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Interior Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Interior Design to uphold creative direction, design integrity, and technical excellence throughout the process. * Maintain accurate, organized project ...

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Interior Design to uphold creative direction, design integrity, and technical excellence throughout the process. * Maintain accurate, organized project ...

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Interior Design to uphold creative direction, design integrity, and technical excellence throughout the process. * Maintain accurate, organized project ...

The award winning design firm Morrison Interiors is seeking a full time Interior Design Intern to ... A Design Associate is learning the design process and developing the technical skills by ...

Join our vibrant Design Center in Corte Madera! We're looking for a creative Interior Design & Sales Associate to wow clients with our personal service and state-of-the-art technology, build lasting ...

The Design Associate will support the Design & Construction Teams for both company and franchise ... Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field preferred. 3+ years of ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

Interior Design Sales

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$64K - $66K/yr

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

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Showing results 1-20

Interior Design Associate information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do interior design associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design associate in California is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interior Design Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interior Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and materials, often supported by a degree in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and regulations, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, attention to detail, and client relationship skills are crucial soft skills for success. These abilities ensure that design solutions are both functional and aesthetically pleasing while effectively meeting client needs and project requirements.

How does an Interior Design Associate typically collaborate with senior designers and clients during a project?

Interior Design Associates frequently work under the guidance of senior designers, assisting with tasks such as sourcing materials, preparing design proposals, and creating presentation boards. They often participate in client meetings to take notes, gather requirements, and ensure that client preferences are accurately reflected in design concepts. Effective communication skills are essential, as Associates serve as a bridge between clients, vendors, and senior team members. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities and fosters the development of project management and client relations skills.

What are Interior Design Associates?

Interior Design Associates are professionals who assist interior designers in planning, designing, and executing interior spaces for residential or commercial clients. They support the lead designer by helping with tasks like researching materials, creating design presentations, coordinating with vendors, and managing project documentation. Interior Design Associates often have a background in design and a keen eye for aesthetics, and their roles can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a lead designer. They also collaborate closely with clients, contractors, and suppliers to ensure projects run smoothly and meet the client's vision and budget.

What is the difference between Interior Design Associate vs Interior Designer?

AspectInterior Design AssociateInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or certification in interior designBachelor’s degree in interior design or related field
Work EnvironmentAssistants in design firms, retail, or residential projectsLead projects, client consultations, and design development
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport design plans, select materials, prepare presentationsCreate design concepts, manage projects, coordinate with clients

Interior Design Associates typically hold certifications or associate degrees and support senior designers in various projects. Interior Designers usually have a bachelor’s degree and take on more responsibility, including client interaction and project management. Both roles are essential in the design industry, but the Associate role is more support-focused, while the Designer role involves leading projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Interior Design Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Interior Design Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Interior Design Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Interior Design Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Interior Design Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,007 per year, or $25 per hour.

Interior Design Associate

Greens Operations Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Are you the One?

If you're a creative, organized, and technically skilled designer, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. This role is essential to driving the quality and pace of our hospitality projects, requiring flexibility and the ability to shift seamlessly across project phases. We’re seeking a mid-level designer with at least 6 years of hospitality design experience and a degree or certification from an accredited interior design program. With hands-on learning, mentorship, and growing responsibility, this position is designed to evolve into a Senior role—ideal for someone ready to take the next step in their career within a collaborative and design-focused studio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with Greens’ standards and client expectations.
  • Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Interior Design to uphold creative direction, design integrity, and technical excellence throughout the process.
  • Maintain accurate, organized project documentation, including budgets, schedules, and drawing sets, ensuring clarity across internal teams and external consultants keeping the project up to date in real time.
  • Foster consistency in brand and Greens standards application across all deliverables.
  • Serve as a key point of accountability for ensuring all project materials are developed, reviewed, and submitted on time and to the highest standard before VP review.
  • Communicate effectively in meetings, providing timely updates on progress, documenting decisions, and ensuring clear follow-through on next steps.
  • Support a collaborative, solution-oriented studio culture by promoting design quality, accountability, and professionalism across the team.
  • Holds project team accountable for quality and timely deliverables throughout the project to ensure thorough and accurate documentation is reached before VIPD review.



Primary Functions

  • Lead day-to-day development of multiple design projects in tandem, guiding everything from concept and planning through documentation, procurement, installation, and punch-list review. Including but not limited to:
  • Programmatic, conceptual, and schematic layout & planning, design presentations, development and submittals, consultant collaboration, FF&E specifications, finish selections and schedules, construction documentation, construction administration, procurement, shop drawings, CFAs, final installation, and site/punch list reviews.
  • Prepare and supervise detailed construction documents that ensure design continuity, accurate transitions, and code compliance are all streamlined prior to redline review.
  • Generate and refine presentation materials, specifications, schedules, and shop drawing reviews with speed and precision.
  • Deliver professional, well-structured presentations that clearly communicate design intent and rationale both visually and verbally.
  • Interpret and implement redlines and feedback on all design materials with accuracy and initiative.
  • Facilitate internal and consultant meetings, proactively identifying and addressing coordination or technical issues.
  • Conduct site visits, field reviews, and on-site meetings to support construction administration and ensure fidelity to the design vision.
  • Stay informed and up to date on brand standards, applying them appropriately across all relevant aspects of project execution.
  • Manage and maintain organized digital files, drawing sets, and design assets across project timelines.

The ideal candidate will:


  • A proactive communicator who updates the VPID daily on project progress and flags potential issues early.
  • Disciplined, strong work ethic, reliable, self-motivated, and goal-oriented with a passion for design.
  • Technically skilled in all phases of design documentation, including construction drawings, detailing, FF&E specifications, finish and plumbing schedules, shop drawings, procurement, and punch list execution.
  • Confident leading documentation efforts, providing constructive feedback, implementing redlines, and upholding Greens standards and procedures.
  • Prepared and engaged in project meetings, tracking deliverables and key milestones.
  • Able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality or deadlines.



What are we looking for?

To fulfill this role successfully, you must possess the following minimum qualifications:

  • Excellent customer service skills and comfortable in interfacing with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal staff.
  • Detail oriented, highly organized, and strong project management skills with the ability to meet overlapping deadlines in fast-paced working environment without substituting quality or accuracy.
  • Comfortable stepping up and taking action when needs arise; decision-maker.
  • Expert use of AutoCAD software to create high-quality design drawings for building construction and project creation while including building codes and specifications for design.
  • Motivated to succeed and always seeking opportunities for improvement of self and team in improving knowledge, expertise, and industry awareness.
  • Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment.
  • Creative and strategic problem solver and is dependable to sets goals for self and team pushing projects through to completion.
  • Works well in a collaborative team environment and open to alternative ideas and constructive criticism/critique.
  • Responsible and accountable for own actions.
  • High level of mastery in the use of AutoCad, Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Sketch-up, Bluebeam, Microsoft Word and Excel.