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Design Director Interior Design Jobs in California

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 ...

Ware Malcomb

Support Interior Designer/ Sr Interior Designer with all design communication and design ... Director or Studio Manager * Space planning and creation of program documents * Creation of design ...

Aetwork

Design Director (Culver City)

Culver City, CA · On-site

Design Directors at Blitz champion conceptually and technically strong architecture, shaping studio ... Accredited degree in Architecture, Interior Design or Graphic Design * Licensed Architect in ...

RH

Interior Design Assistant

Corte Madera, CA

Design Assistants play an integral role in supporting key phases of a design project's lifecycle in collaboration and partnership with RH Interior Design. They are innovators with an entrepreneurial ...

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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 21, 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.

Studio Manager, Interior Architecture & Design

Ware Malcomb

Los Angeles, CA

$133K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

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 Studio Manager is a key member of the Ware Malcomb senior management team, responsible for supporting the Principal or Director in the areas of growth, revenue, profitability, project management, design, staff management and client relationships for their market area. You will be responsible for nurturing a positive, team-oriented environment, ensuring financial goals and deadlines are being met, and assisting the office leader in business development.
Your Role
  • Leading, mentoring and training staff
  • Responsible for new project proposals and overall financial health of projects
  • Assist in responding to RFQ/RFPs and participate in business development efforts.
  • Manage client relationships, actively pursue additional and new business. 
  • Oversee projects for the Interior Architecture & Design group
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience within the field of interior design/architecture with at least two years at the Project Manager or Senior Project Manager level
  • Preferred experience in a leadership role
  • Experience working on commercial interior design projects, including workplace/corporate interiors, retail or other commercial
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships
  • Business Development experience and strong local network preferred
  • Registered Interior Designer or NCIDQ Certification strongly preferred
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture or related field
  • CAD and Revit knowledge
  • Ability to lead and foster a team environment
The compensation range is $133-$147k, plus benefits. Read more about Life at Ware Malcomb.
The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, licensing, project specialty/complexity and work location. We may exceed the posted compensation range for candidates who surpass the posted requirements. At Ware Malcomb, certain roles are bonus eligible.  
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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