Design Director Jobs in Virginia
Design Director jobs in Virginia are in steady demand, with the strongest hiring concentrated in technology, defense contracting, government consulting, and commercial real estate development across a market that ranges from senior individual contributors to executive creative leads. Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads area anchor most of the activity, with established employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Capital One actively building out design leadership. The most in-demand specialties are UX and product design direction, brand strategy, and environmental or experiential design tied to large government and corporate clients. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 20+ Design Director jobs
Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You
This role is based at one of our corporate offices in McLean, VA, New York, NY or Remote
This is your chance to be part of an in-house Architecture, Design & Construction team that delivers exceptional properties that delight our guests, reward our partners, and reflect the unique cultures of their geographical locations!
Lifestyle hotels are shaped by more than great design, they capture the character of their destinations, create meaningful connections and deliver experiences guests want to return to. This is an opportunity for a commercially astute, design-literate hospitality project leader to help bring these distinctive hotels to life across North America as part of Hilton's in-house Architecture, Design & Construction (AD&C) team.
As Director, Architecture Design & Construction - Lifestyle, reporting to the Senior Director of Architecture, Design & Construction – Lifestyle, you will shape Hilton's next generation of Lifestyle hotels across North America. You will lead projects from early vision through opening, working with owners, developers, Brand and consultants to elevate design and delivery.
You will bring strong project management experience, Lifestyle expertise across hospitality, design and F&B, and the confidence to lead and influence. Success requires urgency and a proactive mindset: anticipating challenges, removing obstacles and getting things done.
What you'll do during a typical day:
- Provide technical and construction leadership across all development phases.
- Review design and construction documents for alignment with Hilton requirements and project ambitions.
- Influence decisions to strengthen design, brand expression, operational performance and commercial value.
- Conduct site inspections, identify risks and drive prompt resolution.
- Champion Lifestyle experiences informed by design, F&B, and cultural trends.
- Travel 40–50% for owner meetings, design reviews, site inspections and openings across North America.
How you'll collaborate with others:
- Strengthen an inclusive, high-performing AD&C culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and raising the bar.
- Build long-term trust with owners, positioning Hilton as a strategic partner of choice.
- Partner with Development to support growth and secure the right projects.
- Translate Brand vision into culturally relevant and commercially successful hotels.
- Partner with AD&C Design to elevate design quality, guest experience and food and beverage.
- Unite internal teams around shared priorities, driving decisions and successful openings.
Projects you'll take ownership of:
- Take full ownership of developments, conversions, adaptive-reuse projects and brand changes, serving as Hilton's project lead from pre-signing through opening.
- Establish project vision, delivery strategy, milestones and accountabilities.
- Oversee design and construction, balancing Brand vision, operational efficiency and commercial priorities.
- Guide value engineering without compromising design quality or guest experience.
- Anticipate risks, remove obstacles and drive decisions with urgency.
- Maintain disciplined, accurate reporting of forecast starts, openings, milestones and risks.
- Drive consistent communication and hold internal and external teams accountable for actions, timelines and quality.
- Continuously elevate delivery and the finished product, creating distinctive Lifestyle hotels that perform for guests, owners and Hilton.
What It Takes to Make the Stay
You have these minimum qualifications:
- BA/BS/Bachelor'sDegree in Architecture, Engineering, Design, Construction or a related field
- Seven (7) years of proven experience managing development projects, including design, construction or renovations.
- Seven (7) years of experience reading and interpreting construction documents, including architectural and engineering plans.
- Design, construction or renovation experience in hospitality, particularly Lifestyle-branded hotels
- Willing to travel up to 40 - 50%
It would be useful if you have:
- Professional licenses or certifications such as Architect, Engineer, Interior Designer (NCIDQ) or Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for senior leaders.
- Proficiency with AI tools, with the ability to use AI effectively to enhance productivity, communication, presentations and project delivery. Experience with Bluebeam.
