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Design Manager Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Project Design Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Project Design Manager Summary The Project Design Manager will be responsible for helping support the client's regional Design Leader. Responsibilities: * Lead the design and project ...

Senior Design Manager

Oak Hill, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Design Manager - IAD Does the thought of joining one of the fastest-growing, privately held data center companies sound exciting to you? Do you enjoy collaborating with team members to drive ...

Product Design Manager Product Designer (Manager level - IC) We're currently seeking a Product Designer to join our Experience Design team. We're passionate about creating memorable, meaningful ...

Product Design Manager We're currently seeking a Product Designer to join our Experience Design team. We're passionate about creating memorable, meaningful product experiences that build the Capital ...

Product Design Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$191K/yr

Product Design Manager We're currently seeking a Product Designer to join our Experience Design team. We're passionate about creating memorable, meaningful product experiences that build the Capital ...

Product Design Manager We're currently seeking a Product Designer to join our Experience Design team. We're passionate about creating memorable, meaningful product experiences that build the Capital ...

Design Manager - Nuclear Facilities

Centreville, VA · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Design Manager - Nuclear Facilities to join our team! In this role you will get to lead a multidisciplinary design team to design the next generation of ...

Mechanical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Mechanical Design Manager will lead the design and delivery of mechanical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

Mechanical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Mechanical Design Manager will lead the design and delivery of mechanical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

Mechanical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Mechanical Design Manager will lead the design and delivery of mechanical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

Electrical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Electrical Design Manger will lead the design and delivery of electrical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

Electrical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Electrical Design Manger will lead the design and delivery of electrical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

CSA Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The CSA Design Manager will be a critical member of CloudHQ's design team, responsible for ensuring the successful execution of CSA design and standards on CloudHQ data center ...

CSA Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The CSA Design Manager will be a critical member of CloudHQ's design team, responsible for ensuring the successful execution of CSA design and standards on CloudHQ data center ...

CSA Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The CSA Design Manager will be a critical member of CloudHQ's design team, responsible for ensuring the successful execution of CSA design and standards on CloudHQ data center ...

Electrical Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What The Role Entails The Electrical Design Manger will lead the design and delivery of electrical systems for CloudHQ data centers across The Americas. Spanning the full project lifecycle from ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$47.6K

$129.6K

$228.1K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Washington, DC is $129,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Washington, DC are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,624 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 204 rated real estate companies


Job description

Job Title

Project Design Manager

Job Description Summary

The Project Design Manager will be responsible for helping support the client's regional Design Leader.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and project management process for new restaurant environments-including conversions, free-standing buildings, and in-line locations-ensuring solutions reflect brand standards while adapting to unique constraints.
  • Work independently or with minor oversight to develop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings that translate program and operational needs into clear design intent for consultants, architects, and kitchen designers.
  • Manage project team by providing direction, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with design principles, operational workflows, and project timelines.
  • Serve as the primary design liaison between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams for new restaurant projects.
  • Evaluate existing conditions, field complexities, and site limitations to provide creative, technically sound design solutions that balance brand standards with realworld constraints.
  • Review drawings, prototypes, and program updates to identify impacts on new restaurant projects and communicate changes to internal and external partners.
  • Review selection and specifications of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description to meet clients' requirements
  • Provide clear and proactive communication to internal & external stakeholders regarding project risks, design decisions, program changes, and timelines.
  • Conduct periodic site visits to understand realworld performance, build relationships with field teams, and ensure design intent is upheld through construction.
  • Support change management efforts by helping teams adopt new standards, materials, workflows, and prototype enhancements across formats.
  • Uphold disciplined stewardship and represent the brand with excellence in all design, communication, and decisionmaking touchpoints.
  • Provide clear direction, leadership, and support to a team of design professionals
  • Ability to plan and meet deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design discipline, with 7+ years of experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management (restaurant/hospitality preferred).
  • Strong understanding of architectural design, front and back of house workflows, site design, kitchen equipment adjacencies, space planning, and construction processes.
  • Proven ability to create conceptual layouts, test fits, and clear design intent documents while managing multiple projects at varying stages.
  • Experience directing and reviewing work from architects, kitchen designers, and engineering consultants.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across Design, Operations, Equipment, and Construction teams.
  • Proficiency in Bluebeam and Microsoft Office products required; familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (Enscape, TwinMotion) preferred.
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fastmoving environments and adapting to evolving standards and site constraints.
  • Willingness to travel for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement - approx. 20%

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 80,750.00 - $95,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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