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Building Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR Remodeling

Designer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

The Designer plays a key role in both the design and sales process--from concept development ... Research new materials and building methods as needed to stay well informed on emerging trends.

4LEAF, Inc

Building Inspector

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35 - $59.76/hr

Articulate complex building issues to the public, contractors, designers, and owners, with an emphasis on building regulations pertaining to life/safety issues. * Identify and solve complex problems ...

New

HDR Remodeling

Designer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

The Designer plays a key role in both the design and sales process-from concept development through ... Research new materials and building methods as needed to stay well informed on emerging trends.

HDR Remodeling

Designer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

The Designer plays a key role in both the design and sales process-from concept development through ... Research new materials and building methods as needed to stay well informed on emerging trends.

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes. * Confidence ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes. * Confidence ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Amca

Designer

El Segundo, CA

Overview Amca's Designer will be responsible for continually bringing our aesthetic vision to life across every imaginable medium, using and building on a new brand system developed with our friends ...

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes. * Confidence ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes. * Confidence ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Fabrion

Founding Designer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

Competitive salary + meaningful equity (founding tier) Backed by 8VC, we're building a world-class ... Founding Designer We're looking for a sharp, systems-minded Product Designer to join our fast ...

Rimkus

Building Consultant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Building Consultant, you will provide expert analysis and consulting services to support our ... designs * Must be able to analyze contractor scope and bid documents to determine accuracy and ...

Rimkus

Building Consultant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Building Consultant, you will provide expert analysis and consulting services to support our ... designs * Must be able to analyze contractor scope and bid documents to determine accuracy and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBuilding Designer JobsBuilding Designer Jobs in California

Building Designer information

See California salary details

$19.6K

$69.9K

$116.5K

How much do building designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for building designer in California is $69,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,003.00 and $97,433.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building designer?

To thrive as a Building Designer, you need strong skills in architectural design, spatial planning, and knowledge of building codes, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification in architecture or design. Proficiency in CAD software, 3D modeling tools like Revit or SketchUp, and familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) systems are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with clients and construction teams. These abilities ensure the creation of functional, safe, and visually appealing structures that meet client needs and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges building designers face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Building Designers often manage several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing deadlines, adapting to different client preferences, and ensuring compliance with diverse building codes. Effective time management and clear communication with clients, engineers, and contractors are essential to keep projects on track. Utilizing project management software and regularly prioritizing tasks can help streamline workflows and reduce stress in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Building Designer vs Architect?

AspectBuilding DesignerArchitect
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or certification in building designRequires a professional degree (B.Arch or M.Arch) and licensing
Work EnvironmentDesigns residential and small commercial projects, often freelance or small firmsWorks on larger, complex projects, often in large firms or with government agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in residential, renovation, and small-scale commercial sectorsUsed across all sectors, including large commercial, institutional, and urban planning

Building Designers focus on creating functional, aesthetic designs mainly for residential and small commercial projects, often without requiring a license. Architects have a broader scope, requiring licensure, and work on complex, large-scale projects. Both roles involve design skills, but their credentials, project types, and work environments differ significantly.

How much does a building designer make per year?

Building designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Those with specialized skills or certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with advanced design software proficiency.

What do building designers do?

Building designers develop and plan the design of buildings, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and compliance with building codes. They create detailed drawings and collaborate with clients, architects, and engineers throughout the design process, often using CAD software. Their work involves understanding structural, environmental, and safety considerations to produce feasible building plans.

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

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

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

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

Building Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,906 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

San Diego, CA • On-site

McParlane & Associates, Inc.
Engineering Professional Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about McParlane & Associates, Inc.external

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

Locations: San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule)


About the Role


We're looking for an entry-level Lighting Designer to join our growing lighting department. You'll work directly under our Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) leadership, building the foundational skills of architectural lighting design on real projects from your first week. This is an ideal role for someone with solid Revit skills and a strong design eye who is eager to learn through mentorship, peer review, and hands-on project work, and to grow into a designer who leads work of their own.


Your Impact


  • Model lighting within Revit through all project phases, from schematic design through construction documentation.
  • Perform lighting photometric calculations and renderings to study target light levels and understand how a space looks and feels.
  • Generate light fixture schedules (Excel) and cutsheet packages.
  • Conduct submittal reviews (Bluebeam) and support quality checks.
  • Prepare and assist with design presentations (PowerPoint) for clients.
  • Collaborate with architects, our integrated MEP team, and clients from concept through construction.
  • Bring a designer’s eye—walk into a room or study a rendering and tell what is working, what is not, and why.
  • Support a broad spectrum of projects: healthcare, higher education, commercial office, life science, high-rise multifamily, public sector, retail/hospitality, exterior site, and themed campus.


What You’ll Bring


  • Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, architectural engineering, architecture, interior design, or a related field.
  • 0–3 years relevant experience (e.g., internships, coursework, or related work experience).
  • Proficiency in Revit required.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to client satisfaction.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to learn through self-driven professional study, mentorship and peer review.
  • A portfolio (required): completed projects, studio or competition work, personal explorations, or a curated set of images that showcase your eye and point of view.


Nice to Have (Preferred)


  • Familiarity with LightStanza or other lighting/photometric software.
  • Exposure to lighting controls and Title 24 Part 6.
  • Experience with light fixture schedules, cutsheet packages and submittal review workflows.
  • Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Procore, AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Claude


Benefits & Development


  • Mentorship and a clear career path with direct guidance from a Certified Lighting Designer.
  • Live projects from your first week, on a path toward leading design work of your own.
  • Competitive salary—$65K–$85K based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Schedule of four nine-hour days with a half day on Friday, so you get the most out of your weekend.
  • Hybrid working schedule: four days in the office, one day remote.


Why This Role is a Great Fit


  • Real-World Growth: work end-to-end on live projects, from concept and design through construction.
  • Career Foundation: mentored directly by a CLD on a clear path toward leading your own design work.
  • Integrated Team: sit inside an MEP engineering firm, so designs are well coordinated and deliverables are seamlessly integrated.
  • Design-First Culture: your input and your point of view are valued and developed here.


To apply, please send your resume, portfolio, and a letter of interest.

Apply