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Design Director Interior Design Jobs in California

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

Thuma Inc.

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

Jobtailor

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

* Establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice * Define design principles for creating Oasis across every customer touchpoint * Serve as the company's interior design expert and trusted partner ...

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title Interior Design Manager Position Type Regular Job Number SA90724 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification ...

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Position Information Position Title Interior Design Manager Position Type Regular Job Number SA90724 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$71K - $103K/yr

This is an intermediate-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

This is an junior-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

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All JobsDesign Interior Design JobsDesign Director Interior Design JobsDesign Director Interior Design Jobs in California

Design Director Interior Design information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$134K

$239.8K

How much do design director interior design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director interior design in California is $133,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director in interior design do?

A Design Director in Interior Design leads and oversees the creative vision for interior spaces, ensuring that projects align with client goals and brand identity. They manage design teams, coordinate with clients, architects, and contractors, and are responsible for the overall quality and consistency of interior design projects. Their role includes developing concepts, reviewing design plans, and making key decisions on materials, furnishings, and layouts. Design Directors also mentor junior designers and help secure new business for their firm by presenting ideas and proposals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design director in interior design?

To thrive as a Design Director in Interior Design, you need a strong background in interior design principles, project management, and a degree in interior design or a related field, often with NCIDQ certification. Expertise in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent client communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative design solutions, managing teams, and ensuring client satisfaction in complex projects.

How does a design director in interior design typically collaborate with clients and project teams throughout a project?

As a Design Director in Interior Design, you play a central role in bridging client vision with the creative and technical efforts of your team. You will regularly meet with clients to understand their needs, present concepts, and gather feedback, while also mentoring designers and coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that design intent is realized. Effective communication and leadership are key, as you'll review project progress, resolve challenges, and keep everyone aligned on goals and timelines. This collaborative environment not only ensures project success but also offers opportunities to refine leadership and project management skills.

What is the difference between Design Director Interior Design vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Director Interior DesignInterior Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Interior Design, certifications like NCIDQBachelor's degree in Interior Design or related field, NCIDQ certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeading design teams, overseeing multiple projects, client presentationsExecuting design plans, working directly with clients, space planning
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, architecture firms, large corporationsInterior design firms, residential and commercial projects

While both roles require interior design credentials and industry experience, the Design Director Interior Design focuses on leadership, project oversight, and strategic planning, whereas the Interior Designer handles the execution of design concepts and client interactions. The director role involves managing teams and high-level decision-making, making it more senior and managerial in scope.

What are popular job titles related to Design Director Interior Design jobs in California?

For Design Director Interior Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Director Interior Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director Interior Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Director Interior Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Director Interior Design job openings:

Design Director Interior Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director Interior Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,985 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Director, Interior Architecture & Design

Irvine, CA • On-site

Ware-Malcomb
See more jobs at Ware-Malcombexternal

$150 - $210/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation? At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the boundaries. Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design, seamless project delivery, and we are actively engaged with both the community and the industry. Discover our vibrant culture to get an inside look into life at Ware Malcomb and the programs we offer. https://waremalcomb.com/life-at-ware-malcomb/

The Director is a key member of the Ware Malcomb senior management team responsible for leading design, growth, revenue, profitability, staff management, and client relationships for the local market. Your role involves fostering a positive, team-oriented environment and ensuring the achievement of our business objectives. This includes spearheading the growth of our Interior Design group by enhancing design, meeting financial targets, mentoring existing team members, and expanding our practice.

Your Role
  • Oversee finances, business development, operations, and team member management of the group.
  • Take overall responsibility for ensuring all proposals and contracts (client and consultant) are in place.
  • Review and sign off on all project budget reports before contract execution.
  • Be responsible for the group's organizational charts and conduct a continuous review of office forecasts, financials, and current/future staffing needs with the Region's operations manager.
  • Overall responsibility for the operations of the group, in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
  • Ensure the positive culture, morale and general wellbeing of team.
  • Review monthly project revenue projections and provide necessary weekly updates.
  • Prepare a monthly business report and participate in monthly meetings.
  • Responsible for business development and client relationships to increase market share and win work.
  • Attend business development and networking functions. Set up regular networking meetings with client and industry contacts.
  • Utilize Ware Malcomb CRM system to track all business development activity.
  • Review of groups workload scheduled. Attend scheduling meetings.
  • Proactively manage any/all project liability issues.
  • Stay connected to the team with reoccurring scheduled meetings and communication.
  • Collaborate with Ware Malcomb Talent Acquisition team to recruit new team members.
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience within the field of interior design
  • Prior experience leading a team or studio
  • Proposals experience
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships in the local market
  • Registered Interior Designer, Licensed Architect, or NCIDQ Certification strongly preferred
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or Architecture
  • Ability to lead and foster a team environment

This is a full-time, long-term position.

Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a dynamic, forward-thinking commercial real estate design firm providing professional architecture, interior design, civil engineering, branding, building measurement, structural engineering and MEP engineering services to clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of office, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, multifamily, retail, hospitality and public/institutional projects.

The firm is also ranked among the top 10 Architecture/Engineering firms in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms and the Top 30 Interior Design Firms in Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants. For more information, visit waremalcomb.com.

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