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Design Studio Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JGM Inc.

Design Studio Lead

Los Angeles, CA

$225K - $250K/yr

Lead and manage daily operations of the design studio across multiple active projects. * Establish project priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation. * Develop and implement ...

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Develop clear, constructible 3D design concepts and supporting visualizations in collaboration with the Design Studio Manager and Production Department. * Produce accurate technical drawing sets for ...

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Develop clear, constructible 3D design concepts and supporting visualizations in collaboration with the Design Studio Manager and Production Department. * Produce accurate technical drawing sets for ...

CorePower Yoga

Studio Manager - North Park

San Diego, CA · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY As a Studio Manager (SM), you live your power by delivering a world class CorePower ... Partner with the analytics team to design the best schedule for your community by communicating the ...

CorePower Yoga

Studio Manager-San Mateo

San Mateo, CA · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY As a Studio Manager (SM), you live your power by delivering a world class CorePower ... Partner with the analytics team to design the best schedule for your community by communicating the ...

Kilroy Realty Corp.

Manager - Studio

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $166K/yr

About the Opportunity As Manager, STUDIO serves as a key contributor to the visioning and execution ... Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or another related field. * 5-8 years of ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Fremont, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of ... Technical Design * Factory Communication * Product Development * Spec development samples ...

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All JobsDesign Studio JobsDesign Studio Manager JobsDesign Studio Manager Jobs in California

Design Studio Manager information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$52.7K

$76.5K

How much do design studio manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design studio manager in California is $52,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a design studio manager, and how can they be addressed?

Design Studio Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with project deadlines, managing client expectations, and ensuring effective collaboration among diverse creative teams. Navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, transparent communication, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities. Proactively setting clear processes, encouraging open feedback, and fostering a supportive team culture can help address these issues and lead to smoother project execution.

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

To thrive as a Design Studio Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, project management tools such as Asana or Trello, and sometimes certifications in project management are typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills help you inspire creative teams and manage client relationships effectively. These skills ensure smooth studio operations, timely delivery of high-quality work, and strong collaboration within creative environments.

What is a design studio manager?

Design Studio Managers oversee the daily operations and creative output of a design studio, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to client specifications. They coordinate teams of designers, manage resources, and maintain communication between clients and staff. Their role often includes project management, quality control, and fostering a productive and innovative work environment. A Design Studio Manager typically blends creative vision with strong organizational and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Design Studio Manager vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign Studio ManagerDesign Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in design, architecture, or related field; experience in design managementOften requires a degree or diploma in design or related area; entry-level experience acceptable
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams in studio settings, manages projects, oversees client interactionsSupports design teams, coordinates schedules, assists with project documentation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in architecture, interior design, and creative agenciesCommon in similar industries for supporting roles

The Design Studio Manager oversees the entire design team and project execution, focusing on leadership and strategic planning. In contrast, the Design Coordinator provides administrative and logistical support to ensure smooth project workflows. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in responsibility level and focus area.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Studio jobs in California? The most popular types of Design Studio jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Studio Manager jobs in California? For Design Studio Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Studio Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Studio Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Studio Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Studio Manager job openings:
Design Studio Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Studio Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,700 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Design Studio Lead

JGM Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

$225K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

JGM Design Studio Lead
Overview
The Design Studio Lead is a senior design professional responsible for the creative, strategic, and operational leadership of the design studio. This role oversees design excellence, project delivery, business development, and team performance while ensuring alignment between client vision, brand standards, technical requirements, and construction execution.
The Design Studio Lead serves as the primary design liaison between clients, consultants, and project teams, leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through completion while supporting studio growth through proposal development, client engagement, and market positioning
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership amp; Vision
  • Maintain the master-planned vision while optimizing the efficiency of hospitality, residential, mixed-use, and support facilities.
  • Translate client vision, brand standards, and market positioning into innovative, buildable design solutions.
  • Provide creative direction throughout all phases of design development.
  • Oversee architectural, interior, experiential, and environmental design components from concept through completion.
  • Promote innovation, collaboration, and design excellence across all projects.
Studio Leadership amp; Operations
  • Lead and manage daily operations of the design studio across multiple active projects.
  • Establish project priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation.
  • Develop and implement studio processes that improve efficiency, collaboration, and project delivery.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop architects, designers, coordinators, and project teams.
Project Coordination amp; Delivery
  • Manage the design process across all project phases including concept, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
  • Oversee multiple projects simultaneously while monitoring budgets, schedules, deliverables, and performance metrics.
  • Coordinate internal disciplines including architecture, engineering, construction management, and project controls.
  • Coordinate external consultants including landscape architects, lighting designers, FF amp;E consultants, and specialty designers.
  • Ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution and construction.
  • Identify project risks and implement proactive solutions to maintain timelines and profitability.
Client amp; Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ownership groups, brand representatives, and project stakeholders.
  • Lead design presentations, workshops, reviews, interviews, and approval meetings.
  • Build and maintain long-term client relationships through responsive communication and successful project outcomes.
  • Manage client expectations and facilitate informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Resolve client concerns professionally and effectively.
Business Development amp; Strategic Growth
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with JGM's strategic goals.
  • Lead proposal development, RFQ/RFP responses, interview preparation, and presentation efforts.
  • Collaborate with leadership on project approaches, staffing strategies, fee proposals, and pursuit planning.
  • Develop winning strategies for competitive pursuits and client engagements.
  • Participate in networking events, industry organizations, and market-facing initiatives to promote studio growth.
  • Track industry trends, market opportunities, and competitor activity.
Quality Control amp; Compliance
  • Ensure all design deliverables meet company standards, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.
  • Review design documents, presentations, and production materials for quality, consistency, and technical accuracy.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary design reviews and proactively resolve conflicts.
  • Maintain documentation accuracy and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Integration
  • Collaborate closely with construction management teams to ensure constructability, schedule alignment, and budget compliance.
  • Participate in site visits, mock-ups, inspections, and design verification activities.
  • Address field conditions, RFIs, submittals, and design-related construction issues.
  • Support seamless integration between design intent and project execution
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field.
  • Licensed Architect, NCARB certification, or equivalent professional credential preferred.
  • 15+ years of professional design and project leadership experience.
  • Significant experience in hospitality, resort, mixed-use, commercial, or large-scale development projects preferred.
  • Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multiple concurrent projects.
  • Demonstrated success in client development, proposals, RFQ/RFP pursuits, and business development activities.
  • Strong understanding of construction processes, project delivery methods, budgeting, and resource planning.
  • Exceptional design sensibility supported by a portfolio of high-quality built work.
Core Competencies
  • Design leadership and creative vision
  • Studio management and team development
  • Business development and strategic growth
  • Client relationship management
  • Multidisciplinary coordination
  • Project delivery and execution
  • Proposal and presentation leadership
  • Financial and resource planning
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Quality assurance and technical excellence
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
Technical Proficiency
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Enscape
  • Navisworks
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
  • Bluebeam
  • Microsoft Project
  • Primavera P6
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • BIM workflows and project collaboration platforms
Work Environment amp; Expectations
  • Hybrid office, client, and project-site presence.
  • Ability to travel as required for project coordination, client meetings, presentations, interviews, and site visits.
  • Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with high expectations for leadership, quality, innovation, and business growth.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States and possess a valid passport for domestic and international travel as required.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals and operational requirements.

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