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Design Development Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Studio & Design Director

Portland, OR · On-site

$247K - $258K/yr

Support customer engagements, strategic partnerships, and co-development opportunities. * Represent ... Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Development, Engineering ...

CAD Designer II - Gas Power Generation

OR · Remote

$30.81 - $42.37/hr

A DAY IN THE LIFE As a CAD Designer II - Gas Power Generation, you will play a critical role in supporting the design and development of utility-scale power generation projects by creating and ...

Senior Manager, NSW Graphic Design

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

... product and development to bring product to life. This opportunity will require strong ... If this is you, you'll be working with Product and Design partners aligning on construction ...

Drive the entire exam development lifecycle, from exam design through development, ensuring exam quality and relevancy. * Implement assessment best practices in the design, development, delivery, and ...

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Design Development information

What is the difference between Design Development vs Design Engineer?

AspectDesign DevelopmentDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, architecture, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in engineering, design, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, design studios, project sitesEngineering offices, manufacturing plants, project sites
Industry UsageArchitecture, product design, industrial designMechanical, civil, electrical engineering projects

Design Development focuses on refining and evolving design concepts, often involving creative and aesthetic decisions. Design Engineers apply engineering principles to develop functional, safe, and manufacturable products or systems. While both roles require technical knowledge, Design Development emphasizes creative design progression, whereas Design Engineers focus on technical feasibility and engineering solutions.

What is design development?

Design development is a phase in the architectural and design process where initial concepts are refined into detailed plans and specifications. During this stage, designers work out the specifics of materials, dimensions, systems, and aesthetics, often collaborating with engineers and consultants. The goal is to translate ideas from the schematic design phase into precise documentation that can be used for construction. This stage helps ensure that the project is feasible, meets client needs, and complies with regulations.

What are some common challenges faced in a Design Development role and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Design Development often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with practical constraints like budget, timeline, and client requirements. Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders and ensuring that design intent is maintained throughout the development process can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong communication within cross-functional teams, maintaining detailed documentation, and using iterative design reviews to ensure alignment. By staying adaptable and solution-oriented, design development specialists can help bridge the gap between concept and execution.

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

To thrive in Design Development, you need a solid background in design principles, project management, and a relevant degree such as architecture, industrial design, or engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and design documentation systems is typically expected. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively translate concepts into practical solutions and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, functional designs that meet client needs and project requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Design Development jobs in Oregon? For Design Development jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Design Development job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Senior Residential Architectural Designer

Senior Residential Architectural Designer

J-Chavez Design Build

Milwaukie, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Senior Residential Architectural DesignerCustom Residential Design Studio — Portland + Oregon Coast Region

Design isn’t just drawings here — it’s stewardship.
We design homes meant to last generations, blending craftsmanship, building science, and thoughtful design into spaces that feel timeless and deeply personal.

Our studio focuses on high-end custom residential projects rooted in the Pacific Northwest — modern yet warm, historically sensitive yet innovative. We value integrity, clear communication, and people who take pride in doing things the right way.

We are looking for a Senior Residential Architectural Designer who is highly proficient in Chief Architect, thrives on responsibility, and wants to play a meaningful role in a growing design practice.

This is not a narrow production role. You will be involved in nearly every part of the business — from client interactions to field verification to technical design development — and you will help serve as the local design presence while the founder travels abroad for a year.

If you love ownership, collaboration, and seeing your work built in the real world, keep reading.

Who We Are

Our work is guided by a few core values:

Craftsmanship — obsession with quality, detail, and longevity

Integrity — thoughtful communication and doing things right, even when harder

Innovation — using technology and visualization to elevate design and the client experience

Timelessness — homes that feel grounded and enduring

Stewardship — responsibility toward clients, collaborators, and community

Growth — humility, learning, and continual refinement

We collaborate closely with a network of respected architects, builders, and consultants, creating an environment where ideas are shared and growth opportunities emerge naturally.

The Role

You will be a key design team member and trusted representative of the studio locally. This position includes:

Producing high-quality residential design drawings and construction documents in Chief Architect

Performing as-built field measurements and translating existing conditions accurately

Developing plan sets that balance aesthetics, constructability, and code compliance

Working directly with homeowners and project stakeholders

Collaborating with a studio environment that includes experienced architects and designers

Supporting visualization, design development, and iterative client design processes

Helping maintain continuity and momentum while the principal is traveling internationally

This role offers meaningful autonomy and direct impact — you will not be hidden in production.

What You Bring

Required

Degree in Architecture (or closely related field)

Experience working within architectural offices or alongside licensed architects

Strong background producing construction documents

Advanced proficiency in Chief Architect

Experience with residential design (custom homes and/or additions/remodels)

Comfort interacting directly with clients and consultants

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Ability to take ownership and manage responsibilities with minimal oversight

Highly Valued

Construction or field experience (design-build background a major plus)

Strong understanding of building systems and constructability

Familiarity with high-performance building principles

Ability to bridge design intent with real-world execution

Who Will Thrive Here

You might be the right fit if you:

Love custom residential work and care deeply about detail

Prefer responsibility over being micromanaged

Enjoy both studio collaboration and independent problem-solving

Want your work to be built — and built well

Are excited to be part of something growing and evolving

Value long-term relationships over transactional projects

The Opportunity

This position places you inside a collaborative studio with long-standing architectural relationships and active projects. Exceptional performance can lead to:

Expanded leadership responsibilities

Collaboration opportunities with other architects in the network

Long-term career growth within a unique design ecosystem

Location

Portland / Northern Oregon Coast region (hybrid studio + field involvement)

How to Apply

Please submit:

Resume

Portfolio (especially custom residential work) - add a link in your Cover Letter

Brief note describing why this role resonates with you and how you see yourself contributing

A Note to Applicants

We are not looking for someone who just wants a job.
We’re looking for someone who wants to build something meaningful — homes, relationships, and a body of work they’re proud of.