulting, and industrial design projects domestic and abroad and focuses on 'deep green' regenerative design projects that make a difference in the world. The ideal candidate should have passion, commitment and enthusiasm for these broad concerns and be equally capable of exploring them.
The offices of McLennan Design, Inc are located in the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, and in the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Prospective employees ideally would be located in the Seattle area, although remote locations are possible.
As a Designer II on the team, you will:
  • Use enhanced knowledge of project complexity to proactively contribute to the overall success of the team by adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and living design.
  • Assist in generating creative and innovative design ideas, concepts, and solutions while participating as an integral member of the design team.
  • Generate drawings under supervision for schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
  • Perform product research and assists team with material selections.
  • Exercise critical and creative judgement and design application skills in preparing client presentation materials.
  • Use a creative approach to complete tasks and responsibilities on projects, within the scope of schedule and budget, in an organized, timely, and consistent way.
  • Self-check work for accuracy, omissions, legibility, and for document compliance in accordance with the Project Delivery Manual.
  • Express curiosity about the world of design and the industry at large.
  • Take increasing ownership of tasks within project teams and studio activities.
  • Participate in design reviews, charettes, and pin-ups.
  • Keep open communication within team and with designated team leader.
  • Communicate ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
  • Coordinate effectively with partners and consultants.

Proficiencies
  • BIM
  • Building codes
  • Site analysis
  • Preliminary design studies
  • Contract documents
  • Field measurements
  • Life safety requirements
  • Specifications
  • Construction contract administration
  • Sketching

Software
  • Functional knowledge of 2D/3D production software
  • Intermediate Revit
  • Conceptual modeling tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper
  • Microsoft Office / Adobe Suite
  • Visualization tools such as Enscape and VRay
  • Physical modeling tools such as 3D Printing and Laser cutting
  • Presentation tools such as InDesign and Photoshop
  • Environmental Analysis software such Ladybug and Climate Studio

To join us as a Designer II, you should have:
  • LEED GA within 6 months of hire
  • Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
  • Preparing for ARE and active involvement in AXP
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture or related discipline required
  • 3-5+ years of experience

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate's qualifications, including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position, if located in Washington state, is between $71,300 and $91,000 commensurate with qualifications.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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