Architectural Designer Jobs in California
Architectural designer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in commercial development, residential design, urban infill, and tech-campus projects, with openings at every level from entry-level drafters to senior project designers. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring markets, home to firms like Gensler, HOK, and Skidmore Owings and Merrill, all of which maintain substantial California studios. The most in-demand specialties right now are sustainable design, mixed-use development, and adaptive reuse, reflecting both state building code priorities and client demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are seeking an Intermediate Architectural Designer with a passion for design, detailing, and construction to join our team of architects and engineers at YC+D. We focus on commercial, hospitality, and educational projects that are innovative, sustainable, and functional.
As an Architectural Designer at YC+D, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge construction methods that increase efficiency and productivity in our building projects. You'll collaborate with our team of experienced architects and engineers to develop creative and functional solutions that meet our clients' needs.
To be considered for this position, you should have a 5-year Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of professional architecture experience. You should be proficient in construction software and design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and other 3D modeling software, and have a strong understanding of building codes, regulations, and construction materials and methods. Excellent project management, communication, and collaboration skills are a must.
At YC+D, we believe work should be both challenging and fun. And you will have the opportunity to work with a team of passionate and creative professionals who are shaping the future of design and construction. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development. Join us in creating innovative architectural designs and creative solutions that are inspiring and impactful!
Based in San Francisco Bay Area, YC+D Architecture provides a full range of architectural design and consulting services to diverse clients and project types.
We design and deliver highly complex projects; and have a passion for and excel in bridging between conceptual and technical design. This approach is critical and integral to our overall process.
We invite qualified and interested applicants to provide work samples, letter of interest, references, along with a resume to hello@ycplusd.com with subject line: YC+D Intermediate Architectural Designer.
www.ycplusd.com
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or to take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Happy hour
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
We are seeking an Intermediate Architectural Designer with a passion for design, detailing, and construction to join our team of architects and engineers at YC+D. We focus on commercial, hospitality, and educational projects that are innovative, sustainable, and functional.
As an Architectural Designer at YC+D, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge construction methods that increase efficiency and productivity in our building projects. You'll collaborate with our team of experienced architects and engineers to develop creative and functional solutions that meet our clients' needs.
To be considered for this position, you should have a 5-year Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of professional architecture experience. You should be proficient in construction software and design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and other 3D modeling software, and have a strong understanding of building codes, regulations, and construction materials and methods. Excellent project management, communication, and collaboration skills are a must.
At YC+D, we believe work should be both challenging and fun. And you will have the opportunity to work with a team of passionate and creative professionals who are shaping the future of design and construction. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development. Join us in creating innovative architectural designs and creative solutions that are inspiring and impactful!
Based in San Francisco Bay Area, YC+D Architecture provides a full range of architectural design and consulting services to diverse clients and project types.
We design and deliver highly complex projects; and have a passion for and excel in bridging between conceptual and technical design. This approach is critical and integral to our overall process.
We invite qualified and interested applicants to provide work samples, letter of interest, references, along with a resume to hello@ycplusd.com with subject line: YC+D Intermediate Architectural Designer.
www.ycplusd.com
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or to take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Happy hour
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 35 Architectural Designer Jobs in California
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Find Architectural Designer JobsArchitectural Designer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Architectural Designer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in architectural designer jobs across California.
- Licensure as a California Architect or active progress toward California Architects Board registration preferred
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program required
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM workflows required for most roles
- Portfolio demonstrating completed commercial, residential, or mixed-use project work
- Familiarity with California Building Code and Title 24 energy compliance standards
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for client presentations and agency submittals
Architectural Designer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a architectural designer in California?
Most architectural designer roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Candidates pursuing licensure register with the California Architects Board and complete the Architectural Experience Program before sitting for the Architect Registration Examination. Even without full licensure, designers working under a licensed architect can qualify for many positions, and a strong portfolio of California-relevant project types, especially those involving Title 24 compliance and sustainable design, meaningfully strengthens candidacy.
How much do architectural designers make in California?
Architectural designers in California earn a median of about $76,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,850 for the lowest 10% to over $114,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire architectural designers in California?
Employers hiring architectural designers in California right now include Harley Ellis Devereaux, CRB, and Stantec, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of large commercial developers, healthcare systems, and technology campuses means demand is spread across corporate, institutional, and private-practice settings throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most architectural designer jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Francisco have the most architectural designer openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale and volume of commercial, entertainment, and mixed-use development, while San Francisco and San Diego draw openings through tech-campus projects, healthcare expansion, and urban infill work anchored by major firms and institutional clients based in each metro.
Are there remote architectural designer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields, since much of the work involves site visits, consultant coordination, and hands-on model review. About 50% of architectural designer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate the remote component on schematic design, documentation, and rendering work rather than construction administration phases.
How can I get hired as a architectural designer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to large California architecture firms and design-build developers that run structured internship or new-graduate cohort programs, including firms like Gensler and AECOM, which regularly bring on designers at the junior level through campus recruiting. Adjacent roles such as architectural drafter, CAD technician, or design coordinator are common stepping stones at development companies and general contractors across Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Enrolling in the California Architects Board's Architectural Experience Program early and building a portfolio that includes Title 24 or sustainable design work gives candidates a meaningful edge.
Where can I find and apply to architectural designer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to architectural designer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly through each listing.
See All 35 Architectural Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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