West Region Design Director

Overview

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. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
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’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities.

• In the West Region, design leadership will contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being and sustainability, across a range of project types.
• Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions.
• Establish a design reputation through awards, publications, education or client references.
• Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit through successful project completion on multiple projects.
• Meet design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets.
• Teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in design excellence and HDR's Design Philosophy.
• Mentor and develop junior design staff to pursue design excellence.
• Lead design efforts, partnering with the global design director, office management, project management, and discipline leaders.
• Identify, attract and retain key design staff; develop strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent.
• Be active in local, national or international professional design organizations.

• Master's in Architecture or closely related field.
• Stronger consideration given to Health, Science, Higher Education and/or Civic experience.

• Bachelor's in Architecture or closely related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.
• Maintains professional architectural registration.
• Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience in 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 as operated through the GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS).
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Must be capable of leading a team and making client presentations.
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing teams.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, and success, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The compensation range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and location. Stated benefits apply to full-time regular positions.

Anticipated pay ranges:
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. Industry: Architecture.

Schedule:

Full-time. Employee Status:
Regular. Business Class:
Gen Architecture.

Job Posting:
Jan 11, 2026. HDR is committed to employment equity and is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.