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Entry Level Interior Design Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Develop awareness of interior design through practical experience, observation and interaction with ... Promote the Design program & assist the Designer to achieve established Design program sales goals

... offer expert advice to assist our clients every step of the way! Our Home Fashions team is ... If you have a passion for interior design, and customer service skills to match, we may be right ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Interior Design Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$49.3K

$70.6K

How much do entry level interior design assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level interior design assistant in Chicago, IL is $49,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,700.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level interior design assistant do?

An Entry Level Interior Design Assistant supports interior designers by helping with project planning, sourcing materials, organizing samples, and preparing presentations. They may also handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing client communications. This role offers hands-on experience in the design process and provides valuable exposure to industry tools, trends, and client interactions. Entry-level assistants often learn from senior designers and develop the skills needed to advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level interior design assistant, and why are they important?

Entry Level Interior Design Assistants need a basic understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and proficiency in design-related software, often supported by a degree or coursework in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management systems is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help candidates excel in supporting designers and liaising with clients and vendors. These competencies are crucial for ensuring smooth project execution and contributing to attractive, functional design outcomes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Interior Design Assistant vs Interior Designer?

AspectEntry Level Interior Design AssistantInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or certification in interior design or related fieldBachelor’s degree in interior design or architecture
Work EnvironmentAssistants typically work under supervision in design firms or showroomsDesigners lead projects, communicate with clients, and oversee implementation
ResponsibilitiesSupport tasks like material sourcing, drafting, and project prepConcept development, client consultations, project management

In summary, an Entry Level Interior Design Assistant primarily supports senior designers with technical and administrative tasks, requiring relevant certifications and working under supervision. An Interior Designer has more responsibility, including client interaction and project leadership, often requiring a degree and more experience.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Interior Design Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Interior Design Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Interior Design Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Interior Design Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Interior Design Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,273 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Design Professional I - Interior Design, Health Interiors

Chicago, IL • On-site

HKS, Inc.
Architectural Services • 1 - 5K employees

$62K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview:
HKS Chicago is seeking a Design Professional to join our Health Interiors team.
Supports project teams using a wide range of developing professional skills. Performs basic design and technical tasks requiring application of standard techniques and knowledge while working under general supervision. Eager to learn, highly organized and willing to contribute creatively to the team.
Responsibilities:
  • Revises drawings, presentations and renderings as assigned under direction of lead designer
  • Assists with preparing implementation document sets (i.e., interior plans, fixture plans, elevations, details)
  • Organizes files, materials and displays
  • Assists in developing and managing furniture and interior fittings packages
  • May complete site surveys, field verification and test fit plans
  • Assists with the development of interiors concepts based on client vision, desire, project scope and architectural concept
  • Utilizes creative thinking to achieve innovative solutions
  • Conducts research (i.e., conceptual, site, client, materials) for the project team
  • May communicate with and coordinate with vendors and product manufacturers representatives during finish sample procurement and selection
  • May participate in communication with other disciplines, consultants and contractors to incorporate all information into project requirements
  • May assist with review of RFIs and submittals during the Construction Administration Phase
  • May participate in product presentations to maintain knowledge of industry drivers, products and materials available on the market
  • Participates in and contributes to in team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines

Qualifications:
Education and Experience
  • Accredited professional degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field
  • Typically 0-3 years of experience

Licenses and Certifications
  • On the path to NCIDQ certification
  • Sustainable design accreditation preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Advanced - expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
Intermediate - experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
Basic - familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and can perform elementary functions
  • Basic experience and skills in Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper and Dynamo required; intermediate preferred
  • Intermediate experience in Twinmotion, Enscape or other visualization tools; advanced preferred
  • Intermediate skills in AI design tools and virtual reality such as VR headsets and Yulio required
  • Basic experience in Bluebeam, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign graphic software required
  • Basic skills in MS Office Suite required
  • Basic knowledge of furniture specifications software required, and of Navisworks preferred
  • Basic knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required
  • Basic knowledge of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) to carry out design intent required
  • Basic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing preferred
  • Basic ability to problem solve and collaborate on innovative solutions required
  • Basic ability to work in team environment required
  • Basic ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required
  • Basic ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality required
  • Travel may be required

Base Salary Range: $62k - $64k Chicago location only.
The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the Chicago location only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.
#LI-KT1
If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.
HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran