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Design Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Serve as lead designer for in‑house projects, including new developments and renovations (Capital Projects and CapEx), for schematic design, design development, construction documentation ...

New

Design Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

The Design Manager is responsible for performing as an interior designer for AvalonBay s new development and renovation projects. This role focuses on in-house design, from concept through ...

Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware. * Analyze hardware configuration and processing solutions. * Test hardware conformance to specifications.

Design Manager, NA

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$145 - $155/hr

Collaborating closely with the Regional Product, Design Engineering, New Site Development, Construction and Operations teams, Design Management functions as the interconnective hub that owns the ...

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware. * Analyze hardware configuration and processing solutions. * Test hardware conformance to specifications.

Actively review the design development and contract documents for quality and constructability. Facilitate coordination with operations and other field staff to solicit input on construction ...

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware. * Analyze hardware configuration and processing solutions. * Test hardware conformance to specifications.

Design Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Actively review the design development and contract documents for quality and constructability. Facilitate coordination with operations and other field staff to solicit input on construction ...

New

Design Manager, NA

Ashburn, VA

$193K/yr

Collaborating closely with the Regional Product, Design Engineering, New Site Development, Construction and Operations teams, Design Management functions as the interconnective hub that owns the ...

Design Manager, NA

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$193K/yr

Collaborating closely with the Regional Product, Design Engineering, New Site Development, Construction and Operations teams, Design Management functions as the interconnective hub that owns the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$24

$36

How much do design development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for design development in Washington, DC is $24.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in design development?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Design Development jobs in Washington, DC?

For Design Development jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Development jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Design Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,430 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


AvalonBay Communities rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 204 rated real estate companies


Job description

Overview

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long‑term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk‑adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term. Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.

The Role

The Design Manager is responsible for performing as an interior designer for AvalonBay’s new development and renovation projects. This role focuses on in‑house design, from concept through construction, ensuring high‑quality execution aligned with project goals, schedules, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as lead designer for in‑house projects, including new developments and renovations (Capital Projects and CapEx), for schematic design, design development, construction documentation, commercial furniture specification and construction administration
  • Manage design processes to meet project schedules and budget requirements
  • Prepare and review construction documentation; manage construction administration and design execution
  • Select furniture and manage procurement process
  • Collaborate with internal AvalonBay departments (Regional and Corporate teams) and with external consultants as it relates to project scope
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design
  • 8–12 years of experience in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
  • Must be a subject matter expert in all phases of interior design (Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction documentation, Construction administration and Furniture selection process)
  • Must have strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Must have strong technical knowledge for interior design
  • Proficient in Revit, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu and MS Office
  • Occasional travel required within the US
  • NCIDQ certification required
  • LEED accreditation preferred
  • Knowledge of Commercial Codes and ADA regulations
How AvalonBay Supports You

We know that our teams are the beating heart of our success and we’re committed to showing our appreciation.

We offer:

Comprehensive benefits — health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock purchase plan and more.

Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.

Associate recognition (a company‑wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization – including destination awards, AvalonBay’s Very Best recognition program and others).

A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes.

A culture built on purpose and our core values: Commitment to Integrity, Spirit of Caring, and Focus on Continuous Improvement.

Additional Info

AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated. With this we know we can do great things.

AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics or testing), citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.

For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california-personnel-privacy-notice/

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