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Custom Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Michaels Stores

Custom Framing Designer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Embrace and execute personal designer by using Elevated ABC Deliver to build relationships with all customers while creating Custom Framing solutions. * deliver sales and production results

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All JobsCustom Designer JobsCustom Designer Jobs in California

Custom Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do custom designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for custom designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a custom designer?

A Custom Designer is a professional who creates unique and personalized designs tailored to a client's specific needs and preferences. This can include designing clothing, interiors, graphics, products, or other items, depending on the designer's area of expertise. Custom Designers work closely with clients to understand their vision and requirements, then use their creativity and technical skills to bring those ideas to life. The process usually involves consultations, sketches or prototypes, and revisions to ensure the final design meets the client's expectations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a custom designer?

To thrive as a Custom Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, creativity, and proficiency in CAD software, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools, and sometimes specific industry certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with clients and teams are important soft skills. These skills are crucial for creating tailor-made solutions that meet client specifications while ensuring feasibility and high-quality outcomes.

How do custom designers typically collaborate with clients and other team members during a project?

Custom Designers often work closely with clients to understand their vision, preferences, and requirements, which involves regular communication and feedback sessions. They also collaborate with other professionals such as project managers, engineers, and fabricators to ensure that designs are practical, feasible, and meet quality standards. Effective teamwork and adaptability are essential, as the design process may require revisions based on client input or technical constraints. Maintaining clear documentation and managing expectations throughout the project helps ensure successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Custom Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCustom DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, sometimes specialized softwarePortfolio, design skills, often certifications in design software
Work EnvironmentCustom projects, client-specific, often in fashion, interior, or product designAdvertising, branding, print, digital media
Industry UsageFashion, interior design, product customizationMarketing, publishing, media

Custom Designers focus on creating tailored, client-specific designs for products, fashion, or interiors, often working closely with clients. Graphic Designers develop visual content for branding, advertising, and media, typically working on projects like logos, posters, and digital content. While both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, Custom Designers often specialize in personalized, physical or bespoke items, whereas Graphic Designers focus on visual communication across various media.

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

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

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

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

Custom Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Custom Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Designer - Architectural Wall Systems

M|R Walls

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About M R Walls M R Walls is a leading innovative, architectural wall solution features in top architectural projects. We design and fabricate seamless, custom-carved wall systems for world-class healthcare, hospitality, and commercial projects. Our work lives at the intersection of architecture, advanced fabrication, and bespoke design.
The Role We're looking for a technically skilled designer to join our Santa Monica studio full-time. You'll take projects from concept through production developing custom designs, creating renderings, producing shop drawings and fabrication files, and generating install diagrams that make it to the field. You'll work closely with our project managers and sales team on active jobs from day one. This is a hands-on, in-studio role. Every day, in person.
What You'll Do
  • Develop custom wall designs tailored to each project's architecture and program
  • Produce renderings for client review and approval
  • Draft detailed technical shop drawings and production files for CNC fabrication
  • Create clear, accurate install diagrams for field teams
  • Read and interpret architectural drawings, construction documents, and specs
  • Coordinate daily with project managers and the sales team to keep jobs moving
  • Own your files from concept sign-off to production handoff

Requirements
  • 2-5 years of experience in architectural design, millwork, fabrication, or a related technical field
  • Proficient in Rhino, Grasshopper, and Blender
  • Ability to read and work directly from architectural drawings and construction documents
  • Hands-on understanding of fabrication; you know how things are actually built
  • Detail-obsessed and organized: you can manage multiple active jobs under pressure without dropping anything
  • Strong communicator: comfortable coordinating with PMs, sales, and field teams

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Full-time, in-person role in our Santa Monica studio
  • Direct involvement in high-profile, custom projects nationwide
  • A tight-knit team where your work has real impact

Apply