Job Details

Overview

Senior Project Designer (EdSciCom) - (187050). At HDR, our employee-owners are engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion and ask: What is our impact on the world? Senior Project Designer – Education & Science | San Francisco Studio. You'll help create transformative environments where ideas take shape, discoveries accelerate, and collaboration drives innovation.

You'll join a team shaping the future of discovery and innovation across the Bay Area and beyond, working on projects such as biotech research centers, interdisciplinary innovation hubs, campus transformations, and science and technology facilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a design leader from concept through construction, shaping the creative direction of complex education and science projects in collaboration with the Design Principal and multidisciplinary teams.
• Explore and develop innovative design strategies that respond to evolving learning models, emerging technologies, and research needs.
• Lead the creation of presentation materials, design narratives, and client-facing content; participate in stakeholder workshops, user group sessions, and agency reviews.
• Ensure design decisions consider code, cost, sustainability, and operational performance, aligning creativity with project goals and institutional missions.
• Guide the integration of architecture, engineering, and planning disciplines throughout all design phases to deliver cohesive, high-performing environments.
• Facilitate design charrettes and collaborative sessions with faculty, researchers, students, and technical experts to ensure user-driven solutions.
• Mentor and oversee the work of junior designers and design teams, elevating design quality and innovation across the studio.
• Review and refine design documentation and coordinate with the project architect to resolve interdisciplinary challenges.
• Support construction administration activities to maintain design intent and ensure execution excellence.
• Contribute to HDR's creative culture by championing design excellence, sustainability, and innovation across project types and disciplines.

What You'll Bring

• Registered Architect preferred.
• Evidence of a strong design understanding (e.g., portfolio).
• Demonstrated experience designing higher education, research, or science and technology facilities.
• Strong interest in sustainable, regenerative, and human-centered design principles.
• Proficiency in design and visualization tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino, Enscape, V-Ray, Grasshopper, Lumion, SketchUp, and 3ds Max.

Required Qualifications

• 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 Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and processes.
• 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.

What We Believe & Commitment

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day, shaping our collaborative culture and connecting us closer to clients and communities we serve. As employee owners, we create 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.

Location & Scheduling

Primary Location: San Francisco, Schedule: Full-time, Employee Status: Regular. Job Posting: Oct 17, 2025.

Equity & Inclusion

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible.