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Contract Interior Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cairn Collaborative

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 ...

Perkins & Will

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 ...

Perkins and Will

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 ...

ENGICON CM

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 ...

DGA

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 ...

DGA

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 ...

New

Owais Construction Group

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 ...

DGA

Interior Designer

San Diego, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

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

New

DGA

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 ...

LPA Design Studios

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 ...

DGA

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

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

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All JobsContract Interior Designer JobsContract Interior Designer Jobs in California

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 22, 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:

Contract Interior Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Interior Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% 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

Cairn Collaborative

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview

Cairn Collaborative Design-Build's Interior Designer is responsible for guiding residential clients through the interior design process from concept through execution in close coordination with the architectural and build teams. This role requires strong design judgment, organization, an ability and desire to learn and adapt, and the capability to balance creativity with constraints. You'll be expected to take ownership of your projects, communicate clearly with clients and our in-house build team, and ensure that selections are documented accurately and executed as intended. This is an on-site, hands-on role within an integrated, true design-build environment.

Responsibilities:

Lead interior design efforts for Cairn's custom homes and remodels

  • Performs any necessary pre-contract meetings and design in collaboration with Cairn's architectural team, project managers, and estimator

Reviews client's design requirements and budgets; determines best design options for the client and project.

Develop design concepts, material palettes, and finish selections in advance of construction contracts and mobilization

  • Prepare and maintain schedules for selections, specifications, and approvals for purchasing and construction teams
  • Coordinate closely with Cairn's Project Coordinator, Project Manager, and vendors to track selections through ordering, delivery, and installation
  • Maintain organized project files and design documentation for Cairn support staff and clients
  • Creates highly detailed drawings using Revit/CAD software
  • Creates 3D renderings for visual representation of designs for field staff and clients

Ensure update drawings are with Project Managers and Cairn's on-site Lead Carpenters

Adapts plans according to circumstances for resolving any problems which may arise during construction

Results:

  • Clients feel guided, comfortable, and supported throughout the design-and-build process
  • Selections are thoughtful, holistic, and aligned with Cairn's values and client desires
  • Selections are made in alignment with client and project budgets
  • Communication between ID - PM - Lead Carpenter - Client is smooth and n'sync
  • Documentation is clear, complete, accessible, and construction ready

Qualifications:

5+ years of residential interior design experience

Knowledge of working within a true design-build system is beneficial

Proficiency in Photoshop; Lightroom; SketchUp; InDesign; CAD; Enscape

  • Strong understanding of materials, finishes, and residential detailing
  • Strong holistic understanding (or ability and desire to learn) of sustainable materials and methods

Ability to interact kindly with clients and other team members of different backgrounds

Portfolio of work and references


Compensation range: $85,000-$105,000 Based On Experience and part-time or full-time employment capability

Benefits: If part-time, paid vacation is two-weeks after the first year of employment;. If full-time, the same health package as field employees - California Platinum PPO - is offered with Medical, Dental, Vision after 6 months; Paid Vacations - 2 weeks after first year; 2 weeks each subsequent year; Monthly physical-health reimbursement allowance of $200 for outside-of-coverage treatments; matching IRA; Paid training and continuing education; phone compensation; transportation compensation; company vehicle after reviews.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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