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Design Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We take pride in our commitment to research-based design, speed, and efficiency. Position Summary: Silver Creek is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the development and completion of ...

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Design Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$95.9K

$165.8K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in California is $95,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

A Design Project Manager can earn a salary of $100,000 or more depending on experience, location, industry, and company size. Senior project managers with certifications like PMP and strong leadership skills are more likely to reach or exceed this salary level.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often executive roles such as Creative Director or Chief Design Officer, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures for experienced professionals in large organizations. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, industrial design, or design consulting can also command high salaries, especially with advanced skills and certifications.

What Is a Design Project Manager?

Design project managers oversee one or a group of creative projects for a client. They are often found working on interior design efforts and online web design projects. As a design project manager, your job duties include establishing the project schedule, monitoring the budget, and motivating a team of creative professionals. The qualifications to pursue a career as a design project manager include a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or business management and several years of industry experience.

What does a design project manager do?

A design project manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of design projects, coordinating between clients, designers, and other stakeholders. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources, often using project management tools like Asana or Trello, to ensure projects meet quality standards and deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, design principles, and a relevant degree, often paired with experience in design or architecture fields. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project), design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), and certifications such as PMP or Agile are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and project challenges effectively. These competencies ensure projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with client or organizational goals.

What is the difference between Design Project Manager vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Project ManagerInterior Designer
CredentialsProject management certifications, design backgroundInterior design degree, licensing (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, design firms, client meetingsShowrooms, clients' homes, design studios
Industry UsageConstruction, architecture, design firmsResidential, commercial interior design
Primary FocusManaging design projects, timelines, budgetsCreating interior spaces, aesthetics, functionality

The main difference is that a Design Project Manager oversees the entire project process, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while an Interior Designer focuses on designing and decorating interior spaces. Both roles require design knowledge, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

How does a Design Project Manager typically coordinate collaboration between design teams and other departments?

A Design Project Manager acts as a central point of communication, ensuring that design teams work closely with stakeholders such as marketing, engineering, and product management. They regularly hold meetings to align project goals, clarify requirements, and address any roadblocks, fostering a collaborative environment. By managing timelines and expectations across departments, they help ensure that design deliverables integrate seamlessly with larger organizational objectives. This role often requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints from other teams, making strong communication and negotiation skills essential.

What are the 4 types of project managers?

In project management, four common types are functional, projectized, matrix, and hybrid managers. Functional managers work within departments, projectized managers lead dedicated teams, matrix managers share resources across projects, and hybrid managers combine elements of these structures. Each type influences communication, authority, and resource allocation in managing design projects.
What are popular job titles related to Design Project Manager jobs in California? For Design Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Senior Design Project Manager

Senior Design Project Manager

Ryan Companies

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

This position is primarily responsible for managing the design process on large and complicated projects, ensuring that design intent is executed on time and on budget, both as part of a collaborative team and independently.

Some things you can expect to do:

  • Ensure team members understand what is expected of them and hold them accountable for performance, provide regular feedback and have development conversations, delegate appropriate tasks and provide timely and meaningful recognition.

  • Work in tandem with client, director, department leadership and key project team members to develop design project management plan for each phase of project.

  • Lead design project management efforts through the design and construction phases of multiple projects.

  • Manage and participate in design meetings, owner/client meetings and project team meetings. Establish agendas, leads meetings in partnership with other A+E staff, documents and communicates meeting decisions and next steps.

  • Develop resource plan including internal staff and consultants.

  • Manage internal resources using Deltek, including regular review of team hours.

  • Manage consultants including creating RFPs, soliciting proposals, selecting consultants in partnership with director and department leadership, executing contracts and managing consultant's scope.

  • Develop and manage design schedule. Communicate key milestones and deadlines to internal team, partners and consultants. Collaborates with director to communicate schedule and resource requirements at staffing meetings.

  • Manage "Owner Authorization to Proceed" process for each design phase of the project.

  • Manage project scope through tracking and communicating open items and priorities.

  • Manage deliverables. Document and communicate deliverable expectations in partnership with the development, construction, and project team. Track projected progress to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time.

  • Perform tasks with a high level of collaboration and sets an example for others to follow.

  • Establish and pursue annual goals based on personal, professional, and company growth in the industry.

  • Attend project interviews and participate in business development.

  • Ensure firm and project goals of design excellence, execution and profitability.

  • Direct, supervise and mentor staff.

Eligibility:

Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

  • Retirement and Savings Benefits

  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

  • Life Insurance

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Educational Assistance

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

  • Parenting Benefits

  • Employee Discount Programs

  • Pet insurance

  • Ryan Foundation - charitable matching funds

  • Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Notice to Candidates:

Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you recieve communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at humanresources@ryancompanies.com

Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

To be successful in this role, you must have relevant professional work experience with a proven track record of managing multiple projects, including projects over $50M. Understanding of project scheduling, budgeting, resource, and workload management is required. You must have a proven track record of leading and coordination work efforts of staff with thoughtful, inspirational, and collaborative leadership.

You will really stand out if you have:

  • Professional architecture degree

  • At least 12 years of experience

  • Architectural licensure

  • Strong knowledge of Excel, Procore, Deltek and other project management software

  • Revit and Bluebeam knowledge

  • LEED AP, WELL AP, and PMP certifications