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Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Associate and Lead Designers with various design and administrative tasks related to all phases of high end interior design from initial planning through to project completion Review project plans ...

Assoc Manager Product Designer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$201K/yr

The Product Design Associate Manager will lead and inspire a group of designers on 1 or more of our key segments of business in Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets, creating ...

The Product Design Associate Manager will lead and inspire a group of designers on 1 or more of our key segments of business in Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets, creating ...

Styling & Sales Expert

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

The associate position at Homee is both deeply creative and sales driven. While background in interior design is not necessary, every Design Associate will go through a rigorous training process to ...

Styling & Sales Expert

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

The associate position at Homee is both deeply creative and sales driven. While background in interior design is not necessary, every Design Associate will go through a rigorous training process to ...

... Associate and Lead Designers with various design and administrative tasks related to all phases of high end interior design from initial planning through to project completion โ€ข Review project ...

Benefits Being an associate at Coupar will give you access to work with the top 1% of the residential design firms in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. You will be exposed the proven design process that ...

Benefits Being an associate at Coupar will give you access to work with the top 1% of the residential design firms in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. You will be exposed the proven design process that ...

Benefits Being an associate at Coupar will give you access to work with the top 1% of the residential design firms in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. You will be exposed the proven design process that ...

PCB Design Librarian III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

Advanced certification in PCB design, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in PCB Design or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering (or related field) * Certifications such as: CID ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Associate information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$57.8K

$86.4K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 a design associate?

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.

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 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 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 are 20 careers in design?

Design associates can pursue careers in graphic design, interior design, industrial design, fashion design, web design, user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, animation, product design, landscape design, architectural design, textile design, game design, exhibit design, branding, packaging design, furniture design, visual merchandising, illustration, motion graphics, and CAD drafting. Many roles require proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD tools and may involve collaboration with clients or teams. Certifications or degrees in design or related fields can enhance job prospects in these careers.

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

The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,794 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

COUPAR: Interior Design Assistant

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description: Design Assistant Design Assistant The Design Assistant role at COUPAR is a key role within our organization. As the design assistant, you will be working closely with the design team to implement the project design in collaboration with the Principal and Lead/Managing designers. This role assists in all aspects of the design process from maintaining FF&E, developing schedules, processing work orders, developing client presentations, working in AutoCAD and administrative responsibilities.

Qualifications:

1 - 2 years of Interior Design internship or assistant level professional experience

Positive attitude with eagerness to grow both professionally and personally

A creative problem solver - Looks at problems as opportunities

Highly productive and organized with thorough attention to detail

Multitasking extraordinaire

Dependable and punctual

Effectively communicates with the team and vendors

Ability to work both as a team & independently, taking direction with minimal supervision

Strong administrative skills and a foundation in following processes and procedures

Professional demeanor and sound judgment

High EQ - Does not take things personally and is open to feedback

Ability to be coached and learn alternate ways of approaching issues

Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture a plus

Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, and MS Office is a plus

Proficient in any 3D rendering platforms and/or the ability to hand render is a plus

Knowledge of Quickbooks Online, Studio Designer or Basecamp is a plus

Having access to a vehicle is a plus Responsibilities:

Manage tasks within 2-3 projects simultaneously with an eye for detail

Maintain all project information in Basecamp with daily updates

Assist with presentation preparation through the use of Powerpoint

Gather detailed information and quotes for preparation of accurate design proposals

Create and prepare proposals for client submission

Assist Associate and Lead Designers with various design and administrative tasks related to all phases of high end interior design from initial planning through to project completion

Review project plans and understand project scope, completion schedules and other related documents

Develop AutoCAD plans, including but not limited to: floor plans, furniture plans, elevations, and reflected ceiling plans

Maintain up to date knowledge of products and materials available on the market

Maintain and develop vendor database and accounts

Assist with sample return, sample pulls and materials library organization

Assist Design Team with the following but not limited to: Studio Designer, Designer Link, Ivy, and Harvest time input and order tracking

Organize and maintain client FF&E binders

Interface with vendors via phone calls, emails, and shop visits to coordinate production and completion of orders

Ability to resolve project problems and respond appropriately to vendor concerns with tact and efficiency

Attendance or coordination of project site visit, vendor site measures, and furniture inspections

Maintain excellent organization of project files, samples, and orders

Track assigned tasks, appointments, and correspondence with detailed follow-through to reach completion

Coordinate and assist with onsite project installations, which may include picking up and returning supplies, managing supply inventory lists, and creating and managing deinstallation punch list

Proactively engage in the design process by managing up to Design Associate and Lead Designers

Accurately and thoroughly document and manage time per company guidelines, inputting into Quickbooks and client softwares by the communicated deadlines Hourly Pay Range $25-28/hr