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Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our design studios in Dearborn.Working on Advanced & Production Exterior projects the successful candidate ...

Canoo

Senior Exterior Designer

Justin, TX · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

Job Title Senior Exterior Designer About Canoo Canoo's mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and build a world-class team to deploy this sustainable mobility revolution. We have developed breakthrough ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

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Exterior Designer information

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$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do exterior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for exterior designer in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an exterior designer do?

An Exterior Designer is responsible for creating the visual appearance and functionality of the outside surfaces of buildings, vehicles, or products. They focus on elements such as shape, color, materials, and overall aesthetics to ensure the exterior is both attractive and practical. Exterior Designers often collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to bring design concepts to life while considering factors like durability, environment, and brand identity. Their goal is to enhance curb appeal and user experience through thoughtful design choices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exterior designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exterior Designer, you need a solid background in architecture or industrial design, strong spatial awareness, and an understanding of materials and construction methods. Proficiency in CAD software, 3D modeling programs like SketchUp or Rhino, and knowledge of sustainability standards are often required. Creativity, effective communication, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure that designs are both visually appealing and practically feasible, meeting client needs and regulatory requirements.

How does an exterior designer typically collaborate with architects and engineers during a project?

Exterior designers work closely with architects and engineers to ensure that their design concepts are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally feasible. Early in a project, they participate in joint planning sessions to align on vision, materials, and budget constraints. Throughout the process, exterior designers regularly review architectural drawings and engineering specifications, providing input on façade treatments, color schemes, and material selection. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as exterior designers must balance creative ideas with technical requirements to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions.

What is the difference between Exterior Designer vs Landscape Architect?

AspectExterior DesignerLandscape Architect
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design or architecture, certifications varyRequires a professional license (e.g., landscape architecture license), degree in landscape architecture
Work EnvironmentDesigns building exteriors, often in architectural firms or design studiosDesigns outdoor spaces, working in landscape architecture firms or on-site
Industry UsageCommonly employed in architecture, real estate, and residential/commercial designPrimarily in urban planning, environmental design, and public space projects

While both roles focus on outdoor aesthetics, Exterior Designers mainly concentrate on building exteriors, whereas Landscape Architects design outdoor environments and landscapes. Their skills and certifications differ, but both contribute to enhancing outdoor spaces in architecture and urban planning projects.

How much do exterior designers make a year?

Exterior designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior or specialized exterior designers with advanced skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

Is exterior designer a good career?

Exterior designers plan and create the outdoor appearance of buildings and landscapes, often requiring skills in design software and knowledge of architecture. The profession offers opportunities in architecture firms, landscape companies, and construction projects, with a typical work schedule that can include project deadlines and client meetings. Job prospects depend on experience, portfolio quality, and regional demand for design services.
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Exterior Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exterior Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Exterior Designer

Pontotoc, MS

Southern Furniture Industries (SFI)
See more jobs at Southern Furniture Industries (SFI)external

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a technically strong and detail-oriented Furniture Exterior Designer to lead the development of exterior components for upholstered furniture. This role goes beyond styling-you will drive material selection, engineering of soft goods, and performance of all visible surfaces to ensure durability, manufacturability, and quality. You'll play a key role in bridging design intent with real-world production and long-term product performance.


What You'll Do:
Design and engineer exterior components for upholstered furniture, including covers, cushions, seams, trims, and finishes
Select and specify materials such as fabrics, leathers, foams, batting, and stitching methods based on durability, cost, and performance requirements
Develop detailed specifications for upholstery construction, including seam types, stitch patterns, tolerances, and fit standards
Collaborate closely with frame design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure proper fit, function, and assembly
Evaluate materials for wear resistance, colorfastness, comfort, and cleanability
Support prototyping, sample reviews, and product validation to ensure designs meet quality and performance standards
Troubleshoot production and field issues related to upholstery, materials, or fit and provide corrective solutions
Optimize designs for efficient cutting, sewing, and assembly processes
Ensure compliance with company quality standards and relevant industry performance requirements

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