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Design Innovation Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

VP of Design Innovation

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

The VP, Design & Innovation manage all aspects of the design of projects from concept through execution. This is an opportunity for a high-potential architect (10-15 years) with deep Senior Living ...

New

Sr. Manager, Product Designer

Denver, CO ยท Remote

$130K - $171K/yr

This role combines people leadership, human-centered design practices, design strategy, and AI innovation to deliver scalable solutions that optimize workflows, improve customer experiences, and ...

New

Sr. Manager, Product Designer

Denver, CO ยท Remote

$130K - $171K/yr

This role combines people leadership, human-centered design practices, design strategy, and AI innovation to deliver scalable solutions that optimize workflows, improve customer experiences, and ...

New

Design Director

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$162 - $195/hr

... and innovation, and representing Perkins&Will within the profession and community. This is an opportunity for a proven design leader who is passionate about both exceptional design and developing ...

... and innovation, and representing Perkins&Will within the profession and community. This is an opportunity for a proven design leader who is passionate about both exceptional design and developing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Innovation information

See Colorado salary details

$66.2K

$127.7K

$201.4K

How much do design innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design innovation in Colorado is $127,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design innovation?

A Design Innovation job focuses on creating new, user-centered solutions by combining design thinking, technology, and business strategy. Professionals in this role research trends, identify user needs, and develop innovative products, services, or experiences. They collaborate across disciplines to prototype, test, and refine ideas that drive growth and differentiation. This role is common in industries like tech, consumer goods, healthcare, and consulting, where innovation is a key competitive advantage.

What types of projects or challenges do design innovation professionals typically work on?

Design Innovation professionals are often tasked with tackling complex, multifaceted problems across a variety of industries, such as product development, service design, and business process improvement. Their projects commonly involve leading collaborative brainstorming sessions, developing prototypes, and synthesizing feedback to iterate on solutions. Team members frequently engage with stakeholders from diverse disciplines, such as marketing, engineering, and user research, to ensure holistic and user-driven outcomes. The dynamic, project-based work environment provides ongoing opportunities for creative thinking and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the design innovation position, and why are they important?

To excel in Design Innovation, you need a strong background in design thinking, creative problem-solving, and user-centered design, often supported by a degree in design, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, rapid prototyping methods, and familiarity with agile project management is highly valuable. Effective communication, collaboration, and an open-minded approach to feedback are crucial soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the development of innovative, impactful solutions that align with user needs and organizational goals.

What does a design innovation do?

A design innovation professional develops new and improved product, service, or process designs that enhance user experience and functionality. They use creativity, research, and prototyping skills, often working with design tools and collaborating across teams to implement innovative solutions.

What jobs can you get with a design and innovation degree?

A degree in design and innovation prepares individuals for roles such as product designer, user experience (UX) designer, innovation strategist, design researcher, and creative director. These roles often require skills in design software, prototyping, and understanding user needs, and may involve working in industries like technology, consumer goods, or branding.

What job categories do people searching Design Innovation jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Innovation jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Design Innovation jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Design Innovation job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Innovation job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,723 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

VP of Design Innovation

NexCore Group LLC

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
NexCore Group, a national leader in healthcare real estate and senior living development, is seeking a Vice President of Design & Innovation to help lead programming, planning, and design across our Senior Living portfolio. This role blends architectural rigor with design, and development capability, serving as a design subject matter expert, design decision maker, and strategic contributor to early-stage pursuits.
The VP, Design & Innovation manage all aspects of the design of projects from concept through execution. This is an opportunity for a high-potential architect (10-15 years) with deep Senior Living Design experience who is ready to step beyond traditional practice into a broader real estate development environment.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Design Leadership & Architectural Planning
  • Serve as a design expert, representing NexCore and Experience Senior Living in early visioning and throughout project delivery.
  • Lead architectural programming, building concepts, operational flow diagrams, blocking and stacking, unit design, and interior design.
  • Develop test fits, site plans, landscape concepts, parking plans, and interior layout solutions that align with operational, regulatory, and brand standards.
  • Design, draw and render conceptual site plans, floor plans, building exteriors and interiors for presentations, and for design team direction.
  • Review, critique, and elevate design work across multiple concurrent projects including interior design concepts, FF&E coordination, lighting, RCPs, flooring schedules, art selection, and finish standards.
  • Apply codes, FGI guidelines, AHJs, and licensing requirements to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Lead or support the generation and review of 3D renderings, visualizations, and presentation materials.
  • Assist in developing, refining, and documenting NexCore's brand, design, and planning standards.

Design Consultant Coordination & Project Management
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects, civil, MEP, structural, interior designers, and specialty consultants to ensure alignment, quality, and milestone achievement.
  • Review consultant deliverables, synthesize feedback, and drive consensus among internal stakeholders, operations teams, and healthcare clients.
  • Support development, construction, and capital teams in managing design decision-making aligned with schedule, cost, and pro forma requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Accredited degree in Architecture.
  • Active architectural license (NCARB).
  • 10-15 years of experience, with a focus on Senior Living Design.
  • Strong capability in programming, planning, workflows, and technical design.
  • Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, or similar).
  • Proven ability to engage with clients and design teams in a polished, professional manner.
  • Demonstrated interest, aptitude, in development, client meetings, proposals, interviews, or industry engagement.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate
  • High-potential "up-and-comer" showing clear trajectory toward senior leadership.
  • Desire to work beyond architecture and in development, operations, and strategy.
  • Relationship-building mindset; consultative, collaborative, and empathetic to Senior Living needs.
  • Comfortable managing multiple deadlines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strategic thinker with curiosity, humility, and strong professional presence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
  • Based in Denver HQ; hybrid options may be available.
  • National travel expected (estimated 20-30%, flexing with project needs).
  • Fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with cross-functional exposure across Development, Capital, Construction, Senior Living Operations, and Design.

Benefits
  • Compensation: $160,000 - $175,000 / year
  • Eligible for discretionary benefits: performance bonus
  • Eligible for standard employee benefit elections: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, FSA, HSA, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance (employee and dependents), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), vacation days, sick days, and other benefits

Disclaimer:
To All Recruitment Agencies - NexCore Group does not accept unsolicited third-party resumes.
NexCore Group knows that when we welcome different points of view, it makes us better, stronger, and moves us boldly forward in becoming a world-class company. That is why we're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all qualified talent to apply. Your application will be reviewed regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
If you are interested in applying for a position with NexCore Group and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact HR@NexCoregroup.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.