1

Interior Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

$110K - $130K/yr

Discovery Land Company is seeking an Interior Design Manager to support development responsibilities for residential and amenity offerings. This role is based at Homewood Mountain & Lake Club and ...

You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ... Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and ...

You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ... Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and ...

You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ... Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and ...

You will support the interior design team and work collaboratively with the architectural team ... Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and ...

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

The Director of Interior Design will establish and lead Thuma's interior design practice, serving as the company's interior design expert across Retail, Merchandising, Product Development, Brand ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Interior Design Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do interior design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for interior design manager in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an interior design manager do?

An Interior Design Manager oversees the planning, design, and execution of interior spaces for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They lead a team of designers, collaborate with clients to understand their vision and requirements, and ensure that projects are completed within budget and on schedule. Their responsibilities also include selecting materials, furniture, and décor, as well as coordinating with architects, contractors, and vendors. The Interior Design Manager ensures that the final design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing while adhering to safety standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interior design manager?

To thrive as an Interior Design Manager, you need expertise in interior design principles, project management, and a degree in interior design or a related field, often supported by certification such as NCIDQ. Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and project management tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship skills help you manage teams and ensure client satisfaction. These competencies are essential for delivering innovative design solutions on time and within budget while maintaining high client and team engagement.

How does an interior design manager typically collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients during a project?

An Interior Design Manager plays a central role in coordinating between clients, architects, and contractors to ensure that design visions are accurately translated into finished spaces. They lead design meetings, communicate client requirements, and resolve issues that may arise during construction or installation phases. Regular site visits, progress reviews, and detailed documentation are key responsibilities, helping to keep all parties aligned and projects on schedule. Strong interpersonal and project management skills are essential for managing expectations and facilitating effective teamwork throughout the project lifecycle.

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

AspectInterior Design ManagerInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in interior design or related field; professional certification (e.g., NCIDQ) is commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in interior design; certification is optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, liaises with clients and vendorsWorks directly on design concepts, space planning, and client consultations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in firms with project management and team leadership rolesCommonly used for individual design work and client projects

The main difference is that an Interior Design Manager oversees projects and teams, focusing on management and coordination, while an Interior Designer concentrates on creating design concepts and working directly with clients. Both roles require relevant credentials and industry experience, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do interior design managers make?

Interior design managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the firm. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and require strong skills in design software and client management.

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 cities in California are hiring for Interior Design Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Interior Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Interior Design Manager

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 627 rated colleges and universities


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

What Chapman University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom