West Region Design Director

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, continually asking:
What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings; it is about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you will contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being worldwide. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs, civic landmarks, and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them.

This role offers the chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

In the role of West Region Design Director, we expect you to:

• Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated, and effective design solutions.
• Maintain an established design reputation evidenced through awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references.
• Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects.
• Meet design excellence goals while managing project budgets and objectives.
• Teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams on design excellence and HDR's Design Philosophy.
• Mentor and develop junior design staff, challenging, inspiring, and motivating others to pursue design excellence.
• Serve as a key design leader, partnering with the global design director, office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders to advance design efforts.
• Identify, attract, and retain key design staff, and spearhead strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent.
• Actively participate in local, national, or international professional design organizations.

• Master's in Architecture or closely related field.
• Health, Science, Higher Education, and/or Civic experience is strongly considered.

• Bachelor's in Architecture or closely related field.
• Minimum of 15 years experience as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.
• Maintain active professional architectural registration.
• Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience leading a collaborative, iterative design process with clients and colleagues.
• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design.
• Demonstrated experience with the Design Excellence Program through GSA’s Public Buildings Service (PBS).
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Capable of leading a team and making client presentations.
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.
• Commitment to actively participate in our employee‑owned culture.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, an employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range depends on skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

Anticipated pay range for:
San Francisco $173,992 - $248,560;
Seattle $160,608 - $229,440;
Los Angeles $153,916 - $219,880.

Primary

Location:

United States-California-San Francisco

Other Locations:
United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-California-Los Angeles, United States-Washington-Seattle