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Design Associate Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Royal Caribbean Group

Lead, Design Associate

Miami, FL · On-site

Regularly assists and occasionally conducts practicality reviews to check that operational, risk or accessibility concerns are being considered in all aspects of design. * Assist Sr. Associate with ...

Royal Caribbean Group

Sr. Design Associate

Miami, FL · On-site

$97K - $104K/yr

The Sr. Associate, Architectural Design supports the development and coordination of architectural design work for newbuild, revitalization, or refurbishment projects. This role supports the ...

Royal Caribbean Group

Lead, Design Associate

Miami, FL · On-site

Regularly assists and occasionally conducts practicality reviews to check that operational, risk or accessibility concerns are being considered in all aspects of design. * Assist Sr. Associate with ...

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Sr. Design Associate

Miami, FL · On-site

$97K - $104K/yr

The Sr. Associate, Architectural Design supports the development and coordination of architectural design work for newbuild, revitalization, or refurbishment projects. This role supports the ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in Florida

Design Associate information

See Florida salary details

$14.6K

$43.8K

$65.4K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Florida is $43,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $50,800.00 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 Florida? The most popular types of Design jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in Florida? For Design Associate jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,762 per year, or $21 per hour.
Lead, Design Associate

Lead, Design Associate

Royal Caribbean Group

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Royal Caribbean Group rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description

Journey with us! Combine your career goals and sense of adventure by joining our exciting team of employees. Royal Caribbean Group is pleased to offer a competitive compensation & benefits package, and excellent career development opportunities, each offering unique ways to explore the world.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Lead, Architectural Design provides a leadership role and expertise to the new building projects as assigned by the SVP, Architectural Design. Manages and coordinates architectural design work for newbuild, revitalization or refurbishment projects. Leads and develops a team of architects/designers working on specified projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develops team resources (people, processes, tools) to manage large scale projects. Independently plans, manages, guides design, and oversees projects, while cross coordinating and sharing best practices effectively between external architectural, interior design and consultancy firms, guiding the design they provide.
  • Leader who ensures the design intent is apparent and credible, and that the voice of the Executive Steering Committee and Brand Think Tank is communicated clearly and consistently throughout the design process.
  • Ensures that brand concepts are apparent and credible and fulfill the voice of the Corporation and each Brand, which continues our culture of design innovation.
  • Applies and ensures the brand & design standards, CADD & drawing standards, and contract references, assisting Supervisor with oversight that project materials are delivered on a timely basis.
  • Plans, manages, and guides design while cross coordinating and sharing best practices effectively between external architectural, interior design and consultancy firms, guiding the design they provide.
  • Receives guidance and coordination from Sr. Associate and Manager on unusual or complex issues.
  • Thrives in an innovative, forward thinking, proactive, and collaborative environment that brings all disciplines together and creates favorable results. Commitment to learning & growth of oneself and others.
  • Upholds SQM practices throughout all design phases.
  • Regularly attends meetings with sponsors (clients).
  • Studies, collects, shares, compare, stores statistical information, and analyze various ships and areas bringing forth observations.
  • Creates presentations and reports for design management.
  • Assists with cost complexity balancing along with other cost control needs.
  • Regularly assists and occasionally conducts practicality reviews to check that operational, risk or accessibility concerns are being considered in all aspects of design.
  • Assist Sr. Associate with supporting shop drawing review process, and yard / contractor coordination meetings, mockup reviews, factory visits and inspections during newbuilding process and drydock period.
  • Stays current in industry trends and innovation through research and market knowledge.
  • Occasionally accepts assignments for design concepts, space planning, design development, drawings & details (elevations, sections, details) of designated venues.
  • Performs other duties as required.
  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of 10 years cruise design industry experience required.
  • Minimum of 5 years managing large scale projects.
  • Minimum of 2 years managing direct reports preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design required, Architecture preferred.
  • Cruise ship newbuild or revitalization design experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Knowledge of cruise ship staterooms or crew areas preferred.
  • Must possess skills in at least 2 of the following: AutoCAD, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Sketchup; Microsoft Project is nice to know.
  • Must be effective communicator with project team (and sponsor when required) exhibiting good capabilities in written, oral, and graphic media. Represents department and self in a competent professional manner.
  • Is highly motivated, efficient, and organized. Has fundamental understanding of time management, with priorities being established by supervisor.
  • Works on multiple projects, and multiple tasks under various team members. Has strong ability to maintain focus?
  • Ability to travel internationally or domestically 25% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required, to talk, hear sit, stand, write, review and type reports, compile data, and operate a pc.
  • The employee communicates, listens, compares variables, and assesses information.
  • The employee regularly moves about the office complex, and may climb, descend, lift or move 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The environment includes office location, and /or moving inside/outside the office.
  • A high noise level is possible if visiting shipboard or offsite locations.
  • Ability to travel internationally or domestically 15% of the time.

We know there's a lot to consider. As you go through the application process, our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance, and more relevant details to answer any additional questions. Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group. We'll hope to see you onboard soon!
It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. RCL and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

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