Program Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Designer, Project Designer & Senior Designer

For five decades, HPI Architecture has shaped environments that do more than function, they inspire, support, and enrich lives across generations. Our work bridges people and place, creating meaningful spaces rooted in purpose and designed with intention. 

Our brand promise reflects who we are:

With intention, we approach each project with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and technical finesse. Fully engaging in the process, we design places that reflect the vision and values of our clients and the people they serve.

At HPI, you’ll grow through continuing education, mentorship, and professional development, with opportunities to expand your skills and elevate your craft. We also offer a flexible schedule and hybrid work options to support balance, collaboration, creativity, and well‑being.

HPI’s work spans a range of market sectors, including Housing (Senior Living, Student Housing, Workforce Housing), Higher Education, and K–12. As we look ahead, we’re seeking talented Designers at multiple experience levels who are passionate about design excellence, collaboration, and creating meaningful places. Final role level—Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer—will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership.

How You Will Make an Impact:

Design Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Contribute to the design of architectural projects from early concept through approvals and documentation.
• Develop site studies, planning concepts, spatial strategies, and architectural design ideas.
• Produce high-quality design deliverables, including plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, renderings, and presentation materials.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, technical staff, consultants, and internal design teams to ensure cohesive, coordinated solutions.
• Participate in client presentations, design reviews, and project interviews.
• Ensure design work aligns with project goals, schedules, and budgets.
• Represent HPI in a professional manner in client, community, and industry settings.

Expanded Responsibilities by Experience Level

Designer

• Support project design efforts under the guidance of Project Designers and Senior Designers.
• Develop design options, graphics, and visualizations that clearly communicate ideas.
• Grow technical and design skills through mentorship, feedback, and hands-on project experience.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks while learning to manage priorities and deadlines. 

Project Designer

• Support and lead design efforts on portions of projects from concept through approvals.
• Develop design narratives, spatial strategies, and presentation materials with increasing independence.
• Coordinate design tasks with consultants and internal teams.
• Contribute to mentoring junior designers and supporting a collaborative studio culture.
• Balance creativity with functional, technical, and regulatory considerations.

Senior Designer

• Lead overall design vision and strategy for projects, guiding teams from concept through key milestones.
• Establish design intent, criteria, and design narratives aligned with client goals.
• Present design concepts with clarity and confidence to clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide Designers and Project Designers to ensure high-quality, cohesive design outcomes.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to align design excellence with project delivery, schedules, and budgets.
• Support business development efforts, including pursuits, interviews, and thought leadership.

To Be Successful in This Role, You Must:

• Strong design sensibility with the ability to translate ideas into clear architectural solutions.
• Effective visual, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
• Proficiency in design and visualization tools such as Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to continuously learn and grow. 

Advanced Skills (Project Designer & Senior Designer)

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes.
• Confidence engaging directly with clients and presenting design ideas.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound design judgment.

Leadership Skills (Senior Designer)

• Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and guide design decision-making.
• Mentorship and coaching skills that support team growth and design excellence.
• Strategic thinking that balances creativity, technical rigor, and project constraints.
• Professional integrity and alignment with HPI’s values of intention and collaboration.

To Qualify, You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional experience in an architecture firm under a licensed architect.
• Professional experience in an architectural firm, with level aligned to role:
  • Designer: Typically 2–5+ years
  • Project Designer: Typically 5–9+ years
  • Senior Designer: Typically 10+ years
• Demonstrated proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering/visualization tools.
• Experience with regulatory processes and client-facing presentations is a plus.
• Architectural licensure preferred but not required, depending on level.
• A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, technical understanding, and strong visual communication skills.

* CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A PORTFOLIO IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS*

Pay, Perks & Benefits

• Flexible Schedule and Hybrid Work Opportunities
• Vacation and Sick time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with additional Supplemental Insurance options
• 401(k)
• Ongoing professional development with access to continuing education and meaningful mentorship
• Licensure Assistance

Salary Range: $71,380-$158,000 Annually

Our Core Values

CLIENT CENTERED: We’re all in—listening first, collaborating closely, anticipating needs, and actively engaging with our project partners and one another.

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: We dig deep to uncover the unique needs of our clients—shaping purposeful, inspiring, and enduring spaces for solutions rooted in people.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY: We own our role and take pride in our work, delivering an exceptional experience every step of the way that excites.

Ready to help shape the next 50 years of meaningful design? We’d love to meet you!

Recruiters, please do not contact this job poster.