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Interior Design Experience Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well ... Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university planning ...

New

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA

$95K - $115K/yr

Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well ... Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university planning ...

New

Jobtailor

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Experience leading high-profile residential or commercial design projects * Strong leadership ... Residential Interior Design * Leadership Skills * Project Management * Communication Skills

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

This role is ideal for an experienced interior designer who is excited to help build Thuma's interior design capability from the ground up. The ideal candidate combines exceptional taste with a bias ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA

This role is ideal for an experienced interior designer who is excited to help build Thuma's interior design capability from the ground up. The ideal candidate combines exceptional taste with a bias ...

Thuma Inc.

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

This role is ideal for an experienced interior designer who is excited to help build Thuma's interior design capability from the ground up. The ideal candidate combines exceptional taste with a bias ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA

This role is ideal for an experienced interior designer who is excited to help build Thuma's interior design capability from the ground up. The ideal candidate combines exceptional taste with a bias ...

Thuma

Director of Interior Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This role is ideal for an experienced interior designer who is excited to help build Thuma's interior design capability from the ground up. The ideal candidate combines exceptional taste with a bias ...

eth

Interior Design Sales Professional

Corte Madera, CA · On-site

$200K/yr

Interior design experience or degree preferred * Strong communication and people skills * Comfortable juggling multiple projects in a busy setting * Weekend/holiday availability Benefits Benefits are ...

eth

Interior Design Sales Professional

Corte Madera, CA · On-site

$200K/yr

Interior design experience or degree preferred * Strong communication and people skills * Comfortable juggling multiple projects in a busy setting * Weekend/holiday availability Benefits Benefits are ...

Timeline Design + Build

Interior Designer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Key Responsibilities Client Experience * Guide clients through interior design selections, including finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, and furnishings. * Build trusted client relationships ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$71K - $103K/yr

This is an intermediate-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

This is an junior-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$71K - $103K/yr

This is an intermediate-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

Stantec

Interior Design Coordinator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

This is an junior-level Interior Design Coordinator role with minimum 2 years of experience. You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ...

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All JobsInterior Design Experience JobsInterior Design Experience Jobs in California

Interior Design Experience information

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$13

$25

$40

How much do interior design experience jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design experience 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 is interior design experience?

Interior design experience refers to the knowledge and practical skills gained from working in the field of interior design. This includes understanding space planning, color theory, materials, lighting, and client communication. Professionals with interior design experience are adept at creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that meet client needs and adhere to safety codes. Experience can be gained through formal education, internships, or working on real projects under supervision.

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

To thrive as an Interior Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, spatial planning, color theory, and typically a degree in interior design or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes, is highly valued and sometimes required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help professionals collaborate with clients and contractors while bringing innovative solutions to life. These skills are essential for translating client visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments while ensuring compliance and smooth project execution.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals with interior design experience when working on client projects?

One common challenge for those with interior design experience is managing client expectations while balancing budget and timeline constraints. Designers often need to creatively problem-solve when sourcing materials or adapting initial concepts to fit unforeseen limitations. Effective communication and collaboration with contractors, vendors, and clients is essential to overcome logistical hurdles and ensure the project stays aligned with the client’s vision. Additionally, staying updated on design trends and building codes helps deliver both aesthetic and functional results.

What is the difference between Interior Design Experience vs Interior Decorating Experience?

AspectInterior Design ExperienceInterior Decorating Experience
CredentialsOften requires formal education or certification in interior designTypically does not require formal credentials
Work EnvironmentInvolves space planning, technical drawings, and project managementFocuses on selecting furnishings, colors, and decor
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by design firms, architects, and commercial projectsCommon in retail, residential, and personal projects

Interior Design Experience encompasses a broader skill set including space planning, technical drawings, and project management, often requiring formal education. Interior Decorating Experience mainly involves selecting decor and furnishings without the technical or planning aspects. Both roles are related but serve different functions within the industry.

