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Senior Project Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RIOS

Project Designer- Singapore

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... designer to assist and develop appropriate design solutions on multiple projects. Interested ... of senior staff * Pushes critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity at all stages of the ...

HMC Architects

Project Designer, Interiors

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$106K - $159K/yr

Working closely with Senior Designers and Design Principals, you will play a key role in shaping innovative interior environments while managing project timelines, budgets, and team coordination.

Northern Impact

Designer | Healthcare

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $26.50/hr

Work closely with the senior project designer, contribute to project's technical design effort, subsequent detailed design development, project coordination and quality control efforts during all ...

HMC Architects

Project Designer, Interiors

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$106K - $159K/yr

Working closely with Senior Designers and Design Principals, you will play a key role in shaping innovative interior environments while managing project timelines, budgets, and team coordination.

HMC Architects

Project Designer, Interiors

San Jose, CA · On-site

$106K - $159K/yr

Working closely with Senior Designers and Design Principals, you will play a key role in shaping innovative interior environments while managing project timelines, budgets, and team coordination.

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

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 ...

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

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 ...

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

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 ...

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

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 ...

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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.

Project Designer- Singapore

RIOS

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description:

RIOS is an international design collective. We bring an interdisciplinary approach to design, creating projects that promote wellness and spark joy, and prioritize ecological health and environmental resilience.

Our practice is a sincere expression of our belief that design is a dynamic exercise influenced by a collection of people representing diverse perspectives. With offices in six cities around the world, we take a hyperlocal approach to design that celebrates and promotes uniqueness of place and creates lasting positive impact.


RIOS projects are defined by connectedness between architecture and landscape – the built and natural environments – and through responsiveness to their context and attunement to culture. In every project, from cups to cities, we unite people through extraordinary places and experiences


We are seeking an architectural designer to assist and develop appropriate design solutions on multiple projects. Interested applicants must have a strong design aesthetic and be able to implement a project’s design vision from concept through completion via critical design thinking, iteration, inclusive communication, and active, creative problem solving.


The ideal candidate must possess the following skills:

  • Strong conceptual designer passionate about articulating and giving visual form to design ideas
  • Able to engage in design ideation and iteration, both independently as well as under the guidance of senior staff
  • Pushes critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity at all stages of the design
  • Demonstrates command for graphic representation of an architecture project via various 2d and 3d forms, from sketches to plans to 3d models
  • Maintains project objectives, milestones and deliverables in a timely manner to advance project goals
  • Experience coordinating with a range of consultants to develop architectural concepts all the way to built form
  • Construction documents and construction administration skills are a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Values collaboration and able to work well with others
  • Strong organizational skills to effectively contribute across multiple projects
  • A high degree of self-motivation, flexibility, and resourcefulness
  • Contributes to a string design culture through personal interests as well as participation in the design community at large




Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 5-8+ years of professional experience
  • Bachelor of Architecture degree or Master's of Architecture degree from an accredited college or university
  • Experience with Autocad, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and REVIT
  • Experience mentoring small teams preferred


Apply