Senior Designer - Education

Senior Designer - Education

For five decades, HPI Architecture has shaped environments that do more than function, they inspire, support, and enrich lives across generations. Our work bridges people and place, creating meaningful spaces rooted in purpose and designed with intention.

Our brand promise reflects who we are:

With intention, we approach each project with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and technical finesse. Fully engaging in the process, we design places that reflect the vision and values of our clients and the people they serve.

At HPI, you’ll grow through continuing education, mentorship, and professional development, with opportunities to expand your skills and elevate your craft. We also offer a flexible schedule and hybrid work options to support balance, collaboration, creativity, and well‑being.

As we embark on the next 50 years, we’re seeking a Senior Designer to help shape visionary learning environments and lead the design excellence that defines our legacy.

How You Will Make an Impact:

• Lead the design vision for major K–12 and Higher Education projects from concept through schematic design.
• Develop compelling parti diagrams, site strategies, planning concepts, and design narratives rooted in client goals and community values.
• Guide iterative design exploration, ensuring creativity, functionality, buildability, and compliance with DSA and CCCCO standards.
• Collaborate closely with Principals, Project Managers, and Planners to integrate programming, sustainability, and technical requirements into cohesive solutions.
• Present designs with clarity and confidence to school boards, district committees, and community stakeholders.
• Mentor junior designers, fostering growth in both design excellence and professional development.
• Stay at the forefront of educational design trends, including 21st-century learning environments, CTE/STEAM program design, sustainability, and ZNE strategies.

To Be Successful in This Role, You Must:

• Demonstrate strong design leadership, from big-picture visioning to refined architectural solutions.
• Communicate ideas with clarity through persuasive graphics, narratives, and verbal presentations.
• Be proficient in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation tools.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams while guiding design direction with confidence.
• Navigate complex educational program needs, technical considerations, and regulatory processes.
• Manage deadlines, oversee design development, and support a high-performing team culture.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders in professional, community-facing settings.

To Qualify, You Must Have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 10 years of professional architectural experience, with a strong emphasis on educational facilities.
• A proven portfolio demonstrating built or advanced K–12 and/or Higher Education design work.
• Strong understanding of California Building Code, Title 24, and the DSA review process.
• Exceptional communication skills—visual, verbal, and client-facing.
• California Architect license preferred but not required.

Pay, Perks & Benefits

• Flexible Schedule and Hybrid Work Opportunities
• Vacation and Sick time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with additional Supplemental Insurance options
• 401(k)
• Ongoing professional development with access to continuing education and meaningful mentorship
• Licensure Assistance

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $148,251.00 Annually

Our Core Values

CLIENT CENTERED: We’re all in—listening first, collaborating closely, anticipating needs, and actively engaging with our project partners and one another.

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: We dig deep to uncover the unique needs of our clients—shaping purposeful, inspiring, and enduring spaces for solutions rooted in people.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY: We own our role and take pride in our work, delivering an exceptional experience every step of the way that excites.

Ready to help shape the next 50 years of meaningful design? We’d love to meet you!

Recruiters, please do not contact this job poster.