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Contract Interior Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Interior Designer

Iowa City, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Let's Do great things-Together At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with ... contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or ...

Interior Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Interior Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Let's Do great things--Together At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people ... contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or ...

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

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 ...

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 ...

Architect- Healthcare

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Arch, Interior Design or equivalent degree * Minimum 10 years of professional experience, with ... contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or ...

Autocad Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

... interior design, and construction documentation careers using AutoCAD software. * Conceptual ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Autocad Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

... interior design, and construction documentation careers using AutoCAD software. * Conceptual ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Mechanical Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are a full-service design firm offering architecture, interior design, engineering, and ... Attend project and client meetings with design professionals for projects under contract and for ...

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Contract Interior Design information

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?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Contract Interior Design job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description


Let's Do great things-Together


At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We're a full-service architecture and engineering firm with a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and putting people first, our clients and each other. If you're looking for a place where your ideas matter and your growth is supported, you'll feel at home here.


Why This Role Matters


As an Interior Designer with 2-5 years of experience you'll play a key role in supporting the firm and shaping projects that make a difference-from concept through completion. You'll collaborate with talented teammates, contribute your expertise, and help us deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions for those we serve.


What You'll Do 

  • 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 

Requirements

You don't need to check every box to succeed here. If your experience aligns with many of the items below and you're excited about the work we do, we encourage you to apply.

  • 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 

What will make you stand out 

  • 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 

Our Commitment to You


Great work happens when you feel secure in your future, confident in your support, and trusted to grow. That's why our benefits support your health, financial stability, and life beyond work - including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, 401(k) retirement savings, disability protection, wellness incentives, and flexibility. When we succeed, you share in that success. Guided by truth, trust, mentoring, and care, we're committed to helping you build a lasting career.


Who We Are


Shive-Hattery is a privately held architecture and engineering consulting firm with design offices across the United States. Here, you'll work alongside multidisciplinary teams delivering integrated design solutions for clients across industries. You'll contribute to meaningful projects guided by our principle to design what matters and make our world a better place. You're looking to build something great. So are we.


Shive-Hattery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


This position is primarily performed in an office or hybrid environment and may require travel to project sites, other Shive-Hattery office locations or to meet with clients. A full clean driver's license is required. The role involves sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods. May also require lifting light to medium weight objects of up to 50 lbs., the wearing of PPE and navigating active construction sites. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. 


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


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.


If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and interests, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us design what matters to make the world a better place. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and portfolio for consideration. If you are unable to submit your portfolio due to size constraints, please include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter. 


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.