Design Lead Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Design Lead jobs in Los Angeles are concentrated across entertainment technology, e-commerce, and media in districts like Culver City, Santa Monica, and the Arts District, drawing demand from studios, streaming platforms, and consumer brands. Employers actively hiring right now include Riot Games, Motorola Solutions, and Freeform. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Design Lead JobsOverview
Open roles48
Top employerRiot Games
Work type78% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's
Companies hiring29
Showing 5 of 48+ Design Lead jobs
Design Studio Lead
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Added 1w ago
JGM, INC.
Design Studio Lead
Los Angeles, California
Added 1w ago
Level Design Lead
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Added 3mo ago
Riot Games
Level Design Lead
Los Angeles, California
Added 3mo ago
Area Lead Transportation Design
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Added 3mo ago
BKF Engineers
Area Lead Transportation Design
Los Angeles, California
Added 3mo ago
Area Lead Transportation Design
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Added 3mo ago
BKF Engineers
Area Lead Transportation Design
Los Angeles, California
Added 3mo ago
Level Design Lead
We won't show you this job again
Added 4mo ago
Riot Games
Level Design Lead
Los Angeles, California
Added 4mo ago
Added 1w ago
Design Studio Lead
JGM, INC.·Los Angeles, California
$225k - $250k/yr
Certification
51-200 employees
Job Description
JGM Design Studio Lead
Overview
The Design Studio Lead is a senior design professional responsible for the creative, strategic, and operational leadership of the design studio. This role oversees design excellence, project delivery, business development, and team performance while ensuring alignment between client vision, brand standards, technical requirements, and construction execution.
The Design Studio Lead serves as the primary design liaison between clients, consultants, and project teams, leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through completion while supporting studio growth through proposal development, client engagement, and market positioning
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Vision
Overview
The Design Studio Lead is a senior design professional responsible for the creative, strategic, and operational leadership of the design studio. This role oversees design excellence, project delivery, business development, and team performance while ensuring alignment between client vision, brand standards, technical requirements, and construction execution.
The Design Studio Lead serves as the primary design liaison between clients, consultants, and project teams, leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through completion while supporting studio growth through proposal development, client engagement, and market positioning
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Vision
- Maintain the master-planned vision while optimizing the efficiency of hospitality, residential, mixed-use, and support facilities.
- Translate client vision, brand standards, and market positioning into innovative, buildable design solutions.
- Provide creative direction throughout all phases of design development.
- Oversee architectural, interior, experiential, and environmental design components from concept through completion.
- Promote innovation, collaboration, and design excellence across all projects.
Studio Leadership & Operations
- Lead and manage daily operations of the design studio across multiple active projects.
- Establish project priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation.
- Develop and implement studio processes that improve efficiency, collaboration, and project delivery.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor, coach, and develop architects, designers, coordinators, and project teams.
Project Coordination & Delivery
- Manage the design process across all project phases including concept, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
- Oversee multiple projects simultaneously while monitoring budgets, schedules, deliverables, and performance metrics.
- Coordinate internal disciplines including architecture, engineering, construction management, and project controls.
- Coordinate external consultants including landscape architects, lighting designers, FF&E consultants, and specialty designers.
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution and construction.
- Identify project risks and implement proactive solutions to maintain timelines and profitability.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ownership groups, brand representatives, and project stakeholders.
- Lead design presentations, workshops, reviews, interviews, and approval meetings.
- Build and maintain long-term client relationships through responsive communication and successful project outcomes.
- Manage client expectations and facilitate informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
- Resolve client concerns professionally and effectively.
Business Development & Strategic Growth
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with JGM's strategic goals.
- Lead proposal development, RFQ/RFP responses, interview preparation, and presentation efforts.
- Collaborate with leadership on project approaches, staffing strategies, fee proposals, and pursuit planning.
- Develop winning strategies for competitive pursuits and client engagements.
- Participate in networking events, industry organizations, and market-facing initiatives to promote studio growth.
- Track industry trends, market opportunities, and competitor activity.
Quality Control & Compliance
- Ensure all design deliverables meet company standards, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.
- Review design documents, presentations, and production materials for quality, consistency, and technical accuracy.
- Conduct interdisciplinary design reviews and proactively resolve conflicts.
- Maintain documentation accuracy and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Integration
- Collaborate closely with construction management teams to ensure constructability, schedule alignment, and budget compliance.
- Participate in site visits, mock-ups, inspections, and design verification activities.
- Address field conditions, RFIs, submittals, and design-related construction issues.
- Support seamless integration between design intent and project execution
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field.
- Licensed Architect, NCARB certification, or equivalent professional credential preferred.
- 15+ years of professional design and project leadership experience.
- Significant experience in hospitality, resort, mixed-use, commercial, or large-scale development projects preferred.
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multiple concurrent projects.
- Demonstrated success in client development, proposals, RFQ/RFP pursuits, and business development activities.
- Strong understanding of construction processes, project delivery methods, budgeting, and resource planning.
- Exceptional design sensibility supported by a portfolio of high-quality built work.
Core Competencies
- Design leadership and creative vision
- Studio management and team development
- Business development and strategic growth
- Client relationship management
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Project delivery and execution
- Proposal and presentation leadership
- Financial and resource planning
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Quality assurance and technical excellence
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Technical Proficiency
- Revit
- AutoCAD
- Enscape
- Navisworks
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Project
- Primavera P6
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- BIM workflows and project collaboration platforms
Work Environment & Expectations
- Hybrid office, client, and project-site presence.
- Ability to travel as required for project coordination, client meetings, presentations, interviews, and site visits.
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with high expectations for leadership, quality, innovation, and business growth.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and possess a valid passport for domestic and international travel as required.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals and operational requirements.
JGM, INC.
Design Studio Lead
Los Angeles, California
Added 1w ago51-200 employees
$225k - $250k/yr
Certification
Job Description
JGM Design Studio Lead
Overview
The Design Studio Lead is a senior design professional responsible for the creative, strategic, and operational leadership of the design studio. This role oversees design excellence, project delivery, business development, and team performance while ensuring alignment between client vision, brand standards, technical requirements, and construction execution.
The Design Studio Lead serves as the primary design liaison between clients, consultants, and project teams, leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through completion while supporting studio growth through proposal development, client engagement, and market positioning
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Vision
Overview
The Design Studio Lead is a senior design professional responsible for the creative, strategic, and operational leadership of the design studio. This role oversees design excellence, project delivery, business development, and team performance while ensuring alignment between client vision, brand standards, technical requirements, and construction execution.
The Design Studio Lead serves as the primary design liaison between clients, consultants, and project teams, leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through completion while supporting studio growth through proposal development, client engagement, and market positioning
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Vision
- Maintain the master-planned vision while optimizing the efficiency of hospitality, residential, mixed-use, and support facilities.
- Translate client vision, brand standards, and market positioning into innovative, buildable design solutions.
- Provide creative direction throughout all phases of design development.
- Oversee architectural, interior, experiential, and environmental design components from concept through completion.
- Promote innovation, collaboration, and design excellence across all projects.
Studio Leadership & Operations
- Lead and manage daily operations of the design studio across multiple active projects.
- Establish project priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation.
- Develop and implement studio processes that improve efficiency, collaboration, and project delivery.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor, coach, and develop architects, designers, coordinators, and project teams.
Project Coordination & Delivery
- Manage the design process across all project phases including concept, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
- Oversee multiple projects simultaneously while monitoring budgets, schedules, deliverables, and performance metrics.
- Coordinate internal disciplines including architecture, engineering, construction management, and project controls.
- Coordinate external consultants including landscape architects, lighting designers, FF&E consultants, and specialty designers.
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution and construction.
- Identify project risks and implement proactive solutions to maintain timelines and profitability.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ownership groups, brand representatives, and project stakeholders.
- Lead design presentations, workshops, reviews, interviews, and approval meetings.
- Build and maintain long-term client relationships through responsive communication and successful project outcomes.
- Manage client expectations and facilitate informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
- Resolve client concerns professionally and effectively.
Business Development & Strategic Growth
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with JGM's strategic goals.
- Lead proposal development, RFQ/RFP responses, interview preparation, and presentation efforts.
- Collaborate with leadership on project approaches, staffing strategies, fee proposals, and pursuit planning.
- Develop winning strategies for competitive pursuits and client engagements.
- Participate in networking events, industry organizations, and market-facing initiatives to promote studio growth.
- Track industry trends, market opportunities, and competitor activity.
Quality Control & Compliance
- Ensure all design deliverables meet company standards, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.
- Review design documents, presentations, and production materials for quality, consistency, and technical accuracy.
- Conduct interdisciplinary design reviews and proactively resolve conflicts.
- Maintain documentation accuracy and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Integration
- Collaborate closely with construction management teams to ensure constructability, schedule alignment, and budget compliance.
- Participate in site visits, mock-ups, inspections, and design verification activities.
- Address field conditions, RFIs, submittals, and design-related construction issues.
- Support seamless integration between design intent and project execution
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field.
- Licensed Architect, NCARB certification, or equivalent professional credential preferred.
- 15+ years of professional design and project leadership experience.
- Significant experience in hospitality, resort, mixed-use, commercial, or large-scale development projects preferred.
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multiple concurrent projects.
- Demonstrated success in client development, proposals, RFQ/RFP pursuits, and business development activities.
- Strong understanding of construction processes, project delivery methods, budgeting, and resource planning.
- Exceptional design sensibility supported by a portfolio of high-quality built work.
Core Competencies
- Design leadership and creative vision
- Studio management and team development
- Business development and strategic growth
- Client relationship management
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Project delivery and execution
- Proposal and presentation leadership
- Financial and resource planning
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Quality assurance and technical excellence
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Technical Proficiency
- Revit
- AutoCAD
- Enscape
- Navisworks
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Project
- Primavera P6
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- BIM workflows and project collaboration platforms
Work Environment & Expectations
- Hybrid office, client, and project-site presence.
- Ability to travel as required for project coordination, client meetings, presentations, interviews, and site visits.
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with high expectations for leadership, quality, innovation, and business growth.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and possess a valid passport for domestic and international travel as required.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals and operational requirements.
See All 48 Design Lead Jobs in Los Angeles
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Find Design Lead JobsDesign Lead Job Market in Los Angeles
Who's Hiring
- Riot Games8
- Motorola Solutions5
- Freeform3
- WSP2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software11
- Consulting & Professional Services10
- Construction & Real Estate7
- Manufacturing5
- Education2
Design Lead Jobs in Los Angeles: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a design lead job in Los Angeles?
Focus your search on the entertainment technology, streaming, e-commerce, and consumer brand sectors that drive most Los Angeles design hiring. Companies in Culver City, Santa Monica, and the Arts District post frequently, and agencies along the Wilshire Corridor often hire senior design leads to run client-facing teams. A portfolio that shows end-to-end product or brand systems work, combined with experience managing or mentoring designers, gives you a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire design leads in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles design lead roles are posted by Riot Games, Motorola Solutions, and Freeform and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. The local employer mix is unusually broad, ranging from major studios and streaming services to direct-to-consumer brands and venture-backed startups building out their first in-house design functions.
Are there remote design lead jobs in Los Angeles?
Yes, though design lead roles that involve managing in-house teams or overseeing physical or production work tend to require at least some on-site presence. About 22% of design lead openings tied to Los Angeles are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote share strongest in product design and UX leadership roles at tech-forward companies. Roles tied to entertainment production or retail environments in Los Angeles are the least likely to be fully remote.
How can I get a design lead job in Los Angeles with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Los Angeles is moving into a lead role from a senior individual contributor position at a local studio, agency, or brand. Smaller creative agencies along Hollywood and Mid-Wilshire regularly promote senior designers into lead roles, and Los Angeles-based e-commerce brands often hire first-time leads to own a specific product area. Building a portfolio that includes cross-functional projects, even informal ones where you directed other creatives, addresses the biggest gap employers flag at the entry-lead level.
Which industries hire the most design leads in Los Angeles?
Most design lead openings in Los Angeles sit in Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Construction & Real Estate, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Los Angeles's density of entertainment companies, streaming platforms, and consumer-facing brands creates sustained demand for design leaders who can operate at the intersection of creative direction and product thinking.
Related Jobs in California
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