Careers in Interior Design

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in interior design? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Flickr user buccellaassociati

Interior design focuses on making indoor spaces of all sorts functional and beautiful. An interior designer often specializes in a specific type of indoor space, such as office spaces, residential homes, or commercial design. They can also specialize in specific rooms (such as kitchen or bath), specific design styles, or in other areas such as environmentally conscious interior design.

Because of the variety of areas an interior designer can specialize in, there isn’t a typical day to day. Here are some activities that can happen in an interior designer’s day:

Sketch a design for a client, by hand or by computer
Meet with clients to discuss design needs
Research building permits needed and other regulations for a project
Specify items needed to make the interior beautiful

Interior designers frequent work in design and architecture firms as well as with home furniture stores. Over a quarter of interior designers are self-employed.

To get started in interior design, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with courses in interior design and art, as well as training in computer-aided design (CAD). You also need a strong portfolio. In some states, you need a license before you can practice interior design.

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Interior Design

AptDeco - AptDeco is a New York, NY based startup that allows you “to buy or sell furniture without the scams, hassle, or creepy people going into your apartment.”

See the complete AptDeco profile

Blinds.com - Blinds.com is a Houston, TX based company that is “the world’s largest online window covering store.”

See the complete Blinds.com profile

Houzz - Houzz is a Palo Alto, CA based company that offers “a collaborative platform for home remodeling and design."

See the complete Houzz profile

Hanley Wood - Washington, DC based Hanley Wood is “the premier media, event, information and strategic marketing services company serving the residential and commercial design and construction industries.”

See the complete Hanley Wood profile

Art.com - Art.com is based in Emeryville, CA, and it “is a leading authority in wall décor and the world’s largest online retailer of posters, prints, and framed art.”

See the complete Art.com profile

Haworth - Haworth is a Holland, MI based furniture company that “can make your environments work harder for you.”

See the complete Haworth profile

Restoration Hardware - Restoration Hardware is a Corte Madera, CA based retailer that considers itself a “curator of the finest historical design the world has to offer."

See the complete Restoration Hardware profile

Vedere - Vedere is a New York, NY based company that offers “an online design community and global marketplace unlike any other.”

See the complete Vedere profile

Dwell - Dwell is a magazine about being "at home in the modern world," and they have some great job opportunities available.

See the complete Dwell profile

Fab.com - Fab.com is an NYC based site that offers daily deals on design for everyone, and they have a ton of jobs available.

See the complete Fab.com profile

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia - If you enjoy Martha Stewart and want to work on the media or merchandise side, you definitely need to take a look at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia’s Careers.

See the complete Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia profile

Perkins+Will - I’m not much of an architectural critic, but Perkins+Will's projects look great and so do their entry level jobs for recent college grads.

See the complete Perkins+Will profile

Reader’s Digest Association - It’s hard to say what's ahead for Reader’s Digest Association, but I think that there’s a big opportunity for entry level talent to help mold the future.

See the complete Reader’s Digest Association profile

One Kings Lane - One Kings Lane offers the “world’s top home decor brands and designers at up to 70% off retail.” They’re headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

See the complete One Kings Lane profile

Rockwell Group - Rockwell Group doesn’t list jobs, but they do say “if you are passionate, creative, smart, hardworking, and looking for your next challenge,” you should apply.

See the complete Rockwell Group profile

Check out the latest job and internship postings in interior design.

Careers in Interior Design

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Interior Design

See more companies with entry level jobs and internships in interior design: