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Interior Design Associate Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Interior Design Associate information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do interior design associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design associate in Chattanooga, TN is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $25.82 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 Chattanooga, TN?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for Interior Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most Interior Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Associate job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,982 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

Shaw Industries Inc

Dalton, GA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Shaw Industries rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Title

Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

Position Overview

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a leader in flooring and other surface solutions designed for residential housing, commercial spaces and outdoor environments. Leveraging strengths in design, innovation and operational excellence, the company takes a people-centered, customer-focused, and growth-minded approach to meet diverse market needs. It creates differentiated customer experiences through its expansive portfolio of brands: Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Shaw Floors, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Sports Turf, Shawgrass, Southwest Greens, Watershed Geo and more. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than $5 billion in annual sales and approximately 18,000 associates worldwide.

Position Summary

The Design Director, Resilient & Laminateis responsible forleading the design strategy, portfolio development, and creative direction for Shaw's resilient and laminate categories across residential brands and channels. This role drives product differentiation, channel growth, and speed-to-market by translating consumer insights into commercially successful collections and product platforms. The role works in close partnership with the Design Studio to accelerate innovation, develop regional and channel-focused solutions, andmaintaina pipeline of market-ready concepts that create competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Leadership

  • Own the long-term design vision and strategy for the Residential Resilient & Laminate categories.

  • Develop category roadmaps that align with consumer trends, businessobjectives, and growth opportunities.

  • Monitor emerging trends, competitive activity, and consumer preferences toidentifyfuture opportunities and innovation spaces.

  • Balance consumer insights, market trends, channel needs, regional preferences, sourcing capabilities, and businessobjectivesto create products that win in the marketplace.

  • Responsible for eloquent execution of New Product Development and New Product Introduction initiatives andDesignKPIs.

Product Differentiation

  • Own the design differentiation strategy across all assigned brands, ensuring each brand has a distinct design point of view, target consumer, and role within the portfolio.

  • Create clear separation between brands by avoiding duplicate visuals, color stories, collection concepts, and product positioning.

  • Partner with Product and Brand teams to ensure every collection has a compelling design story anda clear reasonfor customers to choose it.

Customer & Market Focus

  • Participate in customer visits, dealer councils, Voice of Customer reviews, and market research activities.

  • Translate customer insights into actionable product and design strategies.

  • Stayclosely connectedto competitive activity, emerging trends, and evolving consumer preferences.

Channel & Geographic Expertise

  • Develop a deep understanding of channel-specific and regional design preferences, including Retail, Builder/Multifamily, and Home Center.

  • Understand how consumer preferences, competitive landscapes, price points, and aesthetics vary across geographies and channels.

  • Apply channel and regional insights to create products and collections that are relevant to specific customers, markets, and growth opportunities.

Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Sourcing teams to develop successful product strategies and launches.

  • Build strong relationships across the organization and actively seek input from key stakeholders throughout the design and development process.

  • Serve as the design leader for the category, aligning teams around a shared product vision and helping drive business growth through design.

  • Collaborate with the Design Studio to prioritize future design development, Voice of Customer testing, and regional assortment strategies that support category growthobjectives.

Team Development

  • Lead, coach, and developcategory collectiondesigners.

  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, consumer-focused thinking, and continuous learning.

  • Build organizational capability and future design talent.

Position Qualifications:

  • An ideal candidate willpossessproven experience in design leadership, preferably in thehard surfaceflooring, softsurface flooring,or tile industry

  • Strong portfolioshowcasinga track recordof successful product design and teamleadership

  • Excellent collaborative skills to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Textile Design, or related field; advanced degree orspecialized design certifications desirable

  • 5+ Years product design experience

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Textile Design, or related field; advanced degree orspecialized design certifications desirable

  • AVA CAD/CAM skills are desired, but notrequired

  • Experience with brand strategy is preferred and will be an important part of the position

  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to work globally

  • Innate aesthetic sense and intuitive understanding of color and design principles

Example KPIs:

  • Consistency and coherence of design language across all product lines

  • Timely delivery of design projects aligned with product launch dates

  • Positive market reception and customer feedback onnew designs

  • Contribution of design innovations to overall brand growth and market share

Competencies:

  • Deliver Compelling Communication

  • Initiate Action

  • Drive Execution

  • Innovate

  • Build Trusting Relationships

  • Create Strategic Plan

  • Demonstrate Customer Orientation

  • Delegate Authority

  • Thought Leadership

Work Shift

8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM
Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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