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Design Studio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JGM Inc.

Design Studio Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

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 ...

Common Arts

Graphic Design Intern

Long Beach, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $26/hr

Company Overview DyeLot is a hospitality-focused design studio creating interior environments shaped by story, culture, and a deep understanding of the guest experience. Through integrated interior ...

Helvey Design Studio Inc

Woodworker

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Helvey Design Studio is a full fabrication shop located in San Diego. We do custom fabrication work that includes custom metal fabricating as well as fine woodworking. Our products range from ...

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

"One Hat One Hand is an interdisciplinary design and fabrication studio specializing in experiential storytelling. We optimize brands for emotional impact with interior design, branded exhibitions ...

Helvey Design Studio Inc

Woodworker

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Helvey Design Studio is a full fabrication shop located in San Diego. We do custom fabrication work that includes custom metal fabricating as well as fine woodworking. Our products range from ...

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA

"One Hat One Hand is an interdisciplinary design and fabrication studio specializing in experiential storytelli ng. We optimize brands for emotional impact with interior design, branded exhibitions ...

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All JobsDesign Studio JobsDesign Studio Jobs in California

Design Studio information

See California salary details

$23

$25

$26

How much do design studio jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for design studio in California is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a design studio environment, and how can new employees adapt effectively?

One common challenge in a design studio is balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines while maintaining high creative standards. Collaboration is key, as you'll often work closely with other designers, project managers, and clients, requiring strong communication and flexibility. New employees can adapt by being proactive in seeking feedback, staying organized, and being open to constructive criticism, which fosters growth and helps build trust within the team. Embracing the studio’s workflow and actively participating in brainstorming sessions will also accelerate integration and skill development.

What is a design studio?

A design studio is a creative workspace or company where professional designers collaborate to develop visual concepts, products, or experiences. These studios often specialize in areas such as graphic design, interior design, product design, or digital media. They work with clients to understand their needs and translate ideas into tangible designs or solutions. Design studios can range in size from small, boutique firms to large agencies and may handle projects for individuals, businesses, or organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Design Studio role, and why are they important?

To excel in a Design Studio role, you need strong visual design skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree in graphic or industrial design. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or CAD software is typically required. Outstanding collaboration, communication, and time management skills help designers work effectively within teams and meet client expectations. These abilities ensure innovative, high-quality design solutions that align with project goals and client needs.

What is the difference between Design Studio vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign StudioGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design, visual arts, or related fieldsOften requires a degree or certification in graphic design or visual communication
Work EnvironmentCollaborative agency or in-house setting, working on multiple projectsIndividual or team-based work, often freelance or in-house
Industry UsageUsed across advertising, branding, and multimedia projectsPrimarily in branding, marketing, and print/digital media

Design Studios focus on comprehensive design solutions, often involving a team working on branding, advertising, and multimedia projects. Graphic Designers typically specialize in creating visual content like logos, posters, and digital graphics. While both roles require design skills and similar credentials, Design Studios operate as collaborative environments handling diverse projects, whereas Graphic Designers may work independently or within smaller teams on specific visual tasks.

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 jobs in California? For Design Studio jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Studio jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Studio jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Studio jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Studio job openings:
Design Studio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Studio job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,305 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Design Studio Lead

Design Studio Lead

JGM Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 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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