ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Environment Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

David Baker Architects

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

As a B-Corp and JUST-certified organization, we are committed to environmental responsibility ... This Designer role supports projects primarily in early phase site planning, architectural concept ...

attn:

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Designer | In Office Tue-Thu | Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY This is a three-month contract ... Proven ability to work in a rapidly changing, high-pressure environment with multiple priorities ...

attn:

Designer

Los Angeles, CA

Designer | In Office Tue-Thu | Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY This is a three-month contract ... Proven ability to work in a rapidly changing, high-pressure environment with multiple priorities ...

IA Interior Architects

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align ...

Actalent

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Designer As a Designer II, you will contribute to projects through all phases of design and ... You will be part of a collaborative studio environment committed to design excellence.

New

IA Interior Architects

Designer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align ...

JF Retail Services

Designer

El Segundo, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Designer for Women's, you will help initiate seasonal concepts that are fashion-driven ... Ability to be creative while working with a constant sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment ...

Fabletics

Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Designer for Women's, you will help initiate seasonal concepts that are fashion-driven ... Ability to be creative while working with a constant sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment ...

IA Interior Architects

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align ...

IA Interior Architects

Designer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align ...

Quanta Services

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$20/hr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Ontario, CA office to deliver comprehensive design ...

INSPYR Solutions

Designer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Designer Location: Remote US Duration: Quarterly Extensions Compensation: $70-90/hr Work ... environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external agency partners to ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28/hr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... About this Role A Designer at HBK Engineering is a dynamic individual adding their technical ...

White and Case LLP

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... in a team environment. The Designer must be able to understand the goals and challenges of the requestor to deliver an effective and successful outcome. Responsibilities The roles and ...

White and Case LLP

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... in a team environment. The Designer must be able to understand the goals and challenges of the requestor to deliver an effective and successful outcome. Responsibilities The roles and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $35/hr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... About this Role A Designer at HBK Engineering is a dynamic individual adding their technical ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsEnvironment Designer JobsEnvironment Designer Jobs in California

Environment Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do environment designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for environment designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an environment designer?

To thrive as an Environment Designer, you need a strong background in art and design principles, spatial awareness, and proficiency in 2D/3D modeling, often supported by a degree in game design, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, or Unity, as well as knowledge of texturing and lighting techniques, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are vital soft skills that help you bring immersive worlds to life and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for creating visually compelling, functional environments that enhance user experience in games, films, or virtual simulations.

What does an environment designer do?

An Environment Designer is responsible for creating the visual settings and backgrounds in video games, movies, or animation. They design and build immersive worlds that support storytelling and gameplay, including landscapes, architecture, and props. Environment Designers use artistic skills and digital tools to ensure the setting is both visually appealing and functional for the narrative. Their work often involves collaborating with other artists, directors, and developers to achieve a cohesive look and feel.

How does an environment designer typically collaborate with other departments during a game development project?

Environment Designers work closely with concept artists, level designers, and technical artists to bring immersive worlds to life. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure their designs support gameplay mechanics and narrative goals. Regular communication with programmers is also common, as technical constraints and performance requirements must be considered. This collaborative approach helps maintain a cohesive visual style and seamless integration of environments into the game.

How do you become an environment designer?

To become an environment designer, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in environmental design, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field. Building a strong portfolio, gaining experience with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and developing skills in spatial planning and visual communication are essential steps in the process.

What is the difference between Environment Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectEnvironment DesignerInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental design, architecture, or related fields; certification may varyUsually needs a degree in interior design or related field; certification like NCIDQ is common
Work EnvironmentDesigns outdoor and indoor spaces, including urban, landscape, and environmental settingsFocuses on interior spaces, including residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors
Industry UsageUsed in urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental projectsPrimarily used in residential, retail, and commercial interior projects
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for spatial and environmental design rolesCompared for interior aesthetics and space optimization

Environment Designers focus on creating sustainable outdoor and indoor environments, often working on urban and landscape projects. Interior Designers specialize in designing functional and aesthetic interior spaces. While both roles involve space planning, their environments and project scopes differ significantly.

Are environment designers in demand?

