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Design Director Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

NBBJ

Design Leader - Corporate Interiors

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$133K - $155K/yr

We are an award-winning design firm, fueled by ideas and a culture of collaboration. Our purpose-driven approach creates healthy places, strong communities and a resilient environment. That's where ...

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Design Director information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$41.3K

$151.7K

$271.6K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in San Ramon, CA is $151,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $182,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director do?

A Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization. They manage design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that all visual outputs align with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors are responsible for setting design standards, mentoring team members, and ensuring the quality and consistency of creative work across various platforms. Their role often includes strategic planning, project management, and communication with clients or upper management.

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

To thrive as a Design Director, you need deep expertise in design principles, visual communication, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools is essential, along with experience in overseeing brand and creative strategy. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering cohesive design solutions, inspiring creative teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

How does a design director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Design Director, you will regularly work with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and user needs. This role often involves leading design reviews, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to your team. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for design principles are essential, as you'll need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Being proactive in building relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and fosters a collaborative environment that leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Director vs Art Director?

AspectDesign DirectorArt Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall design strategy, manages multiple projects, and leads design teamsFocuses on visual style, aesthetics, and execution of specific projects or campaigns
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, broad design expertiseVisual creativity, technical skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, agency, or large studio settingsOften in advertising, media, or entertainment industries
Common UsageUsed when referring to senior design leadership rolesUsed for roles focused on visual and artistic direction

The main difference between a Design Director and an Art Director lies in scope and focus. A Design Director oversees overall design strategy and manages teams across multiple projects, while an Art Director concentrates on the visual style and execution of specific projects. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

Is it hard to become a design director?

Becoming a design director typically requires extensive experience in design, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing projects and teams. Many professionals advance to this role after years of working in design roles such as senior designer or art director, often developing expertise in design tools and strategic thinking. The path can be competitive and may involve gaining relevant certifications or advanced education in design or management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in San Ramon, CA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in San Ramon, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Design Director job openings:

Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,718 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Design Leader - Corporate Interiors

NBBJ

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$133K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are an award-winning design firm, fueled by ideas and a culture of collaboration. Our purpose-driven approach creates healthy places, strong communities and a resilient environment. That's where you come in. With leading clients, diverse colleagues and offices in creative capitals around the globe, a career at NBBJ will inspire you to be extraordinary and help create lasting change. You can learn more about our firm, see what it's like to work here and explore recent projects and ideas at NBBJ.com. Join us to make an impact today!
The role at a glance:
NBBJ is seeking an Interior Design Leader to join our highly collaborative Corporate Workplace practice. We are looking for a leader who is committed to design excellence, client relationship building, and practice development. A successful candidate will work with teams to create transformational environments that enhance the human experience. We are also looking for this person to love and be inspired by what they do!
Our ideal candidate for this role can work both collaboratively and independently, proactively engaging clients and team members to achieve successful results. They should be positive, inspirational, and influential and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
As an Interior Design Leader, you will play a dual role as a client and public-facing expert who is visible in the San Francisco market and capable of winning and delivering projects of all sizes. You will also be a proven leader of high-performing teams with strong communication skills and the ability to lead, grow, inspire, and drive our commitment to design excellence and innovation. You will shape NBBJ's global practice on a regional, national, and international level. Adept at managing the work of design teams and building long-term strategic relationships, you will provide inspiration, mentorship, and guidance through an integrated delivery process. You will also work closely with the Corporate Interiors Practice Leadership Team to generate leads, identify new business opportunities, and drive new business.
In your new role you will:
• Energize and inspire forward-thinking, creative design thought leadership
• Bring a strong desire to educate, mentor and advance the design dialogue within the San Francisco studio
• Be able to articulate and present to clients
• Be adept at integrating strategic programming and design
• Work closely with the Corporate Interiors Practice Leadership Team and Marketing Manager to continually identify and generate business opportunities that expand the Corporate practice in a manner consistent with the practice's and NBBJ's firmwide strategic vision.
• Support the development of marketing content that reinforces the Corporate practice's image, value proposition and POV.
• Provide strategy and vision for proposals and meetings with prospective clients to increase win rate
• Promote the reputation of the Corporate Interiors practice through conference presentations, magazine articles, social media communications and industry engagement.
• Contribute to the growth of the Corporate practice: develop and execute new and existing client relationships through a deep understanding of client businesses and needs
• Be an excellent key seller of design ideas and a strong client relationship leader
• Appreciate diversity of people, ideas and styles
• Have a desire to make a positive impact on others
• Be willing to let the best ideas win!
What you need to succeed:
• Must be an expert in interior design (with a focus on the workplace) with a deep understanding of the San Francisco market
• 15+ years as a lead designer with a proven track record of building high performing teams
• Architectural licensure or NCIDQ (ideal)
• LEED Accreditation or within 18 months of hire (ideal)
• Proven ability to build business and deliver complex interiors projects at all scales
• Adept at seeing the world through the client's lens
• A great communicator and storyteller with an engaging and energetic personality
The annual base pay range for this role is anticipated to be between $133,000 and $155,000. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their skills, qualifications and experience.
This role requires the individual to be based in the United States.
NBBJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer.

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