Shape the future of design with HGA!

Project Architect – Santa Monica, CA

HGA, a leading architectural, engineering, and planning firm, is seeking a talented and driven Project Architect to join our Public|Corporate practice group in Santa Monica. We’re looking for someone with strong communication, presentation, time management, and interpersonal skills who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about advancing design.

In this role, you’ll work closely with Designers, Project Managers, and other Project Architects to develop innovative and technically sound design solutions. You’ll lead the creation of detailed documentation while maintaining our firm’s high standards for design quality and client service.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development of construction documents and ensure design intent is accurately carried through

• Translate complex project goals into creative and functional design solutions

• Collaborate across disciplines to coordinate architectural and engineering systems

• Participate in client meetings and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders

• Ensure project milestones and deadlines are met with attention to detail and quality

Why HGA?

Collaborative Culture: be part of a firm known for its integrated, cross-disciplinary teamwork and strong design ethos;

Professional Growth: access to mentorship, continuing education, and leadership opportunities; and

Meaningful Work: contribute to impactful projects that improve and shape the future architectural design.

1. design, understand and contribute to the project's design philosophy;
2. provide major input in developing design and building performance strategies and convey these effectively to team members;
3. lead project teams to develop complete document sets based on the project phase;
4. provide technical design input and solutions to project challenges, supporting the overall design concept;
5. oversee technical design efforts, detailed design development, project coordination, and quality control during all project phases, collaborating closely with other team members;
6. execute applicable agency review analysis (accessibility, zoning, life-safety, etc.);
7. actively collaborate with and coordinate the work of consultants and knowledge resources to ensure project deliverables are coordinated, integrated, and support the design concept and performance goals;
8. set an example for team effort through the spirit of cooperation while directing, organizing, and mentoring junior staff;
9. contribute to the preparation of design documents and lead the detailed development of construction documents during all project phases;
10. ensure complete, accurate, and coordinated project documentation; and
11. oversee and perform construction administration duties, including reviewing shop drawings, material samples, RFI’s, RFP’s, and change orders for conformance with design.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
• Architectural registration required
• LEED accreditation preferred
• 10 years minimum experience, including work on small to large-scale projects 
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills in team environments
• Proficiency in Revit required; experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and other graphic tools desired
• Excellent communication, presentation, and time management skills

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $100,700 - $121,200 depending on qualifications and experience.

At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.

Learn more about us here.

Application Requirements & Instructions
Please submit resume and portfolio for consideration.