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Associate Degree Interior Design Jobs in California

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from an accredited Interior Design program and/or NCIDQ certification and/or licensed Interior Designer credential. * Minimum five (5) years of progressively ...

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from an accredited Interior Design program and/or NCIDQ certification and/or licensed Interior Designer credential. * Minimum five (5) years of progressively ...

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field * Minimum of 2 years of experience preferred * Must have valid driver's license and clean MVR Hybrid office environment working ...

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field * Minimum of 2 years of experience preferred * Must have valid driver's license and clean MVR Hybrid office environment working ...

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field * Minimum of 2 years of experience preferred Hybrid office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long ...

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field * Minimum of 2 years of experience preferred Hybrid office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long ...

... issues Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture a plus Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe ... Assist Associate and Lead Designers with various design and administrative tasks related to all ...

A Design Intern is completing a college degree in design or looking to start an Interior Design career. * A Design Associate is learning the design process and developing the technical skills by ...

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $100/hr

We're seeking a mid‑level designer with at least 6 years of hospitality design experience and a degree or certification from an accredited interior design program. With hands‑on learning ...

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Associate Degree Interior Design information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$29

How much do associate degree interior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate degree interior design in California is $18.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate degree interior design?

An Associate Degree in Interior Design prepares graduates for entry-level roles in the interior design industry. Job positions may include interior design assistant, visual merchandiser, or residential space planner. These roles often involve assisting with space planning, selecting materials, creating design presentations, and coordinating with clients and vendors. Graduates may work in design firms, retail companies, or freelance settings. Many use this degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree or professional certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in associate degree interior design?

To thrive as an Associate Degree Interior Design professional, you should have a solid grasp of design principles, space planning, and knowledge of materials and finishes, supported by an associate degree in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is often required, and pursuing certifications like NCIDQ can be advantageous. Strong interpersonal communication, creativity, attention to detail, and time management are valued soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure you can create functional and appealing spaces that meet client needs while efficiently collaborating on projects within deadlines.

What types of projects and work environments can I expect as an associate degree interior design professional?

As an interior design professional with an associate degree, you may work on residential, retail, office, or hospitality projects, often as part of a design firm or under the guidance of a senior designer. Your daily responsibilities could include creating floor plans, assisting with client presentations, sourcing materials, and coordinating with contractors and vendors. Most roles involve a mix of collaborative teamwork and independent tasks, offering opportunities to build practical experience and grow your design portfolio. Over time, you can take on more responsibility, move into specialized areas of design, or pursue further education and certification to advance your career. This dynamic environment allows you to develop your skills while contributing creatively to a variety of projects.

What can I do with an associate degree in interior design?

An associate degree in interior design prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as interior design assistant, space planner, or showroom associate. Graduates can work in residential or commercial design environments, using tools like AutoCAD and gaining experience to pursue further certifications or advanced positions.

What job categories do people searching Associate Degree Interior Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Degree Interior Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Degree Interior Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Degree Interior Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Degree Interior Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,535 per year, or $18 per hour.

Interior Design Manager

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university projects.

  • Support project managers with interior design and furniture procurement aspects of larger capital projects.

  • Develop and steward university interior design and furniture standards to ensure consistency across campus projects.


Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Interior Design Manager
Position Type
Regular
Job Number
SA90724
Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$95,000-$115,000
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Interior Design Manager provides interior design expertise, project management experience, consultation services, and space planning support for university planning, design, renovation, and construction projects. Working collaboratively with the internal Campus Planning and Design (CPD) capital project management and campus planning teams, consultants, contractors, and university clients, this position supports the successful delivery of projects through interior design management, furniture planning, and development and stewardship of university interior design standards.
The position provides in-house interior design services for smaller projects and renovations and supports CPD Project Managers and external project teams on larger capital projects. Responsibilities include interior design consultation; space planning and test fits; furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) planning, packages, and implementation; interiors project budgeting and scheduling; consultant coordination and communication; and user engagement throughout planning, design, specifications, procurement, construction, and occupancy phases.
Responsibilities
Interior Design Consultation, Services and Project Support
  • Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university planning, renovation, tenant improvement, and space renewal and enhancement projects.
  • Support project managers with the interior design and furniture related [FF&E] aspects of, and procurement for, larger capital projects.
  • Develop functional, aesthetically appropriate, and user-centered design solutions that support university clients' goals and operational needs.
  • Review project documents, drawings, specifications, and finish selections for consistency with university standards and project requirements.

Furniture Selection/ FF&E Management
  • Plan, specify, budget, present, and implement FF&E packages, including furnishings and interior design elements, for assigned university projects.
  • Support capital project managers and procurement staff with FF&E budgets, drawings, schedules, purchasing requirements, and installation coordination.
  • Monitor FF&E implementation to support project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives.

Space Planning and Interior Standards Stewardship
  • Provide space planning services, utilization studies, and conceptual test fits to evaluate program requirements and support campus planning initiatives.
  • Prepare layouts, furniture plans, finish palettes, and presentation materials for internal and user review and decision making.
  • Recommend interior environments that support design and quality standards, functionality, durability, accessibility, maintainability, sustainability, and long-term campus objectives.
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and steward university interior design and furniture standards to ensure consistency in finishes, materials, furnishings, and user experience across campus projects.

Project Coordination and Communication
  • Assist in the selection and management of external consultants providing interior design and planning services for capital projects.
  • Support the development of project budgets, schedules, scopes, and implementation plans as they pertain to interiors and FF&E.
  • Serve as liaison among project participants (users, PMs, consultants, vendors, manufacturers, contractors) and maintain project communications, coordination activities, and documentation throughout furniture procurement and installation activities.
  • Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning efforts to ensure alignment with project goals and user needs.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from an accredited Interior Design program and/or NCIDQ certification and/or licensed Interior Designer credential.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible interior design experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of interior design principles, space planning, furniture systems, FF&E procurement, and construction documentation.
  • Experience supporting projects through planning, design, procurement, and implementation.
  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with project teams, clients, consultants, and contractors.
  • Proficiency in Revit and SketchUp.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, preparation of presentation materials, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to prepare test fits, space plans, furniture plans, finish boards, and presentation graphics.
  • Familiarity with furniture specification tools, product research, and FF&E documentation.

Desired Qualifications
  • ASID or IIDA membership.
  • Experience within a higher education or institutional environment.
  • Experience developing furniture standards, finish standards, and workplace or educational space solutions.
  • Knowledge of accessibility, sustainability, and best practices for learning, administrative, and student-focused environments.

Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References
2
Maximum Number of References
3

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