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Contract Interior Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$103K - $115K/yr

To join the team as an Interior Designer, you should: * Understand and consistently execute all ... Contract documents * Field observations and measurements * Life safety requirements * Furniture and ...

Interior Designer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $105K/yr

Overview Cairn Collaborative Design-Build's Interior Designer is responsible for guiding ... Performs any necessary pre-contract meetings and design in collaboration with Cairn's architectural ...

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$103K - $115K/yr

To join the team as an Interior Designer, you should: * Understand and consistently execute all ... Contract documents * Field observations and measurements * Life safety requirements * Furniture and ...

Interior Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are looking for a talented, forward-thinking Interior Designer to join our San Diego studio. In ... Execute contract documents, including but not limited to floor plans and details, reflected ceiling ...

Interior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Provide furniture and equipment specifications and scope to create procurement contracts. * Consult ... Create interior drawings and visual aids for review and approval. * Make recommendations regarding ...

Execute contract documents, including but not limited to floor plans and details, reflected ceiling ... Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and/or Architecture from an accredited design school

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are looking for a talented, forward-thinking Interior Designer to join our San Francisco office ... Execute contract documents, including but not limited to floor plans and details, reflected ceiling ...

Interior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Provide furniture and equipment specifications and scope to create procurement contracts. * Consult ... Create interior drawings and visual aids for review and approval. * Make recommendations regarding ...

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are looking for a talented, forward-thinking Interior Designer to join our San Francisco studio ... Execute contract documents, including but not limited to floor plans and details, reflected ceiling ...

Interior Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$68K - $86K/yr

We're currently seeking an Interior Designer to join our dynamic San Jose studio. You'll be part of ... In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation ...

Execute contract documents, including but not limited to floor plans and details, reflected ceiling ... Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and/or Architecture from an accredited design school

Support Interior Designer/ Sr Interior Designer with all design communication and design ... Respond to submittals during the contract administration phase under direction of the Project ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Interior Designer information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$71.9K

$106.6K

How much do contract interior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract interior designer in California is $71,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract interior designer?

A Contract Interior Designer is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to design and enhance interior spaces. They work with clients to develop concepts, select materials, and oversee project execution. Unlike full-time designers, they may work independently or with multiple clients at once. Their responsibilities can include space planning, furniture selection, and ensuring designs meet client needs and budget.

What are the typical responsibilities and workflow for a contract interior designer?

As a Contract Interior Designer, your typical responsibilities include meeting with clients to determine their needs, creating design concepts and presenting them for approval, selecting furnishings and materials, and coordinating with contractors and vendors throughout the project lifecycle. You may manage several projects at once, balancing creative design work with administrative duties such as budgeting and progress reporting. The workflow usually involves collaboration with architects, engineers, and construction professionals to ensure your design vision is realized effectively. This role offers variety and challenge, making organizational and problem-solving skills particularly valuable. Working on a contract basis also provides flexibility and the opportunity to diversify your portfolio with a range of project types and clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract interior designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Interior Designer, you need expertise in spatial planning, color theory, and materials selection, usually supported by a degree in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and certifications like NCIDQ, is often expected. Strong project management, communication, and client relationship skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure effective, creative, and compliant design solutions that meet client expectations within timelines and budgets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Interior Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Interior Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Interior Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,895 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Perkins & Will
Architectural Services • 1 - 5K employees

$103K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

To join the team as an Interior Designer, you should:
  • Understand and consistently execute all aspects of the design process and project complexities to proactively contribute to the overall success of the team while adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in interior design, execution, and living design.
  • Develop and coordinate detailed design concepts with ability to develop functional requirements and project-design criteria.
  • Demonstrate understanding of and leadership in the architectural design process and integration of standalone interiors projects and design concepts.
  • Facilitate interior design efforts and project teams including design direction and client engagement.
  • Participate in marketing efforts and may lead design presentations to prospective clients.
  • Coordinate integration of basic engineering systems into the overall project design.
  • Review work for accuracy, omissions, legibility, and for document compliance in accordance with the Project Delivery Manual.
  • Participate and collaborate in design reviews, charettes, and pin-ups.
  • Demonstrate strong and effective communication and direction which inspires high team performance and design ideas.
  • Mentor staff.
  • Coordinate effectively with clients, partners, and consultants throughout the schematic and design development phases.
 
High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications
Proficiencies
  • BIM
  • Building codes and guidelines as applicable (ADA, FGI, etc.)
  • Programming, planning, and site analysis
  • Preliminary design studies
  • Contract documents
  • Field observations and measurements
  • Life safety requirements
  • Furniture and interior product specifications
  • Furniture bid packages
  • Construction contract administration
  • Cost estimates and calculations
  • Accessibility and zoning analysis
  • Documentation of Living Design data, including material health
Software
  • Advanced knowledge of 2D/3D production software
  • Advanced Revit
  • Conceptual modeling tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper
  • Microsoft Office / Adobe Suite
  • Visualization tools such as Enscape and VRay
  • Presentation tools such as InDesign and Photoshop
  • Environmental Analysis software such Ladybug and Climate Studio
Licensure/Certifications/Education/Experience
  • LEED GA within 6 months of hire
  • Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
  • Professional interiors licensure preferred, not required
  • Bachelor's degree in interiors, architecture or, related discipline required
  • 8-10+ years of Interior Design experience 

What You'll Get

Salary range: $103,500–$115,000, commensurate with experience, education and skillset.

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off
  • Professional development stipend and dedicated continuing education time
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Access to firmwide affinity groups and leadership development programs
  • Studio initiatives and events; a team that actually likes each other

Our Commitment

Our culture is grounded in a firmwide commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) — not as a tagline, but as how we hire, promote, and build teams. We conduct annual pay equity audits and train all managers on pay practices. We believe inclusion drives creativity.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and a compact, representative portfolio (no larger than 4MB). Show us what you've led, not just what you've touched.

Perkins&Will is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Pay Transparency: We are committed to pay equity. Compensation decisions are based on qualifications, skillset, and experience. Employees may discuss their own compensation without fear of retaliation. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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