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Hospitality Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hospitality Design Intern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a hospitality design intern?

As a Hospitality Design Intern, you will typically assist with various aspects of the design process for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality spaces. Your daily tasks may include preparing presentation boards, assisting with CAD drawings, selecting materials and finishes, and supporting senior designers during client meetings. You'll often collaborate closely with architects, project managers, and vendors to ensure design concepts align with client expectations. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world projects and can be a stepping stone toward more advanced positions in interior or hospitality design.

What is the difference between Hospitality Design Intern vs Interior Design Intern?

AspectHospitality Design InternInterior Design Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of architecture, interior design, or related fieldEnrolled in or recent graduate of interior design, architecture, or related program
Work EnvironmentHotels, resorts, restaurants, and hospitality venuesResidential, commercial, or institutional spaces
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms specializing in hospitality projectsDesign firms, architecture firms, or independent practices
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Hospitality Design Interns focus on creating spaces for hotels, resorts, and restaurants, often working within specialized hospitality design firms. Interior Design Interns have a broader scope, working on residential, commercial, or institutional interiors. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and skills, Hospitality Design Interns typically concentrate on hospitality-specific projects, making the comparison relevant for those exploring careers in hospitality-focused design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospitality design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospitality Design Intern, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in drafting and rendering, and typically a background in interior design or architecture. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and knowledge of LEED or other sustainability certifications is advantageous. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and contribute creative ideas within project teams. These skills ensure you can support complex design projects, meet client expectations, and develop professionally in the dynamic hospitality industry.

What is a hospitality design intern?

Hospitality Design Interns are students or recent graduates who assist professional designers in creating functional and visually appealing spaces for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality environments. They typically support the design team with tasks such as drafting layouts, selecting materials, researching trends, and preparing presentations. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience, help interns build a portfolio, and offer insight into how hospitality spaces are conceptualized and developed.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Hospitality Design Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Hospitality Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Hospitality Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

The Block Summer Intern

YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Café Intern is a paid workforce and leadership development experience designed to help teens ages 16-18 build workplace skills, confidence, leadership capacity, and career readiness through hands-on experience at The Block Community Café. Under the supervision of the Teen Director, the intern assists with daily café operations while developing transferable job skills. The internship is designed to provide real-world experience that helps participants build confidence, responsibility, and career readiness.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Assist with preparing and serving food and beverages in The Block Community Café
  • Provide friendly customer service to YMCA members, guests, and program participants
  • Learn to operate the café's point-of-sale system and assist with transactions
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the café workspace, equipment, and service areas
  • Support opening and closing café procedures as assigned
  • Restock food, beverage, and café supplies as needed
  • Follow YMCA food safety, sanitation, and health guidelines
  • Support a welcoming and inclusive café environment for all members of the community
  • WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
  • Hands-on experience in food service and café operations
  • Development of customer service and hospitality skills
  • Workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, communication, and time management
  • Exposure to nonprofit community programming and YMCA mission-driven work
  • Financial literacy and workplace responsibility experience
  • Exposure to career pathways and professional mentorship
  • Leadership development and community engagement experience

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
  • Hands-on experience in food service and café operations
  • Development of customer service and hospitality skills
  • Workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, communication, and time management
  • Exposure to nonprofit community programming and YMCA mission-driven work
  • Financial literacy and workplace responsibility experience
  • Exposure to career pathways and professional mentorship
  • Leadership development and community engagement experience

Requirements
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
  • Interest in food service, hospitality, or workforce skill development
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact respectfully with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Reliable, organized, and willing to learn new skills
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and workplace guidelines
  • Willingness to participate in training and feedback opportunities

Preferred:
  • Previous volunteer, youth program, or customer service experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
  • Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
  • Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
  • Must be physically able to complete required certifications
  • Program schedules will align with YMCA operational needs and applicable youth labor guidelines.

BACKGROUND CHECKS:
An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet the minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver's license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver's license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.
Participation in the internship is dependent on meeting these safety requirements and maintaining compliance with YMCA policies and standards for the duration of the internship.
Note: Participants are expected to comply with all YMCA employment policies, safety standards, and program expectations throughout the residency experience.
Salary Description
13.00/hr