How We'll Help You Thrive
At Hilton, the hospitality we're known for doesn't end with our guests. We proudly invest in our Team Members' wellbeing, supporting you through all of life's moments. When you join Hilton, our exceptional care extends to you with unmatched perks and benefits, including*:
- Incredible travel perks – Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program
- Own a piece of Hilton – Through our employee stock purchase program (ESPP), you can invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount to help build your financial future
- Paid parental leave – Because family matters. We offer paid leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents
- Personalized caregiving support – Access dedicated caregiving concierge services to help navigate caregiving for yourself and your loved ones
- Crisis concierge – In times of loss, our Crisis Concierge offers a single, compassionate point of contact for both practical support and emotional care
- Mental health resources – Your wellbeing comes first. Eligible Team Members can access free counseling and support through our best-in-class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous paid time off (PTO) – Recharge, relax, and take time for what matters most
- Health & welfare benefits – From checkups to dental cleanings to new glasses, we offer a variety of health plans that keep you and your family covered
- Financial security for your future – Our retirement plans make it easier to save for what's next
*Benefits availability may vary depending on Team Member's location as well as terms and conditions of employment and are subject to the terms and conditions of each specific program/plan.
Hilton offers its eligible team members a comprehensive benefits package to support their mental and physical well-being, so they can Thrive personally and professionally. The pay range for this role is $110,000 – $145,000 and is determined based on applicable and specialized experience and location. Subject to plan terms and conditions, you will be eligible to participate in the Hilton Annual Incentive (Bonus) Plan, and the Company's long-term incentive plan, consistent with other team members at the same level and/or position within the Company.
#LI-REMOTE
Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You
This role is based at one of our corporate offices in McLean, VA, New York, NY or Remote
This is your chance to be part of an in-house Architecture, Design & Construction team that delivers exceptional properties that delight our guests, reward our partners, and reflect the unique cultures of their geographical locations!
Lifestyle hotels are shaped by more than great design, they capture the character of their destinations, create meaningful connections and deliver experiences guests want to return to. This is an opportunity for a commercially astute, design-literate hospitality project leader to help bring these distinctive hotels to life across North America as part of Hilton's in-house Architecture, Design & Construction (AD&C) team.
As Director, Architecture Design & Construction - Lifestyle, reporting to the Senior Director of Architecture, Design & Construction – Lifestyle, you will shape Hilton's next generation of Lifestyle hotels across North America. You will lead projects from early vision through opening, working with owners, developers, Brand and consultants to elevate design and delivery.
You will bring strong project management experience, Lifestyle expertise across hospitality, design and F&B, and the confidence to lead and influence. Success requires urgency and a proactive mindset: anticipating challenges, removing obstacles and getting things done.
What you'll do during a typical day:
- Provide technical and construction leadership across all development phases.
- Review design and construction documents for alignment with Hilton requirements and project ambitions.
- Influence decisions to strengthen design, brand expression, operational performance and commercial value.
- Conduct site inspections, identify risks and drive prompt resolution.
- Champion Lifestyle experiences informed by design, F&B, and cultural trends.
- Travel 40–50% for owner meetings, design reviews, site inspections and openings across North America.
How you'll collaborate with others:
- Strengthen an inclusive, high-performing AD&C culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and raising the bar.
- Build long-term trust with owners, positioning Hilton as a strategic partner of choice.
- Partner with Development to support growth and secure the right projects.
- Translate Brand vision into culturally relevant and commercially successful hotels.
- Partner with AD&C Design to elevate design quality, guest experience and food and beverage.
- Unite internal teams around shared priorities, driving decisions and successful openings.
Projects you'll take ownership of:
- Take full ownership of developments, conversions, adaptive-reuse projects and brand changes, serving as Hilton's project lead from pre-signing through opening.
- Establish project vision, delivery strategy, milestones and accountabilities.
- Oversee design and construction, balancing Brand vision, operational efficiency and commercial priorities.
- Guide value engineering without compromising design quality or guest experience.
- Anticipate risks, remove obstacles and drive decisions with urgency.
- Maintain disciplined, accurate reporting of forecast starts, openings, milestones and risks.
- Drive consistent communication and hold internal and external teams accountable for actions, timelines and quality.
- Continuously elevate delivery and the finished product, creating distinctive Lifestyle hotels that perform for guests, owners and Hilton.
What It Takes to Make the Stay
You have these minimum qualifications:
- BA/BS/Bachelor'sDegree in Architecture, Engineering, Design, Construction or a related field
- Seven (7) years of proven experience managing development projects, including design, construction or renovations.
- Seven (7) years of experience reading and interpreting construction documents, including architectural and engineering plans.
- Design, construction or renovation experience in hospitality, particularly Lifestyle-branded hotels
- Willing to travel up to 40 - 50%
It would be useful if you have:
- Professional licenses or certifications such as Architect, Engineer, Interior Designer (NCIDQ) or Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for senior leaders.
- Proficiency with AI tools, with the ability to use AI effectively to enhance productivity, communication, presentations and project delivery. Experience with Bluebeam.
How We'll Help You Thrive
At Hilton, the hospitality we're known for doesn't end with our guests. We proudly invest in our Team Members' wellbeing, supporting you through all of life's moments. When you join Hilton, our exceptional care extends to you with unmatched perks and benefits, including*:
- Incredible travel perks – Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program
- Own a piece of Hilton – Through our employee stock purchase program (ESPP), you can invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount to help build your financial future
- Paid parental leave – Because family matters. We offer paid leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents
- Personalized caregiving support – Access dedicated caregiving concierge services to help navigate caregiving for yourself and your loved ones
- Crisis concierge – In times of loss, our Crisis Concierge offers a single, compassionate point of contact for both practical support and emotional care
- Mental health resources – Your wellbeing comes first. Eligible Team Members can access free counseling and support through our best-in-class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous paid time off (PTO) – Recharge, relax, and take time for what matters most
- Health & welfare benefits – From checkups to dental cleanings to new glasses, we offer a variety of health plans that keep you and your family covered
- Financial security for your future – Our retirement plans make it easier to save for what's next
*Benefits availability may vary depending on Team Member's location as well as terms and conditions of employment and are subject to the terms and conditions of each specific program/plan.
Hilton offers its eligible team members a comprehensive benefits package to support their mental and physical well-being, so they can Thrive personally and professionally. The pay range for this role is $110,000 – $145,000 and is determined based on applicable and specialized experience and location. Subject to plan terms and conditions, you will be eligible to participate in the Hilton Annual Incentive (Bonus) Plan, and the Company's long-term incentive plan, consistent with other team members at the same level and/or position within the Company.
#LI-REMOTE
See All 20 Design Director Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Director JobsDesign Director Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Director Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design director jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related design field
- Seven or more years of progressive design experience, including team leadership
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creative direction across digital and brand or product work
- Proficiency in industry tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping platforms
- Proven ability to present design concepts and strategy to executive or government stakeholders
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and vendor or agency relationships in complex organizations
Design Director Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design director in Virginia?
Becoming a design director in Virginia does not require a state-issued license, but the path is competitive and credential-driven. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in design, fine arts, or a related field, with a master's preferred at larger consulting and government-adjacent firms. Building a senior portfolio of brand, product, or UX work is essential, as is progressing through senior designer and design manager roles at Virginia-based firms, federal contractors, or technology companies before stepping into a director position.
Which companies hire design directors in Virginia?
Employers hiring design directors in Virginia right now include Capital One, Information Technology Senior Management Forum, and Gropen, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal contractors and large technology firms means many of these roles sit at the intersection of creative leadership and government-facing product or communications work.
Which Virginia cities have the most design director jobs?
McLean, Hampton, and Falls Church have the most design director openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia dominates because of its dense cluster of federal contractors, defense technology firms, and corporate headquarters, while Richmond draws hiring from financial services, advertising, and state government clients, and Hampton Roads activity is driven by military-adjacent communications and facilities design work.
Are there remote design director jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many senior creative roles, because design direction involves strategy, stakeholder presentations, and team oversight that can translate well to distributed work. About 100% of design director openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how widespread hybrid arrangements have become at the senior level. Brand strategy and UX-focused director roles tend to be the most remote-friendly, while environmental design and experiential roles typically require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a design director in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is building toward a senior designer or design manager role first, rather than targeting director titles directly. Large Virginia employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos hire associate designers and mid-level UX or brand designers who can grow internally into leadership. Adjacent roles such as creative project manager, design strategist, or design program coordinator at consulting or technology firms are common stepping stones. A strong portfolio and proficiency in Figma or Adobe Creative Suite give candidates with limited experience a meaningful edge in the Virginia market.
Where can I find and apply to design director jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to design director jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
See All 20 Design Director Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Director Jobs