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Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Greens

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA

$65K - $78K/yr

Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with Greens' standards and client expectations. * Collaborate closely with the Vice ...

Greens Operations Inc

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with Greens' standards and client expectations. * Collaborate closely with the Vice ...

Apply Early

Morrison Interiors

Interior Design Intern

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

A Design Associate is learning the design process and developing the technical skills by collaborating with the team in all phases of the design process. * A Junior Designer is fine tuning the ...

Bright Event Rentals

Be Seen First

Permit / CAD Associate

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

The Permit / CAD Associate splits their time supporting the Sales Team with necessary event permits and as a supporting member of the CAD team. They will act as a liaison for Bright and the local ...

Room & Board

Design Associate (5-day)

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$29.81/hr

At Room & Board, our full-time Design/Retail Sales Associate role (5 days a week, including weekends, with 8-hour shifts) offers an array of generous benefits, including health benefits, three weeks ...

loco

Associate, Restaurant Design

Costa Mesa, CA

The Design Associate will support the Design & Construction Teams for both company and franchise remodel projects. The role requires strong organizational skills, technical design knowledge, and the ...

Greens

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with Greens' standards and client expectations. * Collaborate closely with the Vice ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in California

Design Associate information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$57.8K

$86.4K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in California is $57,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Associate vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign AssociateDesign Coordinator
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional project management skills
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, retail, or corporate settingsDesign teams, client-facing roles, project management settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in interior, graphic, and product designOften used interchangeably or in larger firms for project oversight

The main difference between a Design Associate and a Design Coordinator lies in their focus. Design Associates typically assist with design tasks and client support, while Design Coordinators often handle project coordination, timelines, and communication. Both roles require similar credentials, but Design Coordinators usually have additional organizational responsibilities.

What does a design associate do?

A design associate supports the design team by creating visual concepts, drafting layouts, and preparing presentations using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. They collaborate with clients and team members to develop design solutions and ensure projects meet specifications and deadlines.

What is a design assistant's salary?

A design assistant's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn more. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often senior roles such as Creative Director or Design Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. Specialized fields like UX/UI design or industrial design can also offer high salaries at senior levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in graphic design, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate creatively are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities enable effective project execution, ensure design consistency, and foster successful teamwork in a fast-paced creative environment.

What are some common challenges Design Associates face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Design Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make managing deadlines and shifting priorities a challenge. Effective communication with team members and clear organization of tasks are essential to ensure all projects move forward smoothly. Additionally, adapting quickly to feedback from clients or senior designers is key, as project requirements can change rapidly. Building strong time management skills and staying flexible will help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are Design Associates?

Design Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who support design teams in creating visual concepts, layouts, and presentations for projects across industries such as graphic design, interior design, fashion, and architecture. They assist senior designers by conducting research, preparing materials, and using design software to bring creative ideas to life. Design Associates often collaborate with clients and other team members to ensure that the final product aligns with project goals and brand standards.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI tools are increasingly used by design associates to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic judgment. Designers and design associates still play a vital role in interpreting client needs, making strategic decisions, and ensuring quality. AI serves as a complement to design skills rather than a complete replacement in the design process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in California? For Design Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,794 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Design Associate Talent Community

CLMI Group, LLC

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

CLMI Group is looking for passionate construction professionals to join our team! While we may not have a current opening, we invite you to join our talent community and be considered for future opportunities that align with your expertise. We value ambition, dedication, and innovation, and believe in building a network of talented individuals who share our commitment to making a difference.

Position Title: Design Associate - Talent Community 

Location: Los Angeles, California (Candidates must be able and willing to commute to Los Angeles, CA)

Due Date: Continuous

Duties:

  • Assists Planning and Development staff by providing support services pertaining to the planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects
  • Assists in performing routine procedural work related to management of Architectural- Engineering contracts and services, and preparing studies and presentations
  • Reads and interprets architectural, engineering and planning documents
  • Collects and organizes data for reports and presentations
  • Assists in the preparation of reports and minor project research
  • Updates and maintains project files with technical information
  • Reviews plans and design/construction documentation for compliance with applicable client standard requirements and federal, state and local codes.
  • Reviews and prepares internal documentation for completeness and approval by other District branches (i.e.: AE Contracts, AE invoices, etc.)
  • Assists in coordinating project activities with other District organizational branches and departments (i.e.: Office of the Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, Furniture + Interiors Group, Project Execution, Local Districts, etc.) in support of design and construction administration functions.
  • Participates in community relations and outreach programs to create understanding and acceptance of District building projects within the community
  • Performs other related tasks required.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Required Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years full-time paid professional experience working in an architecture and design setting.
  • Experience performing architectural, engineering, or planning design and coordination of design disciplines, conducting surveys and field investigations, and reviewing architectural, engineering, or planning drawings and documentation.
  • Three (3) years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency

Required Education

  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or planning

Knowledge/Skills

  • Architectural, Engineering, or Planning terms, concepts, and symbols
  • Architectural characteristics of building materials and technical detailing
  • Research methods and techniques, including planning studies and surveys, determining variables, and developing sources of data
  • Basic record keeping methods
  • Software: Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Autocad, Revit
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in the use of computer database and related equipment
  • Analyze architectural/engineering/planning problems related to assigned educational facilities projects and recommend appropriate and feasible solutions.
  • Interpret federal, state, and local codes related to educational facilities
  • Possess knowledge of California Department of Education, Division of the State Architect, applicable building and engineering codes, fire codes and energy codes. (i.e.: ADA, CA Title 24, CalGreen, etc.)
  • Make detailed and accurate calculations and surveys
  • Compile, interpret/analyze, and summarize data, and recognize the implications of complex documents
  • Has the ability to collaborate with other team members
  • Ability to multi-task

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • 401k Matching
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term / Long Term Disability / Life

Apply