How can I get experience in interior design?

To gain experience in interior design, individuals can pursue internships, entry-level positions, or assist experienced designers to build practical skills. Developing proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp and earning relevant certifications can also enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Interior Design Experience jobs in California?

For Interior Design Experience jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interior Design Experience jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Interior Design Experience jobs in California are:

Interior Design Experience jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interior Design Experience job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,007 per year, or $25 per hour.

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA • On-site

Chapman University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

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Good employer

Learn more about Chapman Universityexternal

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Interior Design Manager
Position Type
Regular
Job Number
SA90724
Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$95,000-$115,000
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Interior Design Manager provides interior design expertise, project management experience, consultation services, and space planning support for university planning, design, renovation, and construction projects. Working collaboratively with the internal Campus Planning and Design (CPD) capital project management and campus planning teams, consultants, contractors, and university clients, this position supports the successful delivery of projects through interior design management, furniture planning, and development and stewardship of university interior design standards.
The position provides in-house interior design services for smaller projects and renovations and supports CPD Project Managers and external project teams on larger capital projects. Responsibilities include interior design consultation; space planning and test fits; furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) planning, packages, and implementation; interiors project budgeting and scheduling; consultant coordination and communication; and user engagement throughout planning, design, specifications, procurement, construction, and occupancy phases.
Responsibilities
Interior Design Consultation, Services and Project Support
  • Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university planning, renovation, tenant improvement, and space renewal and enhancement projects.
  • Support project managers with the interior design and furniture related [FF&E] aspects of, and procurement for, larger capital projects.
  • Develop functional, aesthetically appropriate, and user-centered design solutions that support university clients' goals and operational needs.
  • Review project documents, drawings, specifications, and finish selections for consistency with university standards and project requirements.

Furniture Selection/ FF&E Management
  • Plan, specify, budget, present, and implement FF&E packages, including furnishings and interior design elements, for assigned university projects.
  • Support capital project managers and procurement staff with FF&E budgets, drawings, schedules, purchasing requirements, and installation coordination.
  • Monitor FF&E implementation to support project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives.

Space Planning and Interior Standards Stewardship
  • Provide space planning services, utilization studies, and conceptual test fits to evaluate program requirements and support campus planning initiatives.
  • Prepare layouts, furniture plans, finish palettes, and presentation materials for internal and user review and decision making.
  • Recommend interior environments that support design and quality standards, functionality, durability, accessibility, maintainability, sustainability, and long-term campus objectives.
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and steward university interior design and furniture standards to ensure consistency in finishes, materials, furnishings, and user experience across campus projects.

Project Coordination and Communication
  • Assist in the selection and management of external consultants providing interior design and planning services for capital projects.
  • Support the development of project budgets, schedules, scopes, and implementation plans as they pertain to interiors and FF&E.
  • Serve as liaison among project participants (users, PMs, consultants, vendors, manufacturers, contractors) and maintain project communications, coordination activities, and documentation throughout furniture procurement and installation activities.
  • Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning efforts to ensure alignment with project goals and user needs.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from an accredited Interior Design program and/or NCIDQ certification and/or licensed Interior Designer credential.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible interior design experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of interior design principles, space planning, furniture systems, FF&E procurement, and construction documentation.
  • Experience supporting projects through planning, design, procurement, and implementation.
  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with project teams, clients, consultants, and contractors.
  • Proficiency in Revit and SketchUp.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, preparation of presentation materials, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to prepare test fits, space plans, furniture plans, finish boards, and presentation graphics.
  • Familiarity with furniture specification tools, product research, and FF&E documentation.

Desired Qualifications
  • ASID or IIDA membership.
  • Experience within a higher education or institutional environment.
  • Experience developing furniture standards, finish standards, and workplace or educational space solutions.
  • Knowledge of accessibility, sustainability, and best practices for learning, administrative, and student-focused environments.

Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References
2
Maximum Number of References
3

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