Interior Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

About Horizon Building Corporation

Horizon Building Corporation is a custom home builder and luxury residential remodeling firm serving Northern Virginia and the greater DC metro area since 1984. From custom new homes to whole-house renovations, additions, and high-end kitchen and bath remodels, Horizon delivers a single-source design/build experience that guides clients from architectural vision to final walkthrough.

Unlike traditional builders that require clients to coordinate separate architects, engineers, and subcontractors, Horizon manages the entire process under one experienced team, one contract, and one unified vision. Projects span Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William County, and select surrounding markets where discerning homeowners expect elevated design, clarity, and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Position Summary

Horizon is seeking an Interior Designer / Client Consultant to lead homeowners through the design portion of custom home builds and large-scale remodeling projects. This role is the aesthetic and functional guide for clients—helping them make confident decisions about layouts, finishes, and details—while also supporting estimating, scope development, and coordination with Horizon’s project managers and field teams.

The ideal candidate blends refined design sensibilities with practical construction knowledge, is comfortable in clients’ homes and on active job sites, and can translate luxury design intent into well-documented, buildable solutions aligned with Horizon’s design/build process.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home and in-office design consultations across Northern Virginia and the DC metro area.
• Lead discovery conversations around lifestyle, priorities, architectural character, and investment range to shape a clear design direction.
• Develop space plans and interior concepts for custom homes, whole-house remodels, additions, and major kitchen and bath projects in line with Horizon’s portfolio quality.
• Prepare mood boards, concept presentations, and finish palettes that reflect a cohesive, luxury aesthetic.
• Curate and document interior selections, including cabinetry, counters, tile, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, paint, trim details, and related finishes.
• Create organized selection schedules and specification sheets that integrate cleanly into Horizon’s estimating and project management systems.
• Produce or coordinate floor plans, interior elevations, and detail drawings that clarify design intent for clients, estimators, and trades.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers on projects that require structural modifications or permit-driven interior architecture.
• Work closely with Horizon’s leadership and estimating team to align selections and layouts with project budgets and scope.
• Provide good/better/best options and value-engineering ideas without compromising the level of design expected of Horizon projects.
• Attend key site meetings, walkthroughs, and milestone inspections to answer design questions and help resolve field conditions.
• Partner with project managers and trades to maintain design integrity from framing through final punch.
• Serve as a primary design-focused point of contact, delivering the white-glove, transparent experience Horizon promises through its communication standards and process.
• Reinforce Horizon’s reputation for clarity, honesty, and craftsmanship in every client interaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional interior design experience, preferably in high-end residential remodeling, custom homes, or design-build firms.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating luxury-level residential work, including renovations and new construction with architectural integration.
• Proven experience leading clients through selections and design decisions in a construction context, not just furnishings.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Chief Architect, SketchUp, or similar software used for residential projects.
• Deep knowledge of residential materials, fixtures, and finish systems appropriate for luxury homes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to guide clients who may feel overwhelmed by choices.
• Local to the DC/Northern Virginia area with reliable transportation for site visits and client meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience collaborating directly with builders on custom home or whole-house remodeling projects.
• Familiarity with furnishings, window treatments, and final styling for clients seeking a fully finished home.
• NCIDQ certification or relevant state licensing is a plus, particularly for interior architecture scope.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Clients feel clearly guided and supported throughout the design process and arrive at decisions with confidence.
• Designs reflect Horizon’s standard of luxury and are thoroughly documented, leading to smooth estimating and construction handoffs.
• Field questions are resolved quickly, with design intent protected and project timelines respected.
• The designer becomes a trusted extension of Horizon’s brand, contributing to strong reviews and referrals.

Compensation

Horizon offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and impact, along with professional development opportunities inside a long-standing Northern Virginia design/build firm.

Suggested Compensation Bands

• Junior to mid-level designer: $55,000–$65,000 base salary plus a modest performance bonus.
• Mid-level designer / strong producer: Around $80,000 base salary plus bonuses tied to project success, client satisfaction, or contribution to sold work.
• Senior luxury residential designer: $100,000+ base salary with stronger commission or incentive opportunities based on production, project development support, and client-facing impact.

Additional Compensation Notes

• Performance-based incentives can be tied to design fees, project conversions, client satisfaction, or overall contribution to successful project delivery.
• Final compensation should reflect experience, portfolio quality, technical capability, and ability to operate in a luxury residential design-build environment.