Project Designer - Community + Live, Workplace & Government
Location: Santa Monica, CA
HGA, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and planning firm, is seeking a talented and driven Project Designer to join our growing Community + Live, Workplace, and Government practice in Santa Monica, California. We are looking for a creative design professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, excels at communication and presentation, and is passionate about delivering innovative, high-quality design solutions that positively impact communities.
In this role, you will partner closely with Senior Designers, Project Managers, Principals, and multidisciplinary teams to develop thoughtful, technically sound design solutions from concept through implementation. You will play a key role in advancing design excellence, leading the development of project documentation, and contributing to exceptional client experiences.
The Project Designer is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing the visual and functional aspects of complex projects while ensuring alignment with client goals, project requirements, and design intent. This position involves managing advanced design assignments requiring both creative vision and technical expertise, with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
In this role you will:
Design Leadership
- Develop a thorough understanding of project design philosophy and contribute to building performance strategies.
- Generate creative, practical design solutions aligned with client goals and project requirements.
- Advance the design process by coordinating, managing, and producing design drawings, sketches, and 3D models.
- Oversee technical design aspects of major projects, including investigation, evaluation, and recommendation of solutions.
Project Coordination
- Assist Project Managers and Principals in developing Work Plans to define design scope, schedules, and budgets.
- Coordinate building design consultants and monitor drawings for accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitate and document meetings, schedules, and project milestones.
- Perform construction administration duties (RFIs, RFPs, change orders).
Communication & Client Engagement
- Maintain contact with clients, consultants, and contractors during all project phases.
- Participate in marketing efforts and client presentations as required.
- Contribute to project design narratives and presentation materials, including renderings, models, and graphics.
What you will need to have:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or related field from an accredited institution.
- 8+ years of experience on small to large-scale projects.
- Expertise in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and other BIM technologies.
- Strong 2D and 3D graphic skills; proficiency in rendering and visualization tools.
- Familiarity with project management software (e.g., VantagePoint) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Architecture licensed preferred
- Interest in LEED, sustainability and integrated design
Salary Information:
The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $97,100 - $112,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Information:
At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.
Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.
Learn more about us here.
Application Requirements & InstructionsPlease submit resume and portfolio for consideration.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or a related field from an accredited institution
- 8+ years of experience on small- to large-scale projects
- Expertise in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and other BIM technologies
- Strong 2D and 3D graphic skills
- Proficiency in rendering and visualization tools
- Familiarity with project management software, such as VantagePoint, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Architecture licensure
- Interest in LEED, sustainability, and integrated design
- Resume and portfolio submission
What We Do
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of 1,200 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including science and technology, corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, and healthcare. HGA’s work has received numerous awards throughout our history—from our own industries, as well as those of our clients. Equally as meaningful to us is the shared impact we create with our clients through purposeful design that speaks to the human experience. #HGA #HGADesign
