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Graduate Interior Design Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Interior Design information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do graduate interior design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate interior design in Raleigh, NC is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 graduate interior designers?

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 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.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Graduate Interior Design jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Graduate Interior Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Interior Design job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,226 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Fire Protection Engineer PE

$80.70K - $108.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.
Position Summary: Clark Nexsen is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer. The Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project execution for a variety of multi- and single-discipline facility design projects. The Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for performing multiple aspects of fire protection engineering services on multi-discipline building design projects of small to large scope for commercial and government facilities, as well as single discipline fire protection engineering projects of small to large scope.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following
  • Performing all aspects of fire protection design services including conceptual studies, programming, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents under the direct supervision of a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the Department Director
  • Working on a multi-discipline design team
  • Meeting with clients to prepare and validate scope of work
  • Preparation of marketing and presentation materials as directed
  • Obtain guidance from Senior Fire Protection Engineer and the Department Director as necessary to resolve technical and coordination issues and conflicting criteria
  • Direct and supervise the work of support staff assigned to the project, particularly where unusual or difficult problems are encountered
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the bidding process, including preparing addenda and amendments and opening and tabulating bids as directed
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the construction phase, including field visits, answering RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and preparing record drawings
  • Complying with the company's quality control practices and procedures
  • Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals, Project Managers, Design Managers, Operations Directors and senior management
  • Working with a multi-discipline team of architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects
  • Participating in team meetings and coordinating efforts with other team members
  • Directing, supervising and training junior fire protection staff as directed
  • Mentoring and monitoring the professional development of junior fire protection staff

Project responsibilities include but are not limited to the following
  • Perform Senior Fire Protection Engineer tasks as directed
  • Serve in the role of Design Manager on projects as assigned
  • Preparing scope and fee proposals for the fire protection portion of multi-discipline
  • projects or single-discipline, fire protection-only projects
  • Conduct project code analysis for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Selection and layout of the fire protection systems, including consideration of alternative
  • systems
  • Preparing accurate, complete, and code-compliant drawings and specifications for
  • schematic, design development, and construction document submittals.
  • Developing details of building system components
  • Reviewing calculations and all work products produced by fire protection EIT's,
  • graduates, or designers assigned to the project
  • Reviewing all drawings produced by CADD technicians assigned to the project
  • Developing discipline specifications for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Coordinate drawings with technical specifications
  • Coordinate work product with other disciplines
  • Incorporate responses to QC and Gray Team comments into the project documents
  • Assist in responding to RFI's, Dr. Check comments, etc.
  • Review and respond to CA submittals
  • Perform discipline QA/QC review on assigned projects
  • Adhere to discipline budget and schedule

Required Skills
  • Understanding of sustainable design principles and design practices with LEED AP accreditation desirable
  • Additional certifications such as CDT, CCS, or CCCA are encouraged to reflect personal growth in the profession and an ever-increasing knowledge base to enhance the design and documentation process
  • Active participation in NSPE, SFPE, NFPA or other related professional organizations is desirable
  • Working familiarity with design/production and fire protection analysis software to a point of being able to understand the capabilities and limitations of the programs and interact with the support staff in their use of the software is highly desirable
  • Proficient in MS Office Software
  • Proficient in discipline specific design software

Required Experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum or a post-graduate degree in Fire Protection Engineering is preferred
  • Must be a fully licensed Fire Protection Engineer in at least one US state or jurisdiction, preferably in the local jurisdiction, by passing the Fire Protection Engineering written examination
  • 4+ years of experience as a lead designer or Fire Protection Engineer in federal, state, municipal, healthcare, commercial, higher education or similar projects plus experience in Design/Build and CM at Risk project delivery methods

Working Conditions
At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. JMT offers a hybrid work schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.