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Senior Project Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HOK

Sr Project Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Project Designer who shares our passion for design excellence and meaningful impact. This role is ideal for a creative leader who excels at developing strong design concepts ...

HMC Architects

Senior Project Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

Job Summary The Senior Project Designer will be a prominent creative leader for the office and company, and will plan, coordinate, and lead the design efforts for various sized projects. Coordinate ...

HDR

Senior Project Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

In the role of Senior Designer, we'll count on you to: * Take lead responsibility for creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects in consultation with the Design Principal. * Meet ...

HMC Architects

Senior Project Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Project Designer will be a prominent creative leader for the office and company, and will plan, coordinate, and lead the design efforts for various sized projects. Coordinate ...

HDR

Senior Project Designer

Irvine, CA

$109K - $117K/yr

In the role of Senior Designer, we'll count on you to: * Take lead responsibility for creative concepts/solutions for complex architectural projects in consultation with the Design Principal. * Meet ...

RCH

Project Designer- Architecture

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$83K - $105K/yr

Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project ... Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior ...

RIOS

Project Designer- Architecture

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project ... Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior ...

RIOS

Project Designer- Landscape

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project ... Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior ...

RCH

Project Designer- Landscape

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$83K - $105K/yr

Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project ... Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior ...

Rios Inc

Project Designer- Landscape

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

Project Designers serve as key contributors to project success by guiding day-to-day project ... Coordinate consultant workstreams and support client communication in collaboration with senior ...

HOK

Sr Project Interior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Project Interior Designer who shares our passion for design excellence and meaningful impact. This role is ideal for a creative leader who excels at developing strong design ...

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Senior Project Designer information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$75.7K

$119.4K

How much do senior project designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior project designer in California is $75,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges senior project designers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Project Designers often juggle several projects at various stages, which requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, timelines, and client expectations. One of the main challenges is ensuring consistent quality and cohesive design direction across all projects, while effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities within the design team. Additionally, frequent coordination with other departments—like engineering, construction, and project management—demands strong communication and problem-solving skills. Staying organized and adaptable is key to successfully navigating these complexities.

What is a senior project designer?

A Senior Project Designer is an experienced professional responsible for leading the design aspects of large and complex projects, often within industries such as architecture, interior design, or engineering. They oversee the creative process, collaborate with clients and stakeholders, and ensure that the project vision is executed effectively from concept to completion. Senior Project Designers also mentor junior staff, coordinate with other departments, and ensure that designs meet both aesthetic and functional requirements while staying within budget and timeline constraints.

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

To excel as a Senior Project Designer, you need advanced design skills, a relevant degree (such as architecture or interior design), and extensive experience managing design projects. Proficiency with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of building codes and project management methodologies, is often required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and creative problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and drive design innovation. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions within project timelines and budgets.

What is the difference between Senior Project Designer vs Project Manager?

AspectSenior Project DesignerProject Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Architecture, or related field; relevant certificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related field; PMP or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, architectural firms, or creative agenciesConstruction sites, corporate offices, or client sites
Industry UsageDesign and architecture firms, interior design companiesConstruction, engineering, and project delivery firms
Primary FocusDesign development, client presentations, project aestheticsProject planning, budgeting, team coordination, and delivery

The main difference is that Senior Project Designers focus on the creative and technical aspects of design projects, while Project Managers oversee the entire project process, including planning, execution, and delivery. Both roles require strong communication skills and industry knowledge, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Project Designer jobs in California?

For Senior Project Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Project Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Project Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Project Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Project Designer job openings:

Senior Project Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Project Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,663 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Sr Project Designer

HOK

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.
At HOK, we are a collective of future-forward designers, thinkers, and makers united by a shared ambition: to shape a healthier, more sustainable, and more inspiring built environment. We believe great design emerges from creativity, curiosity, rigorous thinking, and a deep sense of purpose. Our teams thrive at the intersection of art and science where bold ideas meet technical mastery, and where design has the power to improve lives and heal the planet.
We are seeking a Senior Project Designer who shares our passion for design excellence and meaningful impact. This role is ideal for a creative leader who excels at developing strong design concepts, collaborating across disciplines, and guiding teams toward exceptional project outcomes.
What You'll Do:
As a key member of the project team, the Senior Project Designer:
  • Leads overall design direction with guidance from the Design Principal, shaping the conceptual vision for one or more projects from early exploration through design development.
  • Develops and advances architectural design concepts, ensuring work reflects HOK's high standards of innovation, sustainability, and technical rigor.
  • Works collaboratively with project architects, managers, and consultants to translate design intent into coordinated construction documents.
  • Prepares and delivers compelling design presentations, communicating ideas with clarity and storytelling that inspire clients and stakeholders.
  • Coordinates with agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring alignment between design excellence and compliance requirements.
  • Partners closely with the Senior Project Manager and Senior Project Architect to support seamless project delivery, strong team communication, and responsible financial performance.
  • Champions sustainable thinking, integrating environmental responsibility as an essential component of design quality

Why You'll Love Working at HOK
  • You'll join a global community of designers who value curiosity, courage, and craft.
  • You'll have opportunities to work on impactful, mission-driven projects that make a difference in people's lives.
  • You'll collaborate with interdisciplinary experts who bring diverse perspectives to every challenge.
  • You'll help shape a culture dedicated to continuous innovation, design excellence, and planetary stewardship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
  • Originates and develops creative design concepts and the design documents during the design development phase.
  • Supports the resolution of design solutions during the construction documents and construction administration phases. May assist with the completion of construction documents.
  • Incorporates Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
  • Develops solutions to design problems.
  • Oversees design team or less experienced designers to ensure design intent.
  • Oversees design team to ensure project is on schedule and within budget.
  • Oversees design team in ensuring that documentation for all phases conforms to quality assurance, quality control and best practice standards.
  • Mentors and directs the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and "Lessons Learned" sessions.
  • Sets up project team software parameters and manages standards.
  • Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
  • Fosters a commitment to external and internal client service.

Client Interface
  • Regularly communicates with client representatives to verify design requirements and specifications, progress reviews and design delivery.
  • Prepare client presentations and presents design concepts and drawings.

Business Development
  • Supports the marketing and business development activities of the office when needed.

Teamwork
  • Provides technical support and project communications to team as required.
  • Attends on-site visits and client meetings to verify design requirements and delivers design progress reviews.
  • Provide support to all team members for specific market, discipline, or areas of design expertise.
  • Assists Project Manager with defining project work plans.
  • Participates in team meetings to ensure the design intent is consistently in adherence.
  • Performs as Team Leader on certain projects.
  • Leads a small team of less senior designer or technicians in developing solutions to technical and design detail problems following established standards.
  • Participates in project reviews regarding project costs, budgets and adherence to schedule.
  • Responsible for tracking electronic project data and files.
  • Facilitates team internal and external project communications.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master's degree preferred.
  • 10 plus years design experience preferred
  • Licensed Architect with current registration in your region preferred, if licensure is offered in your region.
  • NCARB registration preferred.
  • LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.
  • Healthcare experience preferred.

OTHER:
  • Travel may be required.
  • Overtime may be required.
  • The job duties and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOK.

Many of our roles require the use of specific software. Please refer to the Required and Preferred Software & Skills for details.
HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you'll have a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.
Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.
HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.
Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education and location. The reasonably expected salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000. Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus.
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