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Custom Home Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essel

High-End Residential Finish Carpenter

Altadena, CA

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

... on custom homes. * Perform punch list items and final quality touch-ups prior to homeowner turnover. * Work alongside project managers, superintendents, designers, and other skilled trades.

Essel

High-End Residential Finish Carpenter

Altadena, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $34.75/hr

... on custom homes. * Perform punch list items and final quality touch-ups prior to homeowner turnover. * Work alongside project managers, superintendents, designers, and other skilled trades.

Essel

High-End Residential Finish Carpenter

Altadena, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $34.75/hr

... on custom homes. * Perform punch list items and final quality touch-ups prior to homeowner turnover. * Work alongside project managers, superintendents, designers, and other skilled trades.

K2 Staffing

Preconstruction Manager

San Diego, CA

$121K - $123K/yr

... designers, engineers, and subcontractors, and ensuring projects are positioned for a successful transition into construction. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in custom home construction ...

K2 Staffing, LLC

Preconstruction Manager

San Diego, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

... designers, engineers, and subcontractors, and ensuring projects are positioned for a successful transition into construction. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in custom home construction ...

Proteus Homes

Manufacturing Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Drawing on 30+ years in the custom home and factory building industries, we have created a new way ... You will collaborate closely with structural designers, BIM modelers, and factory floor assembly ...

Meram Building Inc.

Be Seen First

High End Residential Construction Superintendent

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

High-End Residential Custom Home Superintendent We are seeking an experienced, highly organized ... Communicate effectively with project managers, ownership, architects, designers, and clients

Closet Factory Inc

In-Home Sales Designer

Capitola, CA · On-site

$70 - $150/hr

From custom closets and home offices to entertainment centers, pantries, garages, wall units, and more, every project is individually designed and custom-built for our clients. We are looking for ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCustom Home Designer JobsCustom Home Designer Jobs in California

Custom Home Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do custom home designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for custom home 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 does a custom home designer do?

A Custom Home Designer creates personalized home plans tailored to a client's needs, style, and budget. They work closely with homeowners to design functional and aesthetically appealing layouts while considering structural requirements, zoning laws, and building codes. Their role includes drafting floor plans, selecting materials, and collaborating with architects and builders to bring the vision to life.

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

To thrive as a Custom Home Designer, you need strong skills in architectural design, spatial planning, and a solid understanding of building codes, typically supported by a degree in architecture or interior design. Expertise in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, along with knowledge of rendering tools and relevant certifications, is highly valuable. Excellent communication, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with clients and contractors help set top professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure that unique client visions are turned into functional, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing custom homes.

What are the main challenges custom home designers face in their day-to-day work?

Custom Home Designers often face challenges such as balancing client wishes with practical constraints like budget, zoning regulations, and site limitations. Coordinating effectively with clients, contractors, and engineers is crucial to ensure the final design is both feasible and meets client expectations. Additionally, staying current with design trends, materials, and technology can require continuous learning. Overcoming these challenges is a rewarding part of the job that leads to creative problem-solving and high client satisfaction.

How much do custom home designers make?

Custom home designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior designers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Many also work freelance or run their own firms, which can influence income levels.

How to become a custom home designer?

To become a custom home designer, typically a bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or Revit are important, along with obtaining relevant licensing or certification depending on the region. Strong creativity, technical knowledge, and understanding building codes are essential for success in this role.

What degree do you need to be a custom home designer?

A custom home designer typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field. Formal education provides foundational knowledge of design principles, building codes, and drafting skills, which are essential for the role.

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

The most popular types of Custom Home Designer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Custom Home Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Custom Home Designer job openings:

Custom Home Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Custom Home Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

High-End Residential Finish Carpenter

Essel

Altadena, CA

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced High-End Residential Finish Carpenter to join our team on luxury custom home projects throughout the Altadena area. This position is ideal for a craftsman who takes pride in precision, attention to detail, and producing exceptional work in high-end residential environments.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience working on custom homes, estates, and luxury remodels and is capable of delivering flawless finish carpentry with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities
  • Install custom cabinetry, built-ins, and architectural millwork.
  • Install and finish crown molding, baseboards, casing, paneling, wainscoting, and decorative trim.
  • Hang and adjust high-end interior and exterior doors, pocket doors, and specialty hardware.
  • Install custom stair systems, handrails, mantels, shelving, and wood accents.
  • Read and interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings, and blueprints.
  • Perform detailed layout work and ensure all finish work meets luxury residential standards.
  • Scribe materials for seamless installations on custom homes.
  • Perform punch list items and final quality touch-ups prior to homeowner turnover.
  • Work alongside project managers, superintendents, designers, and other skilled trades.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site while working in occupied and high-value homes.
  • Protect finished surfaces, furnishings, and homeowner property throughout construction.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of finish carpentry experience, with at least 3 years in luxury custom residential construction.
  • Strong experience installing:
    • Custom cabinetry
    • Crown molding
    • Baseboards
    • Door and window casing
    • Wainscoting
    • Coffered ceilings
    • Custom millwork
    • Interior doors and hardware
    • Built-in shelving
  • Ability to read blueprints, shop drawings, and finish schedules.
  • Experience working with premium materials including hardwoods, veneers, and architectural finishes.
  • Skilled with miter saws, table saws, routers, track saws, laser levels, and precision measuring tools.
  • Ability to troubleshoot field conditions while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Strong understanding of luxury home construction sequencing and punch list completion.
  • Excellent communication skills and professionalism when working in occupied residences.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using Procore for daily logs, punch lists, and project communication.
  • Experience with historic home renovations or restoration projects.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • Experience working with architects, designers, and discerning homeowners.
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About Essel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and temporary help services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

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