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Graduate Interior Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Architect - Housing

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $125K/yr

You will work alongside a team of architects, landscape architects, urban designers, interior ... A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate professional experience, with a background in affordable ...

Project Architect - Housing

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$108K - $125K/yr

You will work alongside a team of architects, landscape architects, urban designers, interior ... A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate professional experience, with a background in affordable ...

Landscape Architect

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$88K - $105K/yr

... Interior Designers, and Urban Planners. * Responsible for a wide range of site design and framework ... years of post-graduate professional experience. * Concept-driven and proficient in visual ...

Landscape Architect

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$88K - $105K/yr

... Interior Designers, and Urban Planners. * Responsible for a wide range of site design and framework ... years of post-graduate professional experience. * Concept-driven and proficient in visual ...

Senior Project Architect - Civic

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$116K - $148K/yr

Our architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability specialists, and technologists are ... Graduate of an accredited architectural school with professional experience in an architecture ...

Graphic Design Intern

Long Beach, CA ยท Hybrid

$22 - $26/hr

Through integrated interior design, branding, procurement, and architectural support services, we ... This internship is ideal for a curious, motivated designer who enjoys graphic design, visual ...

Sales Intern (Year-Round)

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Valeo is a tech global company, designing breakthrough solutions to reinvent the mobility. We are ... Join us and lead tech innovation for a reinvented interior experience! What you will win: As part ...

Sales Intern (Year-Round)

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Valeo is a tech global company, designing breakthrough solutions to reinvent the mobility. We are ... Join us and lead tech innovation for a reinvented interior experience! What you will win: As part ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Interior Designer information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$71.9K

$106.6K

How much do graduate interior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate interior designer in California is $71,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate interior designer?

To thrive as a Graduate Interior Designer, you need a degree in interior design or a related field, a strong portfolio, and foundational knowledge of design principles and spatial planning. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and colleagues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering innovative, functional designs and ensuring successful project outcomes in a competitive industry.

What is a graduate interior designer?

Graduate interior designers are recent graduates who have completed a degree in interior design or a related field and are beginning their professional careers. They typically work under the guidance of senior designers or architects, assisting with the planning, design, and implementation of interior spaces. Their duties may include creating design concepts, preparing drawings and presentations, sourcing materials, and collaborating with clients and contractors. This role helps them gain practical experience and develop the skills necessary for advancement in the interior design industry.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate interior designers when starting out in the industry?

Graduate interior designers often face the challenge of transitioning from academic projects to real-world client expectations, which can involve tight deadlines, budget constraints, and adapting to evolving project requirements. Collaborating with senior designers, architects, and contractors requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Additionally, building a portfolio and gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software are important for career progression. Embracing feedback and staying open to learning are key to overcoming these early-career hurdles.

What is the difference between Graduate Interior Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectGraduate Interior DesignerInterior Designer
QualificationsTypically holds a bachelor's degree in interior design or related field; may have limited professional experienceUsually has completed education and gained some professional experience; may hold certification or licensure depending on region
Work EnvironmentAssists senior designers in project tasks; works in design studios, architectural firms, or interior design companiesManages design projects independently or collaboratively; works in similar environments with increased responsibility
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports design development, drafting, and research; learning industry standardsDevelops design concepts, prepares presentations, and oversees project execution

The main difference between a Graduate Interior Designer and an Interior Designer lies in experience and responsibility. Graduate Interior Designers are typically in the early stages of their careers, focusing on learning and supporting projects, while Interior Designers have more experience and handle projects more independently.

How to do interior design after graduation?

To pursue a career as a graduate interior designer, gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, develop skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and build a strong portfolio showcasing your work. Obtaining relevant certifications or licensure may be required depending on the region, and continuous learning about current design trends and materials is essential for professional growth.

Is a master's degree in interior design worth it?

For a graduate interior designer, a master's degree can enhance skills, increase job opportunities, and potentially lead to higher salaries. However, practical experience, portfolio quality, and professional certifications often weigh more in hiring decisions than advanced degrees alone.
What job categories do people searching Graduate Interior Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Interior Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Interior Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Interior Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Interior Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,895 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Project Architect - Housing

Mithun, Inc

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$108K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
We are seeking a design-driven Project Architect / Architectural Designer with 10+ years of experience to join our collaborative, interdisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will bring strong design iteration and visualization skills, along with the ability to produce and execute creative design ideas throughout all phases and help lead the Mithun team and design consultants. Experience working on affordable housing projects is highly desired, along with a passion for creating equitable, community-focused design solutions. You will work alongside a team of architects, landscape architects, urban designers, interior designers, and consultants - fostering innovation and design excellence.
We currently collaborate in the office Monday through Thursday. Fridays can be in-office or WFH for most roles.
About Mithun
Mithun is an integrated design firm dedicated to creating positive change in people's lives. Our teams work in a wide range of typologies and scales-with a focus on urban environments and places where people live, work and learn. We are an internationally recognized leader in sustainability, combining exemplary design with a focus on building and site performance, human health and social equity. Since the inception of the practice in 1949, our work has been recognized with hundreds of peer and industry awards including the 2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award.
We embrace justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) as key expressions of our mission of Design for Positive Change. We are committed to promoting JEDI both internally and externally in our firm culture, project work and partnerships. A JUST organization since 2017, Mithun's goal is not just good intentions but real impact for the people, communities and clients we serve.
Role & Responsibilities
  • Explore and develop conceptually strong and innovative design ideas for affordable housing projects that address project goals aligned with Mithun's values and approach.
  • Create compelling design presentations using advanced graphic skills.
  • Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary design teams and client representatives.
  • Create accurate architectural documentation for all phases of the design process.
  • May participate in project pursuits, client presentations and community engagement activities.
  • Assist with - or ideally lead - the coordination of multiple consultants and engineered systems.
  • Work effectively as both a team member and independently.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in architecture.
  • A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate professional experience, with a background in affordable housing or similar project types.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
  • Experience in all phases of design and documentation, with some exposure to construction administration processes.
  • Flexible to play multiple roles across varied project types.
  • Ability to lead Revit model development and adept at building information modeling.
  • Ability to define and drive project milestones, facilitate project meetings, and effectively coach team members.
  • Architectural registration is a plus.

Please submit your resume and relevant work samples.
Mithun benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, transit benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan and an annual discretionary bonus opportunity. We offer eight paid holidays, vacation accrual of twelve days per year, sick time accrual, and paid volunteer time. Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts are available based on eligibility requirements. The expected range of compensation for this role is $108,000 - 125,000 per year. Actual pay rates are based on experience, qualifications, internal equity and location.
Mithun is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This position is based in our Los Angeles, CA location.