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Contract Interior Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Shive-Hattery

Interior Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

We are a full-service design firm offering interior design, architecture, engineering, and ... contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or ...

Shive Hattery Group

Interior Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

We are a full-service design firm offering interior design, architecture, engineering, and ... contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or ...

STOREY KENWORTHY

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We combine strategic thinking, innovative design, and industry-leading solutions to create ... Professionally represents the Company with client and third party contracts and maintains a high ...

STOREY KENWORTHY

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We combine strategic thinking, innovative design, and industry-leading solutions to create ... Professionally represents the Company with client and third party contracts and maintains a high ...

STOREY KENWORTHY

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Ames, IA · On-site

We combine strategic thinking, innovative design, and industry-leading solutions to create ... Professionally represents the Company with client and third party contracts and maintains a high ...

STOREY KENWORTHY

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Ames, IA · On-site

We combine strategic thinking, innovative design, and industry-leading solutions to create ... Professionally represents the Company with client and third party contracts and maintains a high ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA

$60K/yr

... of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA

$60K/yr

... of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA

$60K/yr

... of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA

$60K/yr

... of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Varsity Tutors

Sketchup Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes rapid design visualization and connects SketchUp to architecture, interior design ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Sketchup Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes rapid design visualization and connects SketchUp to architecture, interior design ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

ISG

Architect

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$65K - $165K/yr

... interior design firm, proudly serving clients nationwide. We're growing and excited to welcome a ... Develop and maintain project budgets, work plans, and contracts * Collaborate with other ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Interior Design JobsContract Interior Design Jobs in Iowa

Contract Interior Design information

What is the difference between Contract Interior Design vs Residential Interior Design?

AspectContract Interior DesignResidential Interior Design
CredentialsTypically requires a professional interior design certification or licenseOften requires a certification, but licensing varies by region
Work EnvironmentCommercial projects, offices, retail spaces, hospitality venuesPrivate homes, apartments, residential spaces
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, contractors, commercial clientsIndividual clients, residential design firms
Project ScopeLarge-scale, functional, and compliance-focusedPersonalized, aesthetic-focused, and comfort-oriented

Contract Interior Design involves working on commercial projects like offices and retail spaces, often requiring specific certifications and a focus on functionality and compliance. Residential Interior Design centers on private homes, emphasizing aesthetics and personal preferences. While both roles require interior design skills, their work environments and project types differ significantly.

What is the highest paid interior design job?

Senior interior designers, especially those who specialize in high-end residential or commercial projects, can earn the highest salaries in the field. Executive roles such as design directors or firm partners also tend to have top compensation, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing. Advanced certifications and extensive experience typically contribute to higher earning potential.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?

The 3-5-7 rule in interior design is a guideline for creating balanced and harmonious spaces by grouping objects or furniture in odd numbers—typically three, five, or seven—since odd groupings are more visually appealing. Contract interior designers often use this rule to arrange decor and furnishings to achieve aesthetic cohesion and visual interest in a room.

How much can a freelance interior designer make?

Freelance interior designers' earnings vary based on experience, project scope, and location, but they typically charge hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150 or more. Successful freelancers with a strong portfolio and specialized skills can earn six-figure incomes annually by managing multiple projects and building a client base.

Can an interior designer act as a contractor?

An interior designer typically does not act as a contractor, as their role focuses on space planning, design, and material selection. However, some interior designers with contractor licenses or experience may oversee construction work or coordinate with licensed contractors to ensure project completion. Licensing requirements vary by location and project scope.

What is contract interior design?

Contract interior design refers to the planning and design of interior spaces for commercial environments, such as offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and retail stores. Unlike residential design, contract interior design focuses on creating functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces that meet the needs of businesses and organizations. This field often involves working with architects, contractors, and business owners to ensure that spaces comply with building codes, accessibility standards, and branding requirements. The goal is to enhance the environment for users while supporting the client’s operational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Interior Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Interior Designer, you typically need a degree in interior design or a related field, a keen eye for spatial aesthetics, and strong project management skills. Proficiency in CAD software, 3D rendering tools, and knowledge of building codes and ADA regulations are commonly required, with certifications like NCIDQ being highly valued. Outstanding communication, creativity, and client relationship management set top professionals apart. These skills ensure that projects are functional, compliant, visually appealing, and delivered on time to meet client needs.

What are some common challenges faced by contract interior designers when working with commercial clients?

Contract interior designers often face challenges such as balancing client expectations with budget constraints, adhering to strict project timelines, and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Additionally, they must coordinate with various stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and suppliers, which requires strong communication and project management skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet the unique needs of each commercial client.
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa are:
Contract Interior Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Interior Design job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.
Interior Designer

Interior Designer

Shive-Hattery

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Shive-Hattery rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 442 rated engineering

Job description

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Job Type
Full-time
Description

Shive-Hattery's Iowa City office has an immediate full-time opening for an Interior Designer with 2 to 5 years of experience.


We are a full-service design firm offering interior design, architecture, engineering, and landscape architecture. You will be an integral member of the design team working on all phases and aspects of our varied projects.


Requirements:

  • Recent graduate from an accredited Interior Design program
  • Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
  • NCIDQ Certification or the ability to become certified
  • Ability to develop, communicate, and present design concepts with the project team, to the client, and to outside vendors/agencies
  • Experience or interest in working on commercial workplace projects
  • Experience using REVIT, Sketch-up, Adobe Creative Suites, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or other related graphic software programs is expected
  • Current knowledge of materials, finishes, furnishings, and equipment; including industry standards for selection, procurement, and install management of such items
  • Excellent communication skills
Requirements

*Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and portfolio for consideration. If unable to submit your portfolio due to size constrains, please include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.

Responsibilities:

  • Engage with the project team from programming/scope definition, design, and documentation through implementation
  • Collaborate with the project architect and / or senior Interior Designer on all aspects of project delivery
  • Assist in design presentation development
  • Revit/BIM modeling and project documentation
  • Follow project development and production standards
  • Continuous personal improvement and education

Why Shive-Hattery?


Our learning and teaching culture is founded on collaboration. You will learn from and teach other employees while working across disciplines. You will grow your skills and continue your professional growth at Shive-Hattery.


Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.


Benefit Highlights

  • Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
  • Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Child
  • Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
  • FSA - Medical & Dependent Care
  • 8 Paid Holidays + PTO
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401K/Roth 401K with Company Match
  • Overtime Bonus
  • Profit Sharing Bonus
  • First Time License Bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
  • ...And Many More!


U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

  • At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.


Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What Shive-Hattery employees say

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