Interior Design Internships: How to Get Your Foot in the Door
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Why Interior Design Internships Matter
Interior design is a practice-based profession. While school teaches you theory, software, and design thinking, internships teach you how the industry actually functions.
Through an internship, you’ll learn:
How design studios structure projects
How designers communicate with clients and consultants
How drawings, specifications, and schedules are produced
How deadlines, budgets, and revisions are managed
For many studios, internships are also a low-risk way to evaluate potential hires. It’s common for strong interns to be offered junior roles after graduation.
What Interior Design Internships Typically Involve
Internship responsibilities vary depending on the studio, but most include a mix of technical, creative, and administrative tasks.
Common responsibilities include:
Assisting with mood boards and concept development
Creating or editing CAD drawings and layouts
Supporting 3D modeling and renderings
Researching furniture, materials, and finishes
Preparing presentation decks
Organizing samples and specifications
Attending meetings or site visits (where possible)
While some tasks may feel basic at first, they are all part of understanding how a project comes together.
Types of Interior Design Internships
Not all internships are the same. Understanding the differences helps you target the right opportunities.
Design Studio Internships
These are the most common and typically offered by residential, commercial, or hospitality design firms.
You’ll gain exposure to real client projects and studio workflows.
Best for
Students or graduates aiming for traditional interior design roles.
Architecture or Interior Architecture Firms
Some interns work in architecture practices with strong interior teams.
These internships often involve more technical drawings and construction documentation.
Best for
Those interested in interior architecture, spatial planning, and technical depth.
Furniture and Product Brands
Internships with furniture manufacturers, lighting brands, or showrooms focus more on product knowledge and specification.
Best for
Students interested in FF&E, sourcing, and brand-side roles.
Styling and Set Design Internships
These roles lean toward styling, staging, and visual storytelling rather than technical design.
Best for
Those interested in editorial, residential styling, or creative direction.
When to Apply for Interior Design Internships
Timing matters.
Most internships fall into three categories:
Summer internships (most competitive)
Semester-based placements
Rolling or ad-hoc studio internships
Larger firms often advertise internships months in advance, while smaller studios may hire interns as needed.
A good rule of thumb is to start applying 3–6 months ahead of when you’d like to begin.
Where to Find Interior Design Internships
Many interior design internships are never publicly advertised, so relying only on job boards can limit your options.
Studio Websites
Check the “Careers” or “Work With Us” sections of design studios you admire. Some list internships year-round.
Design Job Boards
Useful platforms include:
LinkedIn
Indeed
Dezeen Jobs
Archinect
Design-focused university job boards
Direct Outreach (Highly Effective)
Many interns land roles by emailing studios directly.
A short, thoughtful message with your portfolio link can be enough to start a conversation, especially with smaller firms.
School and Alumni Networks
Universities often have internal job boards, alumni directories, and faculty connections that aren’t available publicly.
How to Apply Without Experience
Lack of professional experience is normal at the internship stage. Studios expect this.
What they care about most is potential.
Build a Strong Student Portfolio
Your portfolio should focus on:
Clear design thinking
Process, not just final images
Spatial understanding
Attention to detail
Include:
Student projects
Concept sketches and iterations
Plans, sections, and elevations
Material and precedent research
Short explanations of your decisions
Quality matters more than quantity. Five strong projects are better than ten rushed ones.
Tailor Your Application
Avoid sending the same generic email to every studio.
Instead:
Mention why you admire their work
Reference a specific project or design approach
Explain what you hope to learn from them
This shows genuine interest and effort.
Keep Your CV Simple and Relevant
Focus on:
Education and software skills
Any relevant work experience (even outside design)
Workshops, competitions, or exhibitions
Availability dates
Avoid overloading it with unrelated details.
What Makes a Strong Internship Candidate
Studios consistently look for interns who demonstrate:
Curiosity and willingness to learn
Strong communication skills
Basic software competence
Attention to detail
Reliability and professionalism
You don’t need to know everything. You do need to be engaged, organized, and open to feedback.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Landing an internship is only half the work. What you do during it matters just as much.
Ask Questions (Thoughtfully)
Show interest in the work, but be mindful of timing. Group questions together when possible and learn from observation as well.
Take Initiative
If you finish a task, ask what else you can help with. Studios notice interns who are proactive without being disruptive.
Learn the Studio’s Workflow
Pay attention to:
File organization
Drawing standards
Naming conventions
Communication style
These habits are essential in professional practice.
Be Open to Feedback
Critique is part of design. Treat feedback as an opportunity to improve, not a personal judgment.
Turning an Internship Into a Job
Not every internship leads directly to a role, but many do.
To increase your chances:
Be consistent and dependable
Show growth over time
Express interest in staying on or returning
Ask for feedback near the end of your placement
Even if a role isn’t available, a strong internship can lead to referrals, freelance work, or future opportunities.
Paid vs Unpaid Internships
This varies widely by country and firm size.
Paid internships are more common in larger firms and corporate environments. Smaller studios may offer unpaid or short-term placements, especially for students.
When evaluating an opportunity, consider:
Learning value
Duration and workload
Mentorship and exposure
Legal requirements in your region
Your time has value, so choose placements that genuinely contribute to your growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to apply
Sending generic applications
Hiding student work because it’s “not professional”
Focusing only on big-name firms
Treating internships as casual or temporary
Professionalism starts at the internship level.
Final Thoughts
Interior design internships are one of the most effective ways to enter the industry.
They help you bridge the gap between education and practice, build confidence, and develop the skills studios actually need. More than anything, internships give you visibility and momentum early in your career.
Focus on learning, showing up consistently, and building strong relationships. The experience you gain will shape not just your CV, but how you work as a designer moving forward.
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