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Interior Design Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Fire Protection Design Intern, you will exercise your attention to detail while designing automatic sprinkler systems using AutoCAD and AutoSPRINK. Your responsibilities will also include ...

Design Reports To:Regional Design Manager Date Prepared:4/23 Position Purpose: The Commercial Interior Designer is responsible for providing quality design work to clients on time, and within budget ...

Design Reports To: Regional Design Manager Date Prepared: 4/23 Position Purpose: The Commercial Interior Designer is responsible for providing quality design work to clients on time, and within ...

Commercial Interior Designer Full Time Des Moines, IA, US 1 Attachments 2 days ago Requisition ID ... Design work may include, but not be limited to, projects that include MillerKnoll furnishings ...

$22/hr

The Intern - Brand Design contributes to a variety of creative projects and initiatives, which can be both digital and print. You will work on graphic designs providing quick and reliable support for ...

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Interior Design Intern information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$18

$34

How much do interior design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design intern in Iowa is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an interior design intern do?

An Interior Design Intern supports professional interior designers in the planning, design, and execution of interior spaces. Their tasks may include assisting with project research, preparing mood boards, sourcing materials, creating drawings or renderings, and helping with client presentations. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience by shadowing designers, learning about industry tools, and participating in meetings with clients and vendors. This role is a great way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and develop practical skills for a future career in interior design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interior design intern?

To thrive as an Interior Design Intern, you typically need a background in interior design or a related field, a strong design portfolio, and a basic understanding of design principles. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is often required, along with knowledge of project management tools. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting design teams, contributing innovative ideas, and ensuring client satisfaction in a collaborative work environment.

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

AspectInterior Design InternInterior Designer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recently completed relevant educationProfessional certification or degree in interior design
Work EnvironmentAssisting in projects, learning, supporting senior staffLeading projects, client consultations, project management
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs, entry-level positions in design firmsFull-time professional roles in design firms or independently
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, gaining experienceSeeking professional design services or career info

In summary, an Interior Design Intern is a student or recent graduate gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional responsible for managing design projects independently.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Interior Design Intern jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Interior Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Intern job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,857 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Intern - Interior Design - Summer 2027

HNI Workplace Furnishings

Muscatine, IA โ€ข Hybrid

Temporary, Internship

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

HNI is a global family of brands for the workplace dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others, upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

What We Need:
We are looking for two Interior Design Interns to join our Design Studio team in Muscatine, IA, during Summer 2027!  

What You Will Do:

HNI’s summer internship program is a great opportunity for first-hand experience in your field of interest. You'll work on one or more projects that create value for our business partners. HNI's large, paid internship program includes exposure to leadership, professional development opportunities (Lunch and Learns, training, skill building workshops), support through a mentor relationship, volunteering, and social events! 
 
Company-paid apartment-style housing may also be available, based on student's geographic need and current housing capacity. Depending on the flexibility of the role, the intern may have the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule. 

The Design Studio team is responsible for providing best in class deliverables to our customers that meet their everchanging workplace design needs. As a member of this team, you will gain experience rendering designs, space planning, preparing proposals, and working with CET Designer. The intern will report directly to a NCIDQ certified manager. Our interns are a key source of future talent for entry-level design careers.

What You Have:

  • Candidates should be working towards a Bachelor's degree in design or a related field. Junior level coursework is preferred.
  •  Interest in commercial design and space planning
  • Preference will be given to applicants with relevant work experience, internships, or involvement in related activities such as tutoring or business fraternities
  • Minimum 2.8 GPA
  •  Portfolio containing examples of design work must be submitted 
What You're Good At:
  • Self-starter with high personal motivation and desire to take initiative and ownership
  • Strong experience managing projects (school or work related)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

We look forward to hearing from you! 


We are not accepting any candidates that require company sponsorship to legally work in the United States.