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Home Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DC Builders

Architectural Residential Homes Designer

Napa, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architectural Designer III to lead the design and documentation of luxury custom residential projects. This role supports the creation of high-end homes ...

DC Builders

Architectural Residential Homes Designer

Napa, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architectural Designer III to lead the design and documentation of luxury custom residential projects. This role supports the creation of high-end homes ...

DC Builders

Architectural Residential Homes Designer

Napa, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architectural Designer III to lead the design and documentation of luxury custom residential projects. This role supports the creation of high-end homes ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsHome Designer JobsHome Designer Jobs in California

Home Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do home designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for home 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 does a home designer do?

The job of a home designer is to help design the plans for a residential structure. Someone in this role may help make decisions on the use of space, determine the best layout for major components, or select the best way to remodel or build an addition to a house. A home designer often works with existing licensed designs, then customizes those designs to suit the needs of a particular property. They may also help with architecture choices, determine the purpose of rooms, and provide suggestions on decor. This type of design involves emphasizing the artistic and conceptual elements of a residential building. The primary qualifications for a home designer position vary by state, but typically include a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in architecture and several years of work experience. Professional certification is available.

What does a home designer do?

A home designer is a professional who plans and creates the layout, functionality, and aesthetics of residential spaces. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budgets, and then develop design concepts that balance style and practicality. Home designers may handle everything from selecting materials and finishes to drawing floor plans and coordinating with contractors. Their goal is to create beautiful, comfortable, and functional living environments tailored to each client's lifestyle.

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

To thrive as a Home Designer, you need a strong background in interior design principles, spatial planning, and a relevant degree or certification in design or architecture. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit, along with knowledge of building codes and materials, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective client communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure aesthetically pleasing, functional, and client-focused home designs that meet both regulatory standards and client expectations.

What are some common challenges home designers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Home Designers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, maintaining clear communication with clients and contractors, and ensuring each project stays within budget and timeline. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, such as building codes and client preferences, also requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Successful Home Designers typically use project management tools and maintain regular updates with all stakeholders to keep projects running smoothly.

What is the difference between Home Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectHome DesignerInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or associate degree in home design or related fieldOften requires a bachelor's degree in interior design and professional certification
Work EnvironmentDesigns residential spaces, focusing on layout and exterior elementsFocuses on interior spaces, including decor, color schemes, and furnishings
Industry UsageUsed by homeowners, builders, and real estate developers for residential projectsUsed by clients seeking interior aesthetic improvements, often in renovation projects

While both Home Designers and Interior Designers work on residential spaces, Home Designers primarily focus on overall home layouts and exterior elements, whereas Interior Designers specialize in interior aesthetics and decor. The roles often overlap, but their credentials, work scope, and industry usage differ.

How much do home designers earn?

Home designers, also known as residential interior designers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Salaries can increase with specialization, certifications, and a strong portfolio, especially for those working independently or in high-end markets.

What qualifications do you need to be a home designer?

To become a home designer, individuals typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field. Professional certification, such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp are also important. Experience in design projects and a strong portfolio can enhance job prospects.
More about Home Designer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Home Designer jobs in California?

For Home Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Home Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Home Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Home Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Home Designer job openings:

Home Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Home Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Architectural Residential Homes Designer

DC Builders

Monterey, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

DC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architectural Designer III to lead the design and documentation of luxury custom residential projects. This role supports the creation of high-end homes with complex architecture, elevated detailing, and a premium client experience.
The ideal candidate has advanced Revit capabilities, strong design judgment, and the ability to independently manage projects through schematic design and documentation while coordinating with Sales, Operations, clients, consultants, and jurisdictions. This position requires a confident decision-maker who can blend creativity with precision and proactively solve challenges before they impact timelines, budgets, or design intent.
This role is open to candidates who reside in the United States and are authorized to work in the U.S.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and documentation of high-end custom residential projects, translating client goals into clear architectural direction with strong planning, character, and refined composition.
  • Develop and manage Revit models and plan sets from schematic design through permit-ready documentation, producing coordinated drawings (plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and notes) that are clear, accurate, and highly constructible.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for client and consultant coordination, guiding design decisions, integrating technical inputs, and aligning scope, schedule, quality, and design intent across internal and external teams.
    Perform code and zoning research and incorporate permitting requirements early, coordinating with planning departments and jurisdictions to support approvals and respond to comments efficiently.
  • Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, and Construction to ensure project expectations remain aligned and documentation supports real-world execution and quality outcomes.
  • Improve workflows, templates, and drafting standards to reduce rework, increase clarity, and support a culture of continuous improvement and design excellence.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Advanced Revit proficiency for complex residential modeling and documentation
  • Strong design judgment with luxury-level attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and client presentation skills
  • Proactive problem-solver with strong organizational skills
  • Collaborative, team-first leader who can delegate and drive results
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam

Education and Experience:
  • Strong working knowledge of construction methods, assemblies, and documentation best practices.
  • Experience with high-end residential detailing, premium material integration, and consultant coordination preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Architecture, Building Design, Construction Science, or a related field.
  • 8-10+ years of professional experience in architectural design and documentation.

Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision with low premiums for you and eligible dependents
  • SIMPLE IRA Plan - Company match up to 3%
  • Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off

About Us:
DC Structures and DC Builders are a nationwide contracting team specializing in the sale, design, and construction of one-of-a-kind wood structures. For over fifteen years, DC has delivered exceptional craftsmanship and a high level of customer service to clients across the country.
This is a great place to grow your career alongside hard-working, collaborative professionals who take pride in their work and enjoy what they do.
Learn more about our work:
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DC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Employment is contingent upon the ability to legally work in the United States.
Employment offers may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening, in accordance with applicable law.

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