Project Designer

HGA•Santa Monica, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Architecture licensed preferred
Interest in LEED, sustainability and integrated design

Responsibilities

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.
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).
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.