Senior Project Designer (Healthcare)

HDR•San Francisco, CA

56d

About The Position

At HDR, we design environments that support healing, advance medical innovation, and improve lives. As a Senior Project Designer in our San Francisco architecture studio, you’ll be part of a collaborative team shaping the future of healthcare — creating patient-centered spaces, advanced clinical facilities, and transformative campuses that redefine how care is delivered. Our San Francisco team is at the forefront of healthcare design, with recent projects that include: A new academic medical center integrating teaching, research, and advanced patient care in one cohesive campus. Next-generation outpatient and specialty care centers designed to improve access, experience, and outcomes. Major hospital renovations and replacements that modernize aging infrastructure while elevating patient experience. Behavioral health and wellness environments that bring dignity, safety, and therapeutic design principles to care spaces.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field.
A minimum of 10 years of experience.
Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
Excellent written and communication skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process.
Demonstrated graphic presentation skills.
Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills.
Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Architecture (or equivalent experience).
Registered Architect preferred.
Evidence of a good design understanding e.g. a good design portfolio
Proven experience designing healthcare facilities — hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics, or medical research environments.
Interest or experience in evidence-based and sustainable design (LEED experience strongly preferred).
Proficiency in design and visualization tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino, Enscape, V-Ray, Grasshopper, Lumion, SketchUp, and 3ds Max.

Responsibilities

Take a leading role in designing innovative healthcare environments, collaborating with the Design Principal and multidisciplinary teams from concept through construction.
Explore and develop creative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and healing-centered principles.
Create presentation materials and actively participate in client meetings, internal critiques, and agency reviews to gain project approvals.
Ensure design solutions align with code, cost, and clinical requirements, supporting operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate design efforts with architects, engineers, planners, and healthcare specialists throughout all phases of the project.
Facilitate design workshops and charrettes, integrating user feedback and clinical workflows into the design process.
Oversee and guide the design team’s work, ensuring deliverables meet high standards and deadlines.
Review architectural documents to identify and resolve design and interdisciplinary conflicts.
Contribute to specifications and documentation to maintain design intent through construction.
Support construction administration activities, ensuring that the built environment reflects the original design vision.
Mentor junior designers and help shape the creative culture of our healthcare design practice.
Perform other duties as needed.