Environment designers are in demand in industries such as gaming, film, and virtual reality, where creating immersive digital environments is essential. The role often requires proficiency in tools like Unreal Engine or Unity and a strong portfolio, with job growth driven by increasing demand for high-quality visual experiences.
What are popular job titles related to Environment Designer jobs in California? For Environment Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environment Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Environment Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Environment Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Environment Designer job openings:
Environment Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environment Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Designer

David Baker Architects

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

David Baker Architects is a collaborative team of optimistic designers and architects committed to leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We are national leaders in affordable housing and innovative sustainable design, and we pursue projects that have the power to build, transform, and reflect the character and strength of a community. As a B-Corp and JUST-certified organization, we are committed to environmental responsibility, equity and social justice both in our practice and our workplace culture. DBA is headquartered in San Francisco, with an office and fabrication shop in Oakland, California, and an office in Birmingham, Alabama.
We are seeking a talented, strong, and engaged Designer to join our team. This Designer role supports projects primarily in early phase site planning, architectural concept design/entitlements, and schematic design phases, preparing high-quality renderings, plans, diagrams, presentation graphics, massing studies, Revit modeling, and actively contributing to design conversations and charrettes. Candidates must demonstrate intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm about the evolving practice of architectural graphics, including the integration of AI tools. The role will also include some time supporting marketing efforts with awards graphics, including presentation plans and diagrams.
This position works closely with project team members and principals, and relies on a collaborative design process. This role offers a great opportunity to work with highly engaged, mission-driven architects doing impactful work.
Job Title: Designer
Role and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Support in all aspects of project planning, programming, design, and documentation through 3D modeling in Revit and Lumion
  • Prepare presentation graphics and renderings for internal and external communications
  • Provide active and effective exploration, experimentation and thought leadership in AI integration
  • Coordinate and collaborate with project team members and consultants
  • Support in preparations for client meetings and inclusive, accessible community engagement opportunities
  • Engage, sketch, and collaborate with principals in design charrettes
  • Contribute to design development and design concept conversations while exhibiting a strong desire to learn and grow by being inquisitive, asking questions, and bringing unique perspectives to the table
  • Take initiative performing iterative design studies based on feedback and personal design skills
  • Ability to learn from and engage with DBA initiatives of interest in sustainability, equity, research, business development, and culture

We are looking for someone with:
  • Exceptional architectural design thinking and graphics/visual communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Proficiency with Revit
  • Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Fluency in and thoughtful integration of AI image generation and rendering tools. Candidates should be able to speak to how they've tested, questioned or developed workflows with Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT Image 2.0 or similar tools.
  • Experience with Lumion a plus
  • Strong hand sketching skills for visual communication, as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples
  • Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
  • Resourcefulness, reliability, and attention to detail
  • Collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn and ask questions
  • A demonstrated interest in or lived experience with affordable housing, community advocacy, or social justice initiatives
  • Strong professional or academic reference(s)

To Apply:
  • Provide Cover Letter, Resume, and Design Portfolio- compiled into a single PDF with a maximum size of 5 MB (one file). Include in your cover letter why you want to work with us at DBA.

Salary Range
$70,000 - $95,000 USD annually. Salary commensurate with experience.
This is a full-time position, and candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our firm is extremely collaborative, working across offices as one seamless team. Currently, our staff is required to be in the office 4 days a week (subject to change).
Benefits
We are proud to provide an inclusive and positive work environment that fosters employee happiness. All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Competitive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans
  • Subscription to Modern Health, which includes 12 therapy sessions and 12 virtual coaching sessions
  • Bike & car share memberships
  • Commuter benefits
  • Office well-being: weekly culture lunches, healthy snacks, and monthly massages
  • Annual staff retreat

Paid Leaves
  • 15 days of annual PTO, increasing after 5 & 10 years
  • Birthing parents are eligible for up to 22 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave for a typical pregnancy, recovery, and bonding period (in conjunction with the state offering)
  • Non-birthing parents are eligible for up to 12 weeks of 100% paid leave to bond with their new baby(in conjunction with the state offering)
  • School Visitation Leave
  • Bereavement Leave

Retirement / Savings
  • 401(k) program
  • Non-elective contribution plan
  • Profit-sharing plan

Professional Growth
  • Learning and development stipend of $1000 annually
  • Reimbursement for Licensure and Certifications
  • Opportunity to attend design conferences/firm retreats annually

You can learn more about us and our work at www.dbarchitect.com.
Please Note: At this time, DBA cannot offer new or transferred sponsorship for employment.
If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum requirements, we highly encourage you to apply or to connect with us to learn more about this role.
Thank you for your interest in our firm, and we look forward to your application.
Locations San Francisco Yearly salary $70,000 - $95,000 Employment type Full-time

Apply