Northern Trust

Project Designer | Community + Live, Workplace & Government

Northern Trust$95K — $115K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or related field from an accredited institution.
  • 8+ years of professional experience on diverse project scales.
  • Proficient in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and BIM technologies.
  • Strong graphic skills with rendering and visualization capabilities.
  • Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Vantagepoint) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Architectural licensure preferred, showcasing professionalism in the field.
  • Interest in LEED, sustainability, and integrated design approaches.

Responsibilities

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of project design philosophy and building-performance strategies.
  • Generate innovative design solutions that align with client objectives.
  • Advance projects by producing design drawings, sketches, and 3D models.
  • Oversee technical design aspects and evaluate potential solutions for major projects.
  • Assist in creating work plans that define scope, schedules, and budgets.
  • Coordinate with building design consultants and ensure compliance for accuracy and quality.
  • Facilitate project meetings, documenting schedules, decisions, and milestones.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with a nationally recognized design team.
  • Collaborative work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
  • Engagement in meaningful projects impacting various communities.
  • Potential for professional growth and development across multiple sectors.
  • Participation in client presentations and marketing efforts.
Full Job Description
Overview

An award-winning national architecture, engineering, and planning practice is seeking a talented and driven Project Designer to join its growing Community + Live, Workplace, and Government team in Santa Monica, California. The ideal candidate is a creative design professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, communicates ideas clearly, and is passionate about delivering innovative, high-quality design solutions that positively impact communities.

Position Description

In this role, you will partner closely with senior designers, project managers, principals, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams to develop thoughtful, technically sound solutions from concept through implementation. You will help advance design excellence, lead the development of project documentation, and contribute to exceptional client experiences. This position calls for creative vision, technical expertise, independent judgment, and the ability to align the visual and functional aspects of complex projects with client goals, project requirements, and design intent.

Responsibilities
  • Develop a thorough understanding of each project's design philosophy and contribute to building-performance strategies.
  • Generate creative, practical design solutions aligned with client goals and project requirements.
  • Advance the design process by coordinating, managing, and producing design drawings, sketches, and 3D models.
  • Oversee technical design aspects of major projects, including investigation, evaluation, and recommendation of solutions.
  • Assist project managers and principals in developing work plans that define design scope, schedules, and budgets.
  • Coordinate building-design consultants and review drawings for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
  • Facilitate and document meetings, schedules, decisions, and project milestones.
  • Support construction administration, including RFIs, RFPs, change orders, and issue resolution.
  • Maintain productive relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout all project phases.
  • Participate in client presentations and marketing efforts as needed.
  • Contribute to design narratives and presentation materials, including renderings, models, diagrams, and graphics.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to maintain design quality, technical coordination, and accountability.

Skills & Requirements
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • Eight or more years of professional experience on small- to large-scale projects.
  • Expertise in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and other BIM technologies.
  • Strong 2D and 3D graphic skills, including proficiency with rendering and visualization tools.
  • Familiarity with project-management software such as Vantagepoint and with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Architectural licensure preferred.
  • Interest in LEED, sustainability, building performance, and integrated design.
  • Strong communication, presentation, organization, and collaboration skills.

Join a collaborative, nationally recognized design team where your creativity, technical expertise, and curiosity can shape meaningful projects across community, residential, workplace, and government environments.

Apply today and include a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate your design thinking, technical skills, and project contributions.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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