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

Senior Bridge Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in ... Mentor junior bridge designers and new graduate engineers, including training to use software, how ...

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Fall Intern, Brand Experience

Durham, NC

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... design. We are a team of architects, interior designers, engineers, graphic designers, landscape ... Preferred Qualifications • Rising 4th or 5th year undergraduate student or graduate student • ...

Fall Intern, Brand Experience

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... design. We are a team of architects, interior designers, engineers, graphic designers, landscape ... Preferred Qualifications • Rising 4th or 5th year undergraduate student or graduate student • ...

Fire Protection Engineer PE

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Working on a multi-discipline design team * Meeting with clients to prepare and validate scope of ... Working with a multi-discipline team of architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape ...

Graduate Interior Design information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do graduate interior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,226 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Summer 2026 Drafting Internship

Bud Matthews Service Specialists Inc

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a part-time Drafting Intern to join our team for Summer 2026. This position is a great opportunity for someone interested in residential design, construction drawings, renovation work, and the overall design-build process.

The Drafting Intern will assist with as-built drawings, basic CAD drafting, finish material selections, project documentation, and coordination with our design, estimating, and construction teams. This role will be part-time and may include a mix of office work, field measuring, and project support.

Responsibilities include:
  • Assist with creating asbuilt drawings from field measurements
  • Help measure existing homes, rooms, and project areas
  • Draft floor plans, elevations, and basic construction details in CAD
  • Update drawings based on design changes and team feedback
  • Assist with finish material selections for projects
  • Help organize selections for flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, paint colors, and other finish items
  • Coordinate with the design and estimating teams on project details
  • Assist with preparing drawing packages for pricing, client review, and construction use
  • Help maintain organized project files, notes, photos, and drawings
  • Support the team with general design and drafting tasks as needed
  • Qualifications:
  • Current student or recent graduate in architecture, interior design, construction management, drafting, or a related field preferred
  • Basic knowledge of CAD required
  • Interest in residential design, remodeling, and construction
  • Ability to take field measurements and translate them into drawings
  • Strong attention to detail and organization
  • Willingness to learn and take direction
  • Good communication skills
  • Comfortable working in both an office setting and occasionally in the field
  • Reliable transportation preferred
  • This internship is ideal for someone looking to gain hands-on experience with real residential projects, as-built documentation, finish selections, and the connection between design, estimating, and construction.