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Design Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through ...

New

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through ...

New

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through ...

New

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through ...

New

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent * Knowledge of the function and operation of Autodesk Inventor ...

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent * Knowledge of the function and operation of Autodesk Inventor ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Martin Marietta Management Associate Program is an investment in you. It is our way of ... Uses engineering principles to assist in pit development, plant design, and improving production ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Martin Marietta Management Associate Program is an investment in you. It is our way of ... Uses engineering principles to assist in pit development, plant design, and improving production ...

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$22 - $29.50/hr

Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience * Recommendations from faculty in CAD program attesting to good work ethic and potential CAD skill expertise * Two or more years of related experience ...

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience * Recommendations from faculty in CAD program attesting to good work ethic and potential CAD skill expertise * Two or more years of related experience ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Our associates grow to become valuable Company leaders. Relocation assistance is available. Summary ... Uses engineering principles to assist in pit development, plant design, and improving production ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in Ames, IA

Design Associate information

See Ames, IA salary details

$19.1K

$57.3K

$85.6K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Ames, IA is $57,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $66,500.00 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.
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Design Associate jobs near you
Project Design Manager

Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

New

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 160 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title

Project Design Manager

Job Description Summary

The Project Design Manager's role is to be the main point of contact for their assigned account(s), implement workplace strategy and standards, and provide management of and support for design associates for their assigned account(s).

Job Description

Responsibilities:
Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through start of construction
Develop and manage team project timelines, budgets, standards, varying complexity of projects, and resource allocation.
Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables.
Ensures that all new processes and design standards are communicated to Project Designers and implemented within documentation
Review and confirm all preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety, and applicable code requirements
Review selection and specifications of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description to meet clients' requirements
Provide on-going training to team, related to space planning & design, program management and FF&E services
Develops client workplace standards; recommends new standards and looks for continued improvements to the client workplace design
Contribute experience to the interior environment with knowledge and skills about space planning, interior building materials and finishes; casework, furniture, furnishings, and equipment; lighting; acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior.
Work independently or with minor oversight to perform assignments including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, space planning and construction documentation
Oversees and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc.
Provide extensive and rapid-fire knowledge of FF&E vendors and resources to the team

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design.
4+ years of professional design experience
4+ years of Revit experience in a professional setting
Demonstrates proficiency in architectural drawings, concepts & design
Excellent time management, communication, collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, in addition to the ability to work independently
Must be able to lead a team effort, and delegate work to all team members to enable them to work independently
Able to build strong relationships with internal and external partners to deliver effective services
Project Goals. Understand, document, and confirm the client's and stakeholders' goals and objectives, including design outcomes, space needs, project budget, and needs for specific or measurable outcomes.
Data Collection: Collect data from client and stakeholders by engaging in programming, surveys, focus groups, charrette exercises, and benchmarking to maximize design outcomes and occupant satisfaction.


Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 73,950.00 - $87,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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