1

Interior Design Associate Jobs in North Carolina

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial ... Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. * Working knowledge of online ...

$19.45 - $25.25/hr

Associate degree (A.A. or A.S.) or equivalent from a community college or four-year college in interior design. 1-2 years experience in a customer service, retail, or furniture store environment.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Interior Design Associate information

See North Carolina salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do interior design associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design associate in North Carolina is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interior design associate?

Interior Design Associates are professionals who assist interior designers in planning, designing, and executing interior spaces for residential or commercial clients. They support the lead designer by helping with tasks like researching materials, creating design presentations, coordinating with vendors, and managing project documentation. Interior Design Associates often have a background in design and a keen eye for aesthetics, and their roles can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a lead designer. They also collaborate closely with clients, contractors, and suppliers to ensure projects run smoothly and meet the client's vision and budget.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an interior design associate?

To thrive as an Interior Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and materials, often supported by a degree in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and regulations, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, attention to detail, and client relationship skills are crucial soft skills for success. These abilities ensure that design solutions are both functional and aesthetically pleasing while effectively meeting client needs and project requirements.

How does an interior design associate typically collaborate with senior designers and clients during a project?

Interior Design Associates frequently work under the guidance of senior designers, assisting with tasks such as sourcing materials, preparing design proposals, and creating presentation boards. They often participate in client meetings to take notes, gather requirements, and ensure that client preferences are accurately reflected in design concepts. Effective communication skills are essential, as Associates serve as a bridge between clients, vendors, and senior team members. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities and fosters the development of project management and client relations skills.

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

AspectInterior Design AssociateInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or certification in interior designBachelor’s degree in interior design or related field
Work EnvironmentAssistants in design firms, retail, or residential projectsLead projects, client consultations, and design development
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport design plans, select materials, prepare presentationsCreate design concepts, manage projects, coordinate with clients

Interior Design Associates typically hold certifications or associate degrees and support senior designers in various projects. Interior Designers usually have a bachelor’s degree and take on more responsibility, including client interaction and project management. Both roles are essential in the design industry, but the Associate role is more support-focused, while the Designer role involves leading projects.

How to get into an interior design associate with no experience?

Interior Design Associate positions often require some knowledge of design principles and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. To enter the field with no experience, candidates can pursue relevant coursework, build a portfolio of personal or volunteer projects, and seek entry-level roles or internships to gain practical skills and industry exposure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in North Carolina are:

What are popular job titles related to Interior Design Associate jobs in North Carolina?

For Interior Design Associate jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interior Design Associate jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Interior Design Associate jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Interior Design Associate jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Interior Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Associate job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,891 per year, or $23 per hour.

Interior Design Assistant/Associate Professor

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Appalachian State University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

550th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Request to Recruit
Position Title Interior Design Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure Status Tenure Track Provide Rank Assistant, Associate Position Number 045381 VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Department Applied Design - 265310 Working Location (City, State) Boone, NC
Position Summary Information
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must possess a terminal degree in Interior Design or a design-related discipline (Ph.D., MFA, M. Arch., or equivalent) with a minimum of one studio-based degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture
Areas of Interest and Preferred Qualifications (No Minimum Level Required)
  • A demonstrated specialization in three or more of the following areas: AI applications in design, virtual reality, codes and standards, construction documentation and detailing, environmentally-sensitive design, collaboration, evidence-based design, human-centered design, environmental psychology, ergonomics, human factors, or design technologies.
  • Proficiency in the one or more of the following software programs: 20/20, 3D Studio Max, ProWalker GPU, Procreate, Morpholio, Twinmotion, V-ray, SU Podium
  • Expertise in software including: Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, Sketch-Up, the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Evidence of successful college/university teaching experience
  • NCIDQ certification, LEED and/or WELL accreditation.
  • Evidence of AI integration in a design curriculum
  • Engagement with the interior design profession, professional organizations, and/or experience in professional practice.
  • Experience with CIDA accreditation review
License/Certification Required
While not required, NCIDQ certification, LEED and/or WELL Accredited Professionals are of interest.
Description of the Department or Unit
The interior design program is a four-year, professional degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree. The program balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches delivered through a combination of lecture and studio courses. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Environmental responsibility in design is a focus of the program and is woven holistically throughout the curriculum. The program has consistently earned top honors in national and international competitions such as the PAVE retail competition, NEWH Green Voice Design Competition. Alumni work in all aspects of the interior design profession-primarily in the Southeast and East Coast as well as nationally and internationally.

The Department of Applied Design offers three NASAD accredited undergraduate majors with nearly 500 students: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Industrial Design with concentrations in Furniture and Product Design, and Interior Design. Applied Design includes design studios, 12,000 square feet of prototyping studios, computer labs and designated classrooms.
Applied Design's 18 tenure-track and full-time faculty focus on enhancing human experience through design. Students acquire the skills necessary to envision solutions from concept to prototypes through experiential learning. Students are required to complete one internship. Alumni occupy diverse professional positions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assistant Professor/Associate Professor: Faculty are required to meet expectations in teaching and student development, scholarly and creative endeavors, and academic and professional service. Examples include, but are not limited to; teach courses in the Interior Design program; participate in program development, CIDA accreditation, departmental and university committee work; advise students; produce an active agenda of scholarly or creative work in the field of interior design; and develop and maintain high-quality studio resources.
Type of Position Full Time Position Appointment Type 1.0 Number Of Months Per Year 9 Physical Demands of Position
Typical physical demands of a professional position at the university.
Posting Details Information
Proposed Date of Hire 08/19/2026 Suggested Salary Range Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. ABD Consideration: ABD with reduction in rank and salary (see desc. below) ABD Description
ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.
No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application includes:

1) A letter of application addressing minimal qualifications and areas of interests
2) Current vitae
3) Copy of transcripts
4) Complete contact information of three professional references
5) Portfolio of student work from classes you have taught (not to exceed 9MB)
6) A portfolio of professional design work and/or scholarly/creative endeavors
Please note this position is based on enrollment and subject to available funding.

UNC System Code (Section 610(2)) Special Faculty Hires
The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.
Posting Date 10/27/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Evaluation of Applications Begins 01/01/2026 Search Chair Name Jeanne Mercer-Ballard Search Chair Email mercerja@appstate.edu Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/52389 Posting Number FA00533P

What Appalachian State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom