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Graduate Interior Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

Medical Equipment Graduate Planner - 2

Naperville, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

... Interior Design, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, or equivalent required 2 years of experience minimum in the building design or medical equipment ...

IMEG

Medical Equipment Graduate Planner - 2

Naperville, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... Interior Design, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, or equivalent required • 2 years of experience minimum in the building design or medical ...

Perkins and Will

Medical Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Minimum of 8 years post graduate experience in medical planning. * Position requires a professional degree in Architecture, or related discipline. * Professional architectural or interior design ...

Perkins & Will

Medical Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Minimum of 8 years post graduate experience in medical planning. * Position requires a professional degree in Architecture, or related discipline. * Professional architectural or interior design ...

Perkins & Will

Medical Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Minimum of 8 years post graduate experience in medical planning. * Position requires a professional degree in Architecture, or related discipline. * Professional architectural or interior design ...

Perkins and Will

Medical Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Minimum of 8 years post graduate experience in medical planning. * Position requires a professional degree in Architecture, or related discipline. * Professional architectural or interior design ...

DLR Group

Architect

Chicago, IL

$85K - $114K/yr

... interior design, making a lasting impression on the luxury lifestyle market. From New York to Los ... Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Graduate degree not required unless mandated by local licensure ...

DLR Group

Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69K - $119K/yr

... interior design, making a lasting impression on the luxury lifestyle market. From New York to Los ... Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Graduate degree not required unless mandated by local licensure ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

ICT + Security Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Possess / demonstrate the engineering knowledge and understanding to design or analyze data ... Our robust internship program recognizes undergraduate and graduate students from across the world ...

All JobsGraduate Interior Design JobsGraduate Interior Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graduate Interior Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do graduate interior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate interior design in Chicago, IL is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate interior designer?

Graduate interior designers are recent graduates who have completed a degree in interior design or a related field and are beginning their professional careers in the industry. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced designers, assisting with tasks such as drafting layouts, selecting materials, and preparing design presentations. Graduate interior designers gain hands-on experience, develop their portfolios, and work towards becoming fully qualified interior designers through practical training and sometimes additional certification.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate interior designer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Interior Designer, you will typically support senior designers by assisting with space planning, preparing mood boards, creating 2D and 3D drawings, and sourcing materials or furnishings. You'll often attend client meetings, conduct site surveys, and help with project administration tasks, such as organizing documentation and coordinating with suppliers. This hands-on experience allows you to develop technical skills, understand project workflows, and build professional relationships within multidisciplinary teams. Over time, you'll gradually be trusted with greater creative input and responsibility for small-scale projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate interior designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Interior Designer, you need a degree in interior design or a related field, a strong design portfolio, and foundational knowledge of spatial planning and color theory. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required, along with familiarity with building codes and regulations. Creativity, attention to detail, strong communication, and collaboration skills help you stand out and effectively translate client needs into functional and aesthetic spaces. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, compliant, and client-focused design solutions in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Graduate Interior Design vs Interior Designer?

AspectGraduate Interior DesignInterior Designer
QualificationsTypically a recent interior design graduate or studentProfessional certification or licensure often required
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSeveral years of experience in interior design projects
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level roles, educational settingsClient projects, design firms, consulting
Industry UsageEducational and entry-level job postingsProfessional practice and client-facing roles

In summary, Graduate Interior Design refers to individuals who have recently completed their interior design education and are starting their careers, often in internships or entry-level roles. Interior Designer is a professional with experience and credentials who manages client projects and provides expert design solutions.

Graduate Interior Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Interior Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,286 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Merchandising Product Design Admin Intern

Li & Fung

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities?Here is what you need to know about the job:

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking an exciting opportunity to launch your career inhome decor merchandising, product creation, and design?

Here is what you need to know about the job:

The Merchandising Admin Assistant Intern for theMiles Hard Goods Divisionplays a vital supportive role in bringing home decor products from concept to reality. Working closely with the creative and merchandising teams, this intern will gain hands-on experience intrend research, product development, design coordination,and day-to-day creative operations. This position is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented student or recent graduate eager to learn the world of lifestyle fashion, design aesthetics, and client presentation from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design & Trend Support:Assist the merchandising team in researching current home decor trends, sourcing inspiration, and putting together seasonal mood boards and color palettes.
  • Product Creation & Development:Support the lifecycle of product development by organizing design sketches, updating style sheets, and tracking fabric, materials, and finish selections.
  • Sample Management:Coordinate the logistics of product and decor samples. This includes unpacking new prototypes, styling/arranging them for review, labeling, and tracking approvals between design teams and vendors.
  • Artwork & Packaging Coordination:Assist in tracking product artwork timelines and gathering commercial packaging details, ensuring the visual branding matches the design vision.
  • Showroom & Presentation Prep:Help organize and prepare product specifications, visual presentation boards, and materials needed for client meetings and the tender process.
  • Cross-Functional Communication:Support clear follow-ups and communication between local creative teams, overseas development offices, and vendor designers.

Qualifications:

  • Current undergraduate student or recent graduate looking to gain experience inMerchandising, Interior Design, Fashion, Product Development,or a related creative field.
  • A strong eye for home decor trends, color, and textile aesthetics.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and razor-sharp attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-centric mindset.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, creative environment.
  • A collaborative team player with a positive, eager-to-learn attitude.
  • Technical Skills:Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with visual platforms or design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a strong plus.

Important Notice: Fraudulent Communications:It has come to our attention that there are people posing as representatives of Li & Fung. These imposters may offer false opportunities including fake employment offers and other fraudulent opportunities by email or other means of communication. Please beware of such fraudulent communications. If you are in doubt as to the legitimacy of any communications purportedly from Li & Fung, please verify with us by contacting LFHR@lifung.com.

#lftrading #lifung #internship #homedecor #productdevelopment #fashionmerchandising

If this sounds like you,Apply Now!

If this sounds like you, Apply Now!As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

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