OPT Project Designer Jobs
Project Designer jobs on OPT require employers to support your work authorization, whether through CPT-to-OPT transition, STEM OPT extension, or eventual H-1B visa sponsorship. Most roles sit within architecture, engineering, or product design firms where degree-field alignment is straightforward to document.
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Project Designer
Job Description Summary
Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams to meet the requirements and goals of the client.
Job Description
Responsibilities
- Formulate preliminary space plans and sketches that integrate the client’s needs
- Confirm preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements
- Compile selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements
- Compile selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture
- Coordinate and collaborate with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services
- Confirm construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials
- Assist with administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client’s agent
- Provide reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion
Requirements
- Bachelor Degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a FIDER accredited institution (NCIDQ a plus)
- Minimum of 1+ years of relevant work experience
- Or any similar combination of education and experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or REVIT and Architectural Desktop
- Ability to read and review construction documents; provide technical sign-off/approval
- Understanding of the technical aspects of design/construction such as low voltage, construction materials, design concepts/budgets, constructability, electrical and HVAC systems
- Versed in the five phases of an interior/architectural project
- Excellent internal and external customer service skills
- Effective interpersonal skills and problem solving ability
- Strong Microsoft Office skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to multi-task and manage several projects simultaneously
- The qualified candidate will be detail oriented, able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, extremely professional, and customer service oriented
Physical Requirements
- Involves work of a general office nature; typically includes extended periods of sitting and/or operation of a computer for up to 8 hours a day
- May involve periods of standing, such as operating at a copier/fax/scanner
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to write and type
- Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
- Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented orally and in writing
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand
- Regularly required to utilize vision abilities, allowing reading of printed material, graphics, and computer displays
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $55,355.40 - $65,124.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
Job Title
Project Designer
Job Description Summary
Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams to meet the requirements and goals of the client.
Job Description
Responsibilities
- Formulate preliminary space plans and sketches that integrate the client’s needs
- Confirm preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements
- Compile selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements
- Compile selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture
- Coordinate and collaborate with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services
- Confirm construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials
- Assist with administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client’s agent
- Provide reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion
Requirements
- Bachelor Degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a FIDER accredited institution (NCIDQ a plus)
- Minimum of 1+ years of relevant work experience
- Or any similar combination of education and experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or REVIT and Architectural Desktop
- Ability to read and review construction documents; provide technical sign-off/approval
- Understanding of the technical aspects of design/construction such as low voltage, construction materials, design concepts/budgets, constructability, electrical and HVAC systems
- Versed in the five phases of an interior/architectural project
- Excellent internal and external customer service skills
- Effective interpersonal skills and problem solving ability
- Strong Microsoft Office skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to multi-task and manage several projects simultaneously
- The qualified candidate will be detail oriented, able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, extremely professional, and customer service oriented
Physical Requirements
- Involves work of a general office nature; typically includes extended periods of sitting and/or operation of a computer for up to 8 hours a day
- May involve periods of standing, such as operating at a copier/fax/scanner
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to write and type
- Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
- Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented orally and in writing
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand
- Regularly required to utilize vision abilities, allowing reading of printed material, graphics, and computer displays
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $55,355.40 - $65,124.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Designer
Lead with your degree-field alignment
Project Designer roles typically require a degree in architecture, industrial design, or engineering. Frame your application around that match explicitly. OPT requires your work to align with your field of study, and employers need to see that connection clearly documented.
Target firms with an H-1B filing history
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before understand the process and are far more likely to extend your OPT into long-term employment. Focus your search on design firms, engineering consultancies, and product companies with established international hiring pipelines.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in an accredited STEM program such as engineering, architecture, or computer-aided design, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Raising this early signals to employers that your authorization window is longer than standard 12-month OPT.
Quantify your design and project delivery impact
OPT employers want confidence that you'll contribute quickly. Highlight completed projects, client deliverables, or software proficiencies like Revit, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks. Concrete outcomes reduce perceived risk for employers who are new to sponsoring international candidates.
Disclose your OPT status transparently before interviews
Raising your work authorization status before the first interview prevents wasted time and builds trust. Briefly state your OPT validity period and whether you're STEM-eligible so employers can assess fit without surprises at the offer stage.
Apply to firms with multiple active projects
Larger project pipelines mean more staffing flexibility and a stronger business case for sponsoring your visa long-term. Firms running concurrent contracts across clients are more likely to retain and sponsor skilled designers rather than letting OPT authorizations lapse.
Project Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Project Designer on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role aligns with your field of study. Project Designer positions commonly satisfy OPT's degree-field requirement for graduates of architecture, industrial design, engineering, and related programs. Your EAD card is the only work authorization document your employer needs. If your role is unrelated to your degree field, it will not count toward valid OPT employment.
Do Project Designer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly mid-size to large architecture firms, engineering consultancies, and product design companies with recurring project needs. Sponsorship is more common at firms that already employ international staff or operate global project teams. Migrate Mate's job board filters for OPT-friendly and H-1B-sponsoring employers, which makes identifying those companies straightforward without manually screening every listing.
Does a Project Designer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or architecture and your employer agrees to a formal training plan, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Your school's DSO determines eligibility based on your degree's CIP code. The job title itself is not the deciding factor.
What happens to my OPT if my Project Designer role is project-based or contract work?
OPT allows freelance and contract arrangements as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and averages at least 20 hours per week. Short-term project contracts can count toward your OPT employment requirement. Document each engagement carefully, including start dates, scope of work, and the connection to your field of study, in case USCIS or your DSO requests verification.
How much time do I need left on OPT when applying for Project Designer roles?
Most employers prefer candidates with at least six months remaining on OPT, which gives time to onboard and begin an H-1B petition if they choose to sponsor. If you are approaching the end of your OPT window, leading with your STEM extension eligibility can reset that calculation significantly. Apply early and communicate your timeline clearly so employers can plan accordingly.