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Senior Architectural Designer Jobs in Reston, VA

BOWA

Senior Architectural Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

BOWA is seeking a passionate Senior Interior Architectural Designer to join our team in our McLean, VA office. We are looking for a seasoned and thoughtful designer with excellent communication and ...

BOWA

Senior Architectural Designer

Mclean, VA

BOWA is seeking a passionate Senior Interior Architectural Designer to join our team in our McLean, VA office. We are looking for a seasoned and thoughtful designer with excellent communication and ...

BOWA

Senior Architectural Designer

Mclean, VA

BOWA is seeking a passionate Senior Interior Architectural Designer to join our team in our McLean, VA office. We are looking for a seasoned and thoughtful designer with excellent communication and ...

Actalent

Architectural Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Junior Architectural Designer An award-winning architecture firm is seeking a Junior Architectural ... You will work closely with experienced Project Architects, Project Managers, and senior technical ...

Actalent

Architectural Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Junior Architectural Designer An award-winning architecture firm is seeking a Junior Architectural ... You will work closely with experienced Project Architects, Project Managers, and senior technical ...

Actalent

Architectural Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Architectural Designer / Job Captain This role offers an opportunity for an experienced ... Collaborate closely with senior project architects, project managers, and design leaders to meet ...

Perkins Eastman

Designer I

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$74K - $79K/yr

You will work closely with senior architects and project teams to refine designs, participate in design reviews, and contribute to client presentations. This role is perfect for a designer who is ...

Perkins Eastman

Designer I

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$74K - $79K/yr

You will work closely with senior architects and project teams to refine designs, participate in design reviews, and contribute to client presentations. This role is perfect for a designer who is ...

Perkins Eastman

Designer I

Washington, DC · On-site

$74K - $79K/yr

You will work closely with senior architects and project teams to refine designs, participate in design reviews, and contribute to client presentations. This role is perfect for a designer who is ...

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All JobsArchitectural Designer JobsSenior Architectural Designer JobsSenior Architectural Designer Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Architectural Designer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$61.4K

$110.2K

$136.3K

How much do senior architectural designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior architectural designer in Reston, VA is $110,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $113,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Architectural Designer vs Architectural Designer?

AspectSenior Architectural DesignerArchitectural Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, licensure often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Architecture or related field
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, with project leadership rolesEntry to mid-level, 1-4 years of experience
Work EnvironmentLead design projects, coordinate with clients and teamsAssist in design development, prepare drawings
ResponsibilitiesDesign leadership, project management, client interactionDesign support, drafting, documentation

The main difference between a Senior Architectural Designer and an Architectural Designer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior Architectural Designers typically have more experience, lead projects, and interact directly with clients, while Architectural Designers focus on supporting design tasks and drafting. Both roles require relevant credentials and work within architectural firms, but the senior role involves greater responsibility and project oversight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior architectural designer?

To thrive as a Senior Architectural Designer, you need advanced proficiency in architectural design, project management, and a relevant degree such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture, often with professional licensure. Expertise in technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and BIM software, along with knowledge of building codes and construction documentation, is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, compliant designs and guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex architectural projects.

What does a senior architectural designer do?

A Senior Architectural Designer leads the design and development of architectural projects, often overseeing teams of junior designers and collaborating with clients, engineers, and other stakeholders. Their responsibilities include creating conceptual designs, preparing detailed drawings, ensuring compliance with building codes, and guiding projects from initial concept through construction. They often play a significant role in client presentations and project management, ensuring that the final design meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Senior Architectural Designers typically have several years of experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating their expertise in various types of architecture.

How does a senior architectural designer typically collaborate with clients and other stakeholders during a project?

A Senior Architectural Designer regularly engages with clients, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure design goals are met and project requirements are understood. This involves facilitating meetings, presenting design concepts, gathering feedback, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams throughout each project phase. The role requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints, resolving conflicts, and adapting designs based on input from various stakeholders. Effective communication and strong leadership are essential to navigate these collaborative processes and deliver successful project outcomes.

What is a senior architectural designer?

A senior architectural designer is a professional responsible for developing and overseeing architectural designs, often leading project teams and coordinating with clients and engineers. They typically have extensive experience, proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or Revit, and a strong understanding of building codes and construction processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA? For Senior Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Architectural Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Architectural Designer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Architectural Designer job openings:
Senior Architectural Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Architectural Designer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,155 per year, or $53 per hour.

Senior Architectural Designer

BOWA

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

BOWA is seeking a passionate Senior Interior Architectural Designer to join our team in our McLean, VA office. We are looking for a seasoned and thoughtful designer with excellent communication and technical skills to join our dynamic team in a design-build setting. The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of professional experience in residential design and is comfortable leading the design of projects and working with homeowners.
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Project Design & Development
  • Produce Architectural Drawings
  • Maintain Design Standards
  • Project Selections

As a Senior Interior Designer/Architect, you will...
  • Collaborate with the project team to develop design concepts
  • Clearly communicate design concepts visually and verbally to teams and homeowners
  • Have a passion for programming, design, documentation and selections
  • Manage projects from conceptual design through construction contract
  • Be both technically savvy and creatively competent
  • Foster and maintain relationships with clients and consultants
  • Assist in developing budgets and project schedules
  • Able and willing to help train less experienced team members
  • Be open to learning new processes and contributing to their evolution

Preferred Requirements:
  • Applicants must have a professional Interior Design or Architectural degree and 5-10 years of related experience
  • Understanding residential design and the remodeling process is a requirement, experience in a design-build setting is a plus
  • Have experience working with a team throughout a project cycle to establish and document project scope
  • Familiarity and experience with residential permitting and understanding of zoning implications as they relate to architectural design
  • Detailing and execution of construction documents with minimal supervision throughout the design process from concept to completion
  • Experience with making and documenting product and materials selections and working within an established budget
  • Experienced and creative problem solver
  • Ability to work with others and follow direction but also self-motivated and organized
  • Attention to detail required as well as an open mind to process improvement
  • Clear communication, self-direction, organization skills are necessary for success
  • Commitment to continued learning is preferred
  • Software proficiencies:
    • AutoCAD, SketchUp, and/or Chief Architect
    • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
    • Graphic Design Capabilities (Photoshop, Canva)

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

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