Senior Project Designer at HMC Architects

Who We Are

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with a desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven firm based on values, our mission to “design for good” drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Job Summary

The Senior Project Designer is a visionary leader and creative force, someone who can imagine what’s possible and bring it to life. You will lead design efforts across a range of project types and scales, shaping ideas from concept through construction while ensuring design excellence and integrity throughout the process.

This role is based within our education-focused design studio, which leads K–12 projects and continues to expand into Higher Education, Community, and Cultural work. Experience with the Department of the State Architect (DSA) process is essential, as you’ll guide projects through all phases with creativity, technical fluency, and precision.

In this role, you’ll guide and inspire teams, collaborate closely with clients, and craft design stories that resonate with both purpose and beauty. You’ll mentor emerging designers, foster innovation, and balance multiple priorities with clarity and confidence.

If you’re driven by big ideas, grounded in thoughtful design, and inspired by the opportunity to make a lasting difference, this is where you belong.

This position is based in our Sacramento studio, where we embrace a hybrid work model designed to balance collaboration and flexibility. Our team works in studio Tuesday through Thursday, fostering creativity and connection, and remotely on Mondays and Fridays, allowing focused time for reflection and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental analysis on every project, including daylight analysis for exposure, glare, and daylight autonomy
• Lead the Schematic and Design Development efforts of projects in collaboration with PM
• Lead the design efforts on all sized projects and coordinate the design efforts on several projects
• Ensure the design integrity of all studio projects through the Design Development, Construction Document, and Construction Phases
• Lead the documentation of project design, such as three-dimensional CAD modeling, physical models, and product or material research in collaboration with PM
• Coordinate the preparation of various Design Communication and Presentation materials including sketches, rendered 2D & 3D drawings, rendered perspectives, and material selection boards in collaboration with PM
• Lead with the PIC and participate in design awards and publications efforts
• Initiate and lead efforts to promote the design reputation of the firm
• Coordinate the design intent in the development of specifications
• Lead a project’s design intent through the construction document and construction phases & coordinate cost estimating of design intent
• Provide training and mentoring for all technical aspects of our work
• Direct all field verification efforts and validate information for authenticity
• Coordinate project design with team members and consultants resolving conflicts and discrepancies
• Establish productive working relationships, and deal effectively and cooperatively with team members, consultants, and government agencies
• Display willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning for decisions; include appropriate people in decision-making process; make timely decisions
• Coach, mentor, and provide performance-enhancing feedback of assigned team member
• Write, develop and participate in project marketing interviews
• Supervise and manage four to 7 design staff during design phases of project
• Write meeting minutes, professional correspondence, and lead or assist in the documentation of the design process
• Understand and review agreements with clients and consultants, especially pertaining to fees and deliverables
• Write articles for professional publications of the architecture and construction industry
• Write training material for staff development
• Be the primary contact with clients, exhibit timely follow-through with clients and maintain excellent client relationships
• Primary proponent in interviews and leading the graphic preparation of proposals
• Actively work to cultivate new clients

Requirements

• Architectural degree from an accredited university
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in architectural design, and in the production and coordination of significant design projects
• Architectural license preferred
• Demonstrates leadership in design with the profession
• Ability to communicate complex design concepts both verbally and graphically to team members and clients
• Ability to organize and deliver complete project design presentations to client user groups or public forums under the supervision of a Design Principal, or Design Director
• Ability to organize and deliver complete project design presentations to client user group or public forum
• Ability to professionally communicate both verbally and in writing to give assignments to office support staff, consultants, and vendors
• Ability to write and edit design narratives and produce compelling diagrams that clearly explain the big project ideas
• Always be professional and respectful in interactions with clients and consultants
• Ability to market project capability through client interviews, public presentations, and professional publications
• Demonstrate creativity in architectural design on projects and clearly express ideas around our 4 core design principles: Impact, Clarity, Context & Timelessness
• Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate use of building systems, materials, and technologies
• Show initiative in the research of alternative systems and materials
• Demonstrate proficiency in applications and multimedia software
• Understand technical terminology of the architectural and construction industry
• Understanding construction systems of walls, roofs, doors, and windows
• Understand requirements/deliverables of all phases
• Possess working knowledge of drawing setup, layers, plotting/publishing, dimensions, blocks, attributes, purge/audit/recover, and back up files and viewports
• Participate in the development of working drawings, and help fulfill requirements/deliverables of SD, DD, and CD phases
• Understand the process of coordination with government agencies, and the plan check approval process
• Demonstrate knowledge of the applicable building codes for use in design
• Ability to supervise and direct the design of projects within other offices or studios

The salary range for this position is $105,682 to $158,086

The actual salary offered for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.