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Associate Architectural Designer Jobs in California

Associate Designer The Associate Designer plays a pivotal role in supporting the firm's design ... Coordinate with architects, contractors, and consultants to ensure design intent is executed ...

Prepare architectural designs and construction documents for industrial facility interior and ... Oversee the work of associate architects and designers * Lead the architectural design and multi ...

Landscape Architect/Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... architecture, and transportation services to public and private clients at the local, regional ... At Gruen Associates, we embrace diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills. We ...

Architectural Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead a small studio of 4 designers * Collaborate closely with our in-house construction team * Work ... Ability and prowess to present design packages directly to clients and associates * Interact and ...

New

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and specifications to ensure design accuracy ...

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and specifications to ensure design accuracy ...

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and specifications to ensure design accuracy ...

Senior Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

Organize design activities for specific scopes of an architectural lighting project including ... Provide input and revisions to other Senior Designers, Senior Associate or Principals when ...

As a 3D Visualization Associate at ALO, you will assist the Architecture and Store Design Team on 3D modeling and developing retail store designs. ALO is growing fast and we are looking for an ...

3D Visualization Associate

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • PTO

As a 3D Visualization Associate at ALO, you will assist the Architecture and Store Design Team on 3D modeling and developing retail store designs. ALO is growing fast and we are looking for an ...

Junior Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute ... Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and construction teams to integrate lighting ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Architectural Designer information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$57.8K

$86.4K

How much do associate architectural designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate architectural designer in California is $57,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate architectural designer do?

An Associate Architectural Designer assists in the creation and development of architectural projects under the supervision of senior architects. Their responsibilities often include preparing drawings, 3D models, and construction documents, conducting research on materials and building codes, and helping with project coordination. They may also participate in client meetings and site visits to ensure that design concepts are carried out as intended. This role is typically an entry- to mid-level position, ideal for those who have a degree in architecture and some practical experience.

What are some typical day-to-day tasks for an associate architectural designer, and how do they contribute to project teams?

As an Associate Architectural Designer, your daily responsibilities often include developing design concepts, creating detailed drawings using software like AutoCAD or Revit, and preparing presentations for client meetings. You’ll frequently collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to refine designs and ensure they meet code and client requirements. Additionally, you may assist with site visits, document coordination, and responding to feedback from senior team members. This role is highly collaborative and provides valuable exposure to all phases of the design process, helping you build a strong foundation for advancement within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate architectural designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Architectural Designer, you need a strong background in architectural design principles, drafting, and a relevant degree such as a Bachelor of Architecture. Proficiency with technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of building codes and LEED certification, is often required. Attention to detail, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this collaborative and detail-oriented field. These skills ensure accurate project documentation, innovative yet practical designs, and smooth project coordination within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Associate Architectural Designer vs Architectural Intern?

AspectAssociate Architectural DesignerArchitectural Intern
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, some experienceEnrolled in architecture program, limited experience
Work EnvironmentPart of design team, responsible for project tasksLearning role, assisting with basic tasks
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, architecture studiosInternships during education, firms, firms

Associate Architectural Designers typically have completed their education and possess some experience, working actively on projects within design teams. In contrast, Architectural Interns are usually students gaining practical experience through internships. The Associate role involves more responsibility and independence, while interns focus on learning and supporting senior staff.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Architectural Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Architectural Designer jobs in California?

For Associate Architectural Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Architectural Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Architectural Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Architectural Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Architectural Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Architectural Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,794 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Graduate Designer / Associate Project Manager

GHD Group

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


Help us build the future and we'll help you build a rewarding and purposeful career.
Our global network is made up of architects, designers, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists all working towards the same goal.
Join a team that brings inspirational architecture, landscapes, townscapes and places to our world, and we'll provide you unlimited space to grow.
Who are we looking for?
At GHD we are looking for a new Graduate Designer / Associate Project Manager to join the Architecture Design Studio team at our San Francisco, Tustin, Anchorage or Guam offices. This role is focused on offering hands-on exposure to project management and the opportunity to build core planning, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:
  • Architectural Design: Contribute to the planning, design, construction, testing, communication, evaluation, and implementation of architectural solutions.
  • Engineering Drawings: Carry out a range of activities under the guidance of more senior colleagues to create engineering drawings for the communication, evaluation, and implementation of engineering solutions.
  • Engineering Solutions Design: Contribute to the development of, and implement feasibility testing of, proposed engineering solutions to provide feedback and data to validate the design.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) System: Help with building/construction activities by designing layouts and maps that reflect the property scope and the parameters of buildings/constructions.
  • Construction Advice: Provide professional advice relating to construction regulations and best practice with regard to the maintenance, alteration, and construction of buildings.
  • Building Surveys: Undertake building and technical surveys, with support and guidance from experienced surveyors, to determine the building condition and identify defects and associated risks. Includes conducting a wide range of surveys on complex sites.
  • Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching. Develop and maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Feasibility Studies: Contribute to and support feasibility studies from a technological and organizational perspective, and document findings.
  • Bid Solicitation/Request for Proposal/Tender Analysis: Analyze parts of the bid solicitation project requirements and gather and assess information related to the feasibility of these requirements for the organization.
  • Client & Customer Management (External): Help senior colleagues manage client and customer relationships by using relevant sales or client systems.

What you will bring to the Team
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Level in Architecture or equivalent.

Experience
  • General Experience: 0-2 years of experience in related field.

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Salary Range: $65,000 to $70,000 based on experience and location.
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.