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Interior Design Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design. 4+ ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design. 4+ ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design. 4+ ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ankeny, IA

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design. 4+ ...

ISG

Graduate Engineer - Civil

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$50K - $95K/yr

... interior design firm, supporting clients throughout the nation. ISG is looking to add to our team ... Self-directed and can work independently with minimal supervision ISG Employee Owner Benefits

ISG

Graduate Engineer - Civil

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$50K - $95K/yr

... interior design firm, supporting clients throughout the nation. ISG is looking to add to our team ... Self-directed and can work independently with minimal supervision ISG Employee Owner Benefits

ISG

Mechanical Engineer - Healthcare

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $145K/yr

... and interior design. We're proud to support clients across the country with creative, forward ... direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of ...

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All JobsInterior Design JobsInterior Design Director JobsInterior Design Director Jobs in Iowa

Interior Design Director information

See Iowa salary details

$53.1K

$105.8K

$158.7K

How much do interior design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for interior design director in Iowa is $105,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 70 30 rule in interior design?

The 70/30 rule in interior design suggests that 70% of a space should be composed of neutral or subdued colors and elements, while 30% can feature bold accents or decorative items. Interior Design Directors often use this principle to create balanced, visually appealing environments by managing color schemes and furniture placement effectively.

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

AspectInterior Design DirectorInterior Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in interior design, often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in interior design or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, interacts with clients and stakeholdersWorks on individual projects, designs spaces, collaborates with clients and contractors
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, project oversight, team management, client relationsConcept development, space planning, material selection, design execution

The main difference is that the Interior Design Director holds a leadership role overseeing multiple projects and teams, while the Interior Designer focuses on creating and executing individual design projects. The Director's role involves strategic management and higher-level decision-making, whereas the Designer is more hands-on with the creative process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interior Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interior Design Director, you need extensive experience in interior design, a relevant degree, and proficiency in project management. Mastery of design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with industry certifications like NCIDQ, is highly valued. Leadership, creative vision, and effective communication are critical soft skills for guiding teams and managing client relationships. These capabilities ensure successful project delivery, innovation, and client satisfaction in a competitive design environment.

What is the 3 5 7 rule in interior design?

The 3-5-7 rule in interior design is a guideline for arranging furniture and decor to create balanced and harmonious spaces, typically involving grouping items in odd numbers like three, five, or seven for visual interest. Interior Design Directors often use this rule to plan layouts that feel cohesive and aesthetically pleasing, considering scale and proportion to enhance functionality and style.

What Is the Role of an Interior Design Director?

The role of an interior design director is to oversee interior design staff while completing a variety of high-level creative duties. As an interior design director, your responsibilities include developing marketing strategies for the team, meeting with clients, giving direction to staff, and monitoring the progress of projects and plans. You may also answer questions or make ultimate decisions about furniture choices, finishes, room layouts, and other design concepts. Other duties include leading the conceptual phase of a project and overseeing the final results through mentorship and coaching.

How does an Interior Design Director typically collaborate with other departments and stakeholders during a project?

An Interior Design Director plays a pivotal role in cross-departmental collaboration, frequently working with architects, project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure design concepts align with project goals and constraints. They are responsible for communicating the design vision, integrating feedback, and resolving conflicts that may arise between aesthetic aspirations and technical requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that projects stay on schedule, meet budgetary guidelines, and deliver cohesive, functional results. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as the Director often leads design presentations and coordinates with vendors and contractors throughout the process.

What is the highest paying interior design job?

The highest paying roles in interior design often include senior positions such as Design Firm Partners, Creative Directors, or specialized consultants, with salaries exceeding six figures. These roles typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of large-scale projects or business management.

What does an interior design director do?

An interior design director oversees the creative and operational aspects of interior design projects, guiding design teams to develop concepts, select materials, and ensure client satisfaction. They often coordinate with clients, manage budgets, and use design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp to create plans and presentations.

What are Interior Design Directors?

Interior Design Directors are senior professionals who oversee the creative and operational aspects of interior design projects within organizations or design firms. They lead teams of designers, manage client relationships, and ensure that design concepts align with client goals, budgets, and timelines. Their responsibilities include developing design strategies, reviewing project progress, and maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Interior Design Directors also stay updated on industry trends and often play a key role in business development and staff mentoring.
More about Interior Design Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Interior Design Director jobs in Iowa? For Interior Design Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interior Design Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Interior Design Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Interior Design Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Interior Design Director job openings:
Interior Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interior Design Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,843 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Lecturer for Interior Design

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Lecturer for Interior DesignAppointment Type:FacultyJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Interior Design, in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the position of a part-time Lecturer. The position will teach undergraduate studios and lecture courses addressing topics such as the design process, spatial design, materials and finishes, lighting design, color theory and applications, and cultural and historical contexts. Teaching responsibilities will also include integration of technologies and communication methods related to the field, such as Revit, AutoCAD, rendering software, building codes, and construction documentation. In addition to teaching, this position will serve as a professional mentor to students, supporting their academic and professional growth through guidance and engagement in design education. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2026 with an initial term of one semester, ending December 31, 2026, with the possibility for renewal.

The candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the department's teaching mission and participate in institutional service. We're looking for individuals with strong communication skills who share our commitment to fostering excellence. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the potential for long-term leadership in advancing the goals of the department, college, and university.

The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

  • NCIDQ certification, or certification in progress

  • Proficiency with industry-standard design technologies, including Revit, AutoCAD, and rendering or visualization software

  • 5 years relevant interior or architectural industry experience

  • At least one degree specifically in Interior Design (bachelor's or master's level) from an accredited program

Department/Program & College Description:

About the Interior Design Department

The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Interior Design in a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA), a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA). The department offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, a professional internship program, many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaboration with other highly ranked colleges and departments.

Department Unit/Website:

For more information about our department's program, see: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/interior-design/

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026Proposed End Date or Length of Term:December 31, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Part timeApplication Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by July 6, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R19464.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

  • An application letter addressing how the candidate's experience and qualifications align with some or all of the preferred qualifications

  • A curriculum vitae or professional resume

  • Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

  • A professional portfolio showcasing relevant work in interior design. Applicants may include examples from professional projects or other relevant work

  • A one-page teaching statement, describing your teaching philosophy, approach, and potential contributions to student learning. Applicants with limited or no formal teaching experience should focus on their perspectives and ideas.

Direct questions to Kotaro Nakamura, Chair, Department of Interior Design, at kotaro@iastate.edu.


If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:June 29, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19464